Reopening of Mt Ruapehu welcome relief for Central North Island region
Taupō District and Ruapehu Mayors David Trewavas and Don Cameron are calling the reopening of Whakapapa and Tūroa skifields this winter a welcome relief for their tourism sectors, heavily impacted by COVID-19.
The Sky Waka Gondola will also open from Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said Mt Ruapehu is an important attraction for the Central North Island.
“As a tourist destination, we know it is going to be a long road ahead for us. A third of employment in the Taupo District is related to tourism.
“Reopening the ski fields and gondola offers an important opportunity to attract local tourists from all over the country.
“We need to use that to our advantage while our borders remain closed to international tourists. Now, more than ever, we need to see kiwis exploring their own backyard.”
Ruapehu District Mayor Don Cameron said the ski fields and gondola play a vital role in the local economy.
“With every dollar being spent on the mountain rippling through to $5 of spending in the wider economy this will provide a significant financial shot in our regional economic arm,” he said.
“As well as the positive spending impact the opening of the ski areas will provide a lot of local employment opportunities both on and off the mountain.
“The news is already providing a major boost to personal and business confidence with people hoping for some great snow and sunny days.”
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Chief Executive Jono Dean said they are looking forward to welcoming skiers back to the slopes and sightseers back to the Sky Waka.
“At this stage we’re looking at around late June, early July to open the ski fields, however, this will depend on a number of factors, including snowfall,” he said.
“Our operations will be different to what visitors may have previously experienced, and we are working through our facilities and what we will be offering for winter 2020.
“Physical distancing, contact tracing and increased cleaning and sanitation requirements will be in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors to the ski fields.”
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.4% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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