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.”
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Poll: Is street parking fair game?
Some people are frustrated by their neighbours or neighbour's friends parking on the street outside their house. This means they have to park further away themselves.
Do you think it is inconsiderate to park directly outside a neighbour's house on the road? Or do you think street parking is fair game?
Share your thoughts below.
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66.9% Yes, street parks belong to no one
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31.3% No, it's inconsiderate
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
SCAM ALERT
Own your Online website is part of the New Zealand government's work to raise understanding of cyber security issues for individuals and businesses, they have shared a message about a new scam that is targeting Kiwis.
Own Your Online say:
We are seeing a significant increase in reporting of ‘Hi Mum’ scams.
A ‘Hi Mum’ scam is a scam where a random message from an unknown number is sent to you claiming to be from a close relative, usually your son or daughter.
The fake relative often claims their phone is broken – which is why they’re contacting you from a different number – and will ask you to do something, sometimes asking you to help them with a payment or to do something by clicking a link.
If you receive one of these, don’t click the links. Try to contact your relative using their normal number which is probably still working.
You can also report these scam messages by forwarding free to Department of Internal Affairs on 7726
Check out Own Your Online scam checklist here.
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