RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017 • 1

18 July 2017, Vol 34, No 1679

P: 06 385 8532 E: ads@ruapehubulletin.co.nz

Huge snow storm slams Ruapehu

It was the biggest off-mountain snow-fall since 2004, 2001 and even 1964 – de-pending on who you talked to.

Over 20cm of snow was recorded at Waimarino’s weather station (in Ohakune) and other places measured much more – mostly to the south. Some farmers south of Waiouru talked about fences being bur-ied in snow drifts.

The two-day storm saw the Waimarino cut off in all directions, numerous power outages (see separate story), several car crashes, trees and branches brought down and roof and guttering damage.

The Ruapehu District Council set up an emergency centre, in case it turned into a civil defence event and kept a skeleton staff in their Ohakune office to help peo-ple with information enquiries.

A welfare centre was set up at RDC’s service centre in Ohakune. They had about 22 welfare requests from close to

80 people including families and two large groups of 20 and 30.

“The welfare requests were mostly for food parcels, accommodation and in-formation along with one request from someone short on their medication,” RDC chief executive Clive Manley said.

Power outages caused problems with both drinking water and wastewater plants in the Ruapehu District.

The Army has offered Unimogs to help supply Raetihi and Ohakune with genera-tors for water plants if the power is not restored.

People in Owhango, National Park, Ohakune, Raetihi and Whakapapa were asked to conserve water.

Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron lives at Horipito and said that the storm was the worst he has seen in a number of years.

“I cannot remember seeing this much

Start of snow shuttle service ‘goes well’: RDCWho has right of way, skier or SUV? Heavy snow all around the Ruapehu area saw people taking up different ways to travel, while enjoying the snow. Photo: Glyn Hubbard.

Turn to Page 4

An estimated 7000 plus people made use of the Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) new complementary park and ride service from Ohakune and National Park Village to Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas over the weekend.

Several Ohakune businesses expressed concerns about potential parking congestion outside their businesses at (see story, Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 July).

But Ruapehu District Council land transport manager Warren Furner said that overall things went really well for the first weekend of the new service with comments from people on the buses and on social media “overwhelmingly positive”.

“It was a perfect weekend to trial the new park and ride service with fine weather after a big dump of fresh snow,” he said.

“There were a lot of people wanting to get up the mountain to enjoy the new snow and the free park and ride service made a big difference in resolving the type

of traffic issues that we would normally expect on the mountain roads under these conditions.”

“The few issues we did have included some parking congestion in the Ohakune CBD and at the National Park Railway Station along with people using private commercial parking spaces at the Ohakune New World and National Park Station Café Restaurant.”

“To help manage these issues Council will be installing restricted parking P90 signs on Ayr and Goldfinch Streets and, together with RAL, will be supporting these changes with a communications campaign.”

“We are very confident that the few issues that did occur over the weekend will be ironed out and the service will be a great success that helps to enhance the visitor experience.”

Mr Furner said the service took hundreds of cars off the roads in the Tongariro National Park over the weekend.

Turn to Page 7Shuttle stage two: visitors to Turoa wait for the second leg of the service up to the snow on Saturday. Photo: Liz Brooker.

Launch of the Ring of FireP2

Health centre win a shockP3

Power switch in the snowP5

A night out at the DeviationP7

2 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017

Where to d ine in the Ruapehu D istr ict

Lemongrass Thai resTauranTAt Alpine Motel, 7 Miro Street, Ohakune Ph: 06 385 8758Ohakune's Thai taste sensation! Authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Fully licensed, dine in or takeaway. Open Monday to Saturday from 5pm. Full breakfast menu available daily 7am – 9.30am. Roasted Addiqtion Coffee.

La PiZZeria6 Thames Street, Ohakune Junction Ph: 06 385 8558 Ohakune's most famous pizza restaurant. For 30 years we have been cooking Ohakune's best pizza. Come up and see us in the "Junction" at the end of the Old Coach Road and try one of our hot, tasty, handmade pizzas. Open for dinner, takeaway or dine in BYOW and fully licensed. Check us out online at: lapizzeria.co.nz

oCr CaFe & resTauranT2 Tyne Street, Ohakune (Bottom of the Mountain Road) Ph: 06 385 8322Come and enjoy some of Ohakune’s finest in a relaxed cosy atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious platter, wholesome food and NZ wine and craft beers by the cosy fire. Gluten free options available. Excellent kids menu. Fully licensed. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. www.ocr.co.nz

The CYPrus Tree79 Clyde Street, Ohakune Ph: 06 385 8857Contemporary café, bar and restaurant. Come and try our new small plates menu. Enjoy quality wine, craft beer, food and friendly service in our spacious, family friendly establishment. Fireside lounge and children’s play area, cosy indoors or perfect alfresco dining with spectacular mountain views. A great place for casual get togethers or special occasions.

uToPia CaFé/resTauranT47 Clyde Street, Ohakune Ph: 06 385 9120Fully licensed café open 7 days from 7am for breakfast and lunch. A memorable atmosphere with a superb range of delicious food and beverages, served by our upbeat and friendly staff. Fully renovated cafe, now with stunning decor, gas fire, comfortable seating both downstairs and upstairs, also with a brand new sunny outdoor garden area. Free WiFi with purchase.

sWeeT Pea CaFe19 Goldfinch Street, (next to BNZ), Ohakune Ph: 06 385 8112Homemade freshly baked cabinet goodies and delicious menu to order from. Family friendly, with kids area and open fire. Open 7 days, 8am – 4pm

The PoWDerKegBottom of the mountain road Ph: 06 385 8888The iconic Powderkeg is open from 7am daily. Famous in NZ for its roaring fireplace, lively ambience and hearty après ski fare. Grab a coffee and panini (only $14 weekdays) on the way up the hill. Offering Corona specials 5 - 6pm daily and weekly snowboard giveaways.

To include your restaurant/bar/cafe in this guide, please contact the ruapehu Bulletin on 06-385-8532 or email ads@ruapehubulletin.co.nz

naTionaL ParK ViLLageThe ParK hoTeLNational Park Village Ph: 0800 800 491 or 07 892 2748Spiral Restaurant and Bar. Open 7 days for dinner 5pm – 9pm, breakfast 6.30am – 10am. Enjoy the Central Plateau's most extensive a la carte menu and daily specials. Sky TV for those big games. Cosy open fireplace and friendly staff. Spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.

The BLinD FinCh29 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune Ph: 06 385 8076Burger Bingo Wednesday and Trivia Sunday every week at 8pm. Follow us on Facebook to get all the details. Open 9am till late 7 days. Manuka smoked flame grilled gourmet burgers. Brunch featuring the chef’s signature eggs bene. Organic fair trade coffee from Peoples Coffee. Gluten free and vegetarian options available. Dine in or take away. Phone orders welcome. Best burgers in town. www.theblindfinch.co.nz

The Bearing PoinTClyde Street, Ohakune Ph: 06 385 9006Offering a globally inspired menu. Favorites include spinach & artichoke dip, Canadian maple glazed salmon and chocolate & pistachio wontons. Gluten free and vegetarian options available. Relax and enjoy great food, friendly service, quality wines and craft beers in our booth and fireside seating. Reservations available Tuesday – Friday by calling 06 385 9006 or text 021 0686 265 before 6pm. www.thebearingpointrestaurant.co.nz

ohaKune The maTTerhorn griLLBottom of the mountain road, Upstairs @ The Powderkeg Ph: 06 385 8888Incorporating organic, local and fresh produce, the Matterhorn Grill offers rustic yet contemporary cuisine. Enjoy a succulent lamb shoulder for two or wild mushroom risotto with matching wine or beer. The perfect spot to indulge on a cold winter’s night. Bookings recommended, function menus available on request. Email: info@Powderhorn.co.nz

Kings Burger saLoon3 Rimu St Ohakune Junction Ph: 06 385 8648Taste of the southern US style menu – including fantastic homemade burgers. Kings has a warm southern diner decor, great staff and is family friendly. Seven days of activities and specials including Happy Hour from 5pm. Quiz Night Monday, Live Music Wednesdays and Ohakunes biggest screen for live sport See our Facebook page for details. Open from 4pm, everyday.

SKI~mojo

www.skimojodownunder.co.nz

Protect your knees

Reduce fatigue

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your knees & legs

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SKI ALL DAY• FURTHER • FASTER • LONGER

Visitor centre folk to gather in Ruapehu

Six times Goat to run the Ring of FireShock absorbers for the knees

AdVERToRIALA simple to use, easy to put on system is available to

give you “shock absorbers” for your knees.The original aim behind Ski~Mojo was simply to stop

your legs getting tired when skiing.“What we’ve ended up with is a piece of ski equipment

that not only helps skiers who find themselves out of breath, suffering thigh-burn or suffering through general lack of fitness to get the most out of their time skiing, but also helps those with a variety of knee, back and leg issues to get back on the slopes,” says the company.

Another unexpected benefit that came with the Ski~Mojo was the way that it encourages you into the correct skiing position, helping to improve your skiing technique and preventing skiing injuries.

The company has now made a significant number of improvements to the Ski~Mojo:

• Smaller, more inconspicuous and over 33% lighter• Slimmer and more comfortable• No tools necessary in order to fit• More universal fit• Relieves 30% of your body-weight from your knees• Fits discreetly under your ski pantsState of the art materials have been utilised to produce

a piece of precision engineering which meets all these criteria.

He’s not called the Goat for nothing … Sjors Coorporal has dominated the 20km technical mountain run held on Mount Ruapehu for many years making him the ‘Greatest Of All Time’.

Sjors has shown plenty of ‘goat-like’ strength and agility to maintain speed over broken uneven terrain and he will need those abilities as he turns his attention to the newest mountain challenge – the Ruapehu Ring of Fire.

Runners start and finish from the Chateau Tongariro, departing at 4:00am.

Sjors is expected to be in good company as many other top class runners are expected to take on the mountain, from New Zealand, Australia and from as far afield as China.

Course director Tim Day from New Zealand Trail Runs believes the 72km course

will deliver its fair share of challenges to competitors with lots of elevation changes, a rocky and mixed running surface, creek crossings and of course the varying temperatures associated with an alpine environment.

Day says it is an achievable event, especially with the option of a 3-person relay and 50km walk, but it is an event that entrants must respect and train properly for.

Kerry Suter from New Zealand’s leading trail run training company Squadrun expects the winner to complete the event in under

eight hours, depending upon the weather conditions.

Suter says it is likely that a relay team of three will be the first across the line, but it is possible that an extremely fit and technically competent solo runner might still have a chance. He says the race is as much about the tail end of the field as it is about the leaders and he looks forward to welcoming everyone back home to the finish line as runners scramble to make it back by the midnight cut off.

So far, they have 270 people entered on day one of entries opening.

Sjors Corporaal winning the Goat Alpine Adventure Run. Having won the Goat several times, he’s now signed up for an even better challenge. Photo: Jamie Troughton.

Supporters of the new Ruapehu Ring of Fire event celebrate the launch.

People with information will converge on Ruapehu in September – to take part in the national i-Site Visitor Information Network conference.

Preparations for the Conference, to be held at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, are in full swing with almost half of the anticipated 120 delegates already confirmed, says Ruapehu i-Site network manager Kim Treen.

She said that many of the delegates who had confirmed attendance so far were booking for a full five nights covering the three-day confer-ence and two days of ‘famils’ (familiarisation tours) where they will get out and about “ex-periencing all we have to offer” in Ruapehu.

Kim Treen said feedback from the national

organisation is that there is a real air of antici-pation and excitement from staff all around the country about coming to Ruapehu.

“The i-Site conference is a major opportu-nity to showcase everything Ruapehu has to offer to industry professionals whose job it is to advise travellers on what to see and do.”

“A big part of the conference is the delegates undertaking ‘famils’, which is the tourism in-dustry term for tourism sales and marketing staff experiencing activities and seeing first-hand what a region has to offer so that they can better recommend Ruapehu to people.”

Delegates attending the conference are spoilt for choice with the famil programme with lo-cal tourism operators very keen to support the

conference and showcase Ruapehu.The visitor experiences on offer include;

ski and snow sports on Mt Ruapehu, walks in and around Tongariro National Park including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, mountain bik-ing on Fishers Track, the Ohakune Old Coach Road and Timber Trail, scenic flights, Forgot-ten World Rail Cart Journeys, the National Army Museum and jet boating on the Whan-ganui River.

Mrs Treen said that many of the delegates would arrive on special Northern Explorer ‘Great Journeys of NZ’ conference train spon-sored by KiwiRail from Auckland to National Park put on just for the event – a first for the conference.

Visit www.ohakune.info

RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017 • 3

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - RURALFAMILY - TRUSTS - WILLS - MAORI LANDYOUR LAWYERS SINCE 18690800 TREADWELL info@treadgord.co.nzwww.treadwellgordon.co.nz

OUR REGION, OUR PEOPLETAIHAPE HUNTERVILLE OHAKUNE WHANGANUI

Cnr Somme Parade & Bates St, WHANGANUI Ph 06 369 055512 Kuku St, TAIHAPE Ph 06 388 061277 Clyde St, OHAKUNE Ph 06 385 8120

Shepherds warning. Photo by Lesley Todd

Treadwell Gordon and the Ruapehu Bulletin would like to share your photos showcasing Our Region and Our People. If your photo is published in the Bulletin, you will receive a $30 credit at a local business of your choice. Email your photos and contact details to jop@treadgord.co.nz. Please get the permission of any human subjects! By submitting your photo you confirm that you own it, and you agree that it could be used in print, digital or other materials by Treadwell Gordon and/or the Ruapehu Bulletin.

Blue light disco

Health centre shocked to win defibrillator

Ohakune people suffering a heart attack now have a better chance of survival, after a win for the local Ngati Rangi Commu-nity Health Centre.

Manager Bonnie Sue had entered the Centre into a competition to win an auto-mated external defibrillator (AED) – and she was ‘shocked’ to find out she won!

The manufacturer has a regular draw for people to enter and win a Heartsaver defibrillator under their “Become a Heart Saver” draw.

“You strike us as a very deserving recipient and we hope the Heart Saver AED7000 serves your community well,” said Helen Mander from Heartsaver.

“We truly hope that you never have to use it, but at least you now have one on hand in the case of an emergency.”

Helen Mander said sudden cardiac ar-

rest is the number one cause of death in New Zealand adults. It kills 1500 New Zealanders every year, five times that of the national road toll.

“The more people that know you have an AED, the better. Someone knowing there is one nearby and available could be the difference between life and death one day.”

Bonnie Sue says using an AED and applying CPR within three minutes will dramatically increase a patient’s chance of survival.

“Which is why we’re pleased to an-nounce we now have an AED on site,” says Bonnie Sue.

“It’s important to us to look after our staff/visitors/community and having an AED available in case of an emergency is a big part of that commitment.”

Health staff and board, with new defibrillator, from left, standing, Rae McLean, Vera Wilson, Jane dixon, Tina Wallace, Kaye oliver, seated, Bonnie Sue, Margaret Wickens and Annie Neho (absent, darnella Hawira).

Ohakune Primary School held a couple of ‘glow in the dark’ discos in their last week of term and, as usual, the teachers worked really hard and fast to make it a success.

One teacher went above and beyond and even raced home to get some extra supplies.

On her drive back, she looked in her rear-view mirror and saw a flashing blue light.

She didn’t think she had been speeding but thought the disco was about to cost her more time, as well as money and demerit points.

But no policeman came. So she drove on.Getting up to the speed limit, she looked again and

there was that pesky blue light.“Oh no, I’m done this time.”But no policeman again – did they turn off

somewhere?Driving off again, there was that flashing blue light

in the rear view mirror – again!But this time she took a closer look – it was an LED

hairclip – blue and flashing, all part of her outfit to entertain the disco kids.

Woman survives freezing night lost below Turoa

A woman is very lucky to be alive after becom-ing lost on Mt Ruapehu while skiing outside the Turoa ski field boundary yesterday.

At approximately 5:50pm Police received a call from a friend of the woman who was con-cerned she hadn’t made it to an arranged meeting spot on time and might need assistance.

“The friend had earlier spoken to the woman who had informed her she had ended up very low on the mountain and was strug-gling to find her way back to the Turoa ski field,” says Constable Conrad Smith, National Park Police.

“The pair arranged to meet at Massey Ski Lodge but the skier never arrived.”

By this stage it was dark, her phone battery had died and weather con-ditions were very cold and dangerous.

Police, along with the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO), Turoa Ski Patrol, Land-SAR volunteers and Greenlea Rescue Helicop-ter, immediately launched a search for the woman.

“A number of teams

headed out on skis and the helicopter began searching using night vision goggles to canvas a large area of mountain.”

After hours of searching at approximately 2:30am one of the ski patrols spot-ted the woman in a very steep gully in the bush line below the ski field, at about 1400-1500 metres above sea level.

“The ski teams couldn’t get down to her so the helicopter dropped a res-cuer to her and they man-aged to pull her out of the chest deep snow and into the helicopter,” says Mr Smith.

“She was mildly hy-pothermic but otherwise okay, just extremely grate-ful we’d managed to find her.”

This is a timely remind-er that people really need to follow the appropri-ate safety advice on our mountains.

“Skiers leaving the ski field boundary should al-ways be traveling with at least one other person, and be carrying a transceiver, shovel and a probe at a minimum.

“Not only this, but peo-ple need to know how to use the gear,” says Mr Smith.

“This rescue operation could have ended up very differently and we’re in-credibly glad it didn’t.

“She is one very lucky woman.”

Police thanked all of the people involved in the search for their assistance.

A rescue helicopter searchllight was used to spot a lost skier below Turoa.

4 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017

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©THE PUZZLE COMPANY

THE CROSSWORD

ACROSS1. New Zealand food producer which specialises in muesli (8)7. Talked (5)8. Had a good time (5,2,2)9. Perceive (3)10. Responsibility (4)11. The ___: golf club which has held eight NZ Opens (6)13. Award won 23 times by New Zealanders (8,5)15. Lacking principles (6)16. Remain (4)18. Iconic NZ drink created in 1907 (1,1,1)20. Eradicate (9)21. Chalice used at Last Supper (5)22. Upside down (8)

DOWN1. __ Sailor: NZ band formed in 1975 (5)2. Campsite (7)3. Opera set in Egypt (4)4. Resoluteness (13)5. Wet thoroughly (5)6. First book of Old Testament (7)7. Plant cultivated for its edible dark green leaves (7)12. Army officer (7)13. New Zealand is not a small country but a large __: Peter Jackson (7)14. Pariah (7)15. Horrify (5)17. Concede (5)19. Rasp (4)

1647Across: 6. Oblong, 7. Tiptop, 10. Toheroa, 11. Tangi, 12. Mend, 13. Relay, 16. Macho, 17. Also, 20/21. A Good Keen Man, 22. Yearly, 23. Bonsai. Down: 1. Contemporary, 2. Old hand, 3. Inert, 4. Vietnam, 5. Stung, 8. Privy Council, 9. Take a hike, 14. Jandals, 15. Glimpse, 18. Vocal, 19. Venom.

Community and Emergency ServicesBudget AdvicePhone or text Noeline 027-259-5285 or Phone 06 3853253 and leave message

Cancer SocietyKathryn Greenwood, 06-385-9236 or Sue Prior 06-385-4999

Child, Adolescent and Sexual Health Nurse06-385-5019

Child Youth and Family Service0508-326 459 or 06-965-3539

ChurchesAnglican, 06-385-4957. Baptist, a/h 06-385-3100. Catholic, 06-385-8858 or 027 606 5186. Gospel Chapel, 06-385-8453. Mountain Church, 027-206-4774. Presbyterian, 06-388-0675 or 06-385-8708. Waiouru – duty chaplain 06-387-5599 ext 7031 or 021-493-692

Civil DefenceNick Watson 07 895 8188, 021 247 7340

CLAW community free legal adviceWanganui 06-348-8288

Disability Resources Centre (Whanganui)Vivienne Bird, 0800-789-654

Doctors: In an emergency call 111Dr Corbett 06-385-4211

Information CentresOhakune 06-385-8427, Raetihi 06-385-4805

IRD appointments06-901-6162

Ngati Rangi Community Health Centre06-385-9580

Plunket Society Plunket Nurses 06-385-8265, Car Seats 06-385-5019

Police and Search & Rescue Emergency, call 111Ohakune 06-385-0100, Raetihi 06-385-4002, Waiouru 06-387-6884, Military Police 0800-50-11-22

Red CrossShelagh Buck 06-385-8610

Rotary, Raetihi - Ohakune06-385-3033

Ruapehu REAP0800-00-REAP (0800-00-7327)

Ruapehu Maori WardensJustin 021 173 5767

St JohnIn an emergency call 111

Taumarunui Counselling ServicesFor confidential counselling in Waimarino phone 07-895-6393

Victim Support Group0800 842 846Waimarino Health Care CentreRaetihi 06-385-5019

Women’s Refuge0800-800-4-refuge 0800-4-733-84

Waimarino Community Toy Library027 728 2413 leave a message (turned on open days only)

To update your details call 06-385-8532advertising Deadline 5pm Friday

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Waimarino weatherThe temperatures and rainfall since the last published data as measured at the Ruapehu College Weather Station.Date 10/7 1//7 12/7 13/7 14/7 15/7 16/7 17/7Max °C 11.1 9.1 9.0 9.2 4.0 8.8 9.4 -Min °C 4.4 3.1 2.5 1.4 -0.4 0.8 0.4 2.8Grass °C 1.5 -2.0 -1.8 -1.0 -0.5 0.0 -2.0 -2.2Rain 0.1 8.0 15.0 23.2 38.7 0.0 0.0 -Total Snow 22.5cm on 13 July

TCBohakune

What’s onround Ruapehu

Fallout Festival 26 August – 9 SeptemberSnow Queen Saturday 2 SeptemberRetro Day Saturday 2 September

Tell us about your event. 06-385-8532, ed@ruapehubulletin.co.nz

Ski, Board & BikeCnr Ayr St & Goldfinch St, Ohakune

06-385-8433, tcbskiandboard.co.nz

Crapper vans• I realise that Lucy

Conway’s letter in last weeks Bulletin was “tongue in cheek” and I feel I have to reply in the same way as one of the grey nomads.

First, it is great to be here and be a grey nomad to see the sights that are available in our amazing country.

To travel in one’s caravan or campervan is a neat experience, even if one’s bladder is not what it used to be.

But that is the good point of these vans as they are all self-contained, most with holding tanks of

20 litres “black water” and 90 litres “grey water” so there is no need to stop at these toilets.

What us grey nomads would rather see are more accessible dump stations and drinkable water taps.

I understand there is the possibility of one of these going in by the Carrot, which will be a joy to behold – hallelujah!

And before we get a kick back – they do not have a smell if the council does them right.

I think Lucy should have

taken aim at the general car-travelling public or the small sleeper vans.

Alan Murdie4-wheel idiots

• Youths in 4-wheel-drives removed the rock barrier from this waterlogged lawn in Willow Lane (pictured) and turned it into a quagmire doing wheel spins during a party at a neighbouring house on Friday night.

Nearby fences were also defaced with graffiti.

John Archer

snow from one weather event since 2008,” he said.Snow fell at about 2-3 cm per hour accumulation at

times through the storm, with wind drifts common with a steady southerly wind about 25-30 knots.

Central Plateau roads were closed with several trucks blocking SH4 Makatote and several locations on SH 1 south of Waiouru.

Closures extended south beyond Taihape to Mangawe-ka and snow was reportedly fell in Marton with heavy rain falling associated with strong winds in Whanganui, both are causing problems and affected the Ruapehu District.

All of the Council’s contractor, Downer, snow-clear-ing vehicles were activated with two 4WD snow clearing vehicles working about the network with a grit truck.

“The Police reported that there were a few incidents of people driving on roads when they shouldn’t be and then getting into trouble,” RDC chief executive Clive Manley said on Friday.

“Although roads are becoming passable, they are not yet at the stage where they can be declared open for gen-eral public use.”

Numerous trees were down on the rural network but damages were reported as minor.

Power supply was unstable through Thursday, with many short outages followed by successful recloses of switching gear.

NZ Transport Agency had asked people to avoid all non-essential travel across the central North Island through Thursday and much of Friday.

The only north-south routes open through the storm between Auckland and Wellington were State Highway 3 on the west coast and State Highway 35 around the

East Cape.Rural report

Ohakune farmer Alan Proud, whose property is blan-keted in snow, told Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon last week’s storm was the biggest storm the 1950s, as far as he can remember.

He has no power at this property but says farmers are usually well equipped to keep going in bad weather.

He says there’s even more snow on his paddocks near Waiouru and that has proved challenging for workers.

“The snow yesterday was up to the fifth wire, and the tractor had got into an unenviable position out in the snow trying to get feed out ... and they had to walk back, three or four [kilometres] back to the house.”

“The worst part is it hasn’t stopped, it just keeps com-ing at us at the moment.”

“In some places you lose sight of where you can go, especially if you’ve got tracks. Just be careful out there,” he said during the storm.

It doesn’t snow very often on his farm and Mr Proude said this snowfall was probably the worst he has seen in at least a decade.

“Last year it got very wet but not the falls of snow like this one, this is a really good dump.”

After storm, the next problem will be dealing with mud and mush the snow leaves behind.

A Radio New Zealand reporter, in Ohakune through the storm, had talked to a midwife who was aware of three women due to give birth.

She said there were concerns they may need to be moved to a hospital.

But she said spirits remained high, with people snow-boarding down the streets and having snow fights.

RDC also asked people to take care when walking around on frozen footpaths as St John had reported need-ing to treat a number of people who had slipped up.

More than 60 people, including bus passengers, mo-torists and a train driver, were rescued by the New Zea-land Army on the Central Plateau during Thursday’s cold blast. They stayed at the Malaya Barracks at Waio-uru Military Camp overnight again on Friday due to the storm.Snow a hit

Ohakune Top Ten Holiday Park owner Kordula Daniel told Newstalk ZB that tourists were enjoying the snow and more want to come.

“For them it’s beautiful you know they have never seen snow before and they’ve got lots of it.”

From Page 1Letters

SNoW VANdALS: offenders with 4Wd vehicles have left damaged ground through the snow all around ohakune, upsetting locals.

Snow storm slams Ruapehu

RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017 • 5

Winter Wearable Arts Show

$4000 Prize Pool

Sat 2 Sept Ohakune

Ruapehusnowqueen@gmail.com

Entries close 25/8/17

Wednesday Jam Nights

Starting this Wednesday at Kings. Come along, these seats could be yours. Musicians can turns up anytime on Wednesday night. double drop will be sound engineering from 9pm. Contact Stu at Kings for more information.

Snow Queen soon

Wearable arts with a snow theme are heading to Ohakune again soon.

The Ruapehu Snow Queen wearable arts show is only 10 weeks away and organisers David “Rabbit” Nottage and Diana Booth are looking forward to another successful and vibrant show.

Now in its 7th year, this unique show calls upon entrants to be creative in producing wearable art, including recycling everyday materials to create unique masterpiece.

The Snow Queen is not about simply designing and making a pretty frock – ingenuity and creativity reign and any character from the 1844 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale can be used for inspiration.

There will be more exciting prizes to be won again this year so don’t miss out get your entries in before closing date of 25 August. There is a variety of categories to enter – open, green/recycled, princesses and pixies, plus of course the popular people’s choice section.

For more information about the various categories and entry requirements or to download an entry form see the Ruapehu Snow Queen Facebook page or email Ruapehusnowqueen@gmail.com.

Power restored to mostPower was back on for all but two customers

in Ohakune – National Park area by yesterday, reports The Lines Company.

Last week’s storm event brought heavy snow to a large part of the Central North Island over a two-day period, causing widespread damage to the electricity networks for TLC as well as Powerco, which serves Raetihi and Waiouru and surrounding areas.

Both TLC’s affected customers currently have generator supply pending completion of work on their lines.

Some 30 TLC field staff from Taumarunui, Te Kuiti and Turangi worked in the adverse weather conditions over the two days of the storm, restoring power to customers in Ohakune and National Park by around 9pm on Friday evening.

The remainder of the work was completed by them on Saturday afternoon.

Much of the damage and supply interruption was caused by snow-laden trees falling onto lines and poles, highlighting the importance of keeping trees away from power lines.

“We try to prepare for this type of situation as best we can in our maintenance programmes and work,” said chief executive, Sean Horgan.

“Conditions were difficult throughout last week’s storm and it was slow going for our crews. We would like to thank affected customers for their help, understanding and support of our staff in the field, especially those who took the time to call in faults.”

At the height of the outage approximately 1500 TLC customers in the area were without power. This number increased to around 3000 at times on Thursday and Friday as Transpower experienced intermittent faults supplying electricity into the area.

Powerco crews worked through the day on Friday restoring power to more than 10,000 people after the week’s weather cause extensive damage to the network.

As well as extensive damage in Rangitikei and Ruapehu, parts of Castlecliff, Matahiwi, Parikino, Mangamahu, Waverley and Hawera also had no power.

Powerco network operations manager Phil

Marsh expected the majority to be reconnected by the start of the weekend.

“We have considerable resources assessing the damage and restoring supply,” he said.

“There are pockets of customers, particularly

in the Taihape, Waiouru and Raetihi areas that we can’t get to because of the heavy snowfall that has blocked access.”

The weight of the snow had smashed 10 poles bringing down the lines in one area alone.

TLC linesman Lou Most repairs a line to a house in Miro Street. Crews were busy right around the Central North Island through the storm and are still dealiing with faults this week.

6 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017

Ian McKelvie MP for RangitikeiI am available to help with advocacy services, individual assistance, or access to the parliamentary process during my visits to Ohakune & Raetihi.

Town Centre Arcade, 101 Hakiaha St, Taumarunui 3920ianmckelvie.taumarunui@parliament.govt.nz07 896 8008ianmckelvie.co.nz

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Ian McKelvie 47 Manchester Street, Feilding

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Use a snow shuttle and be green, says DoC

‘We are just trying to survive’ – oh please

Desert Road closed with truck crashAs well as snow and ice affecting the Desert Road, a truck crashed and blocked the

road on Wednesday, for several hours.A truck and trailer unit rolled shortly after 1.30am near Waihohonu Bridge and a

crane was needed to move it from the crash site.No other vehicles were involved in the crash and nobody was injured.

Farm water systems seminarOn-farm stock water reticulation is the topic of a workshop planned for Taumarunui

tomorrow morning, 19 July, at Central Park Motel, TaumarunuiFollowing the release of the report “Economic evaluation of stock water reticulation

on hill country”, a series of workshops are being run around the region to promote the findings, integrated with general management of water on-farm.

The workshop will cover an overview of the report’s findings, including: detailed case studies, engineering and physical planning of water reticulation systems, farm-system design to optimise productivity and minimise environmental impacts.

Army hosts stranded bus passengersVisitors to Tongariro National

Park wanting to see and play in the snow this winter are asked

to help the environment by using a trans-port shuttle.

“We welcome you to the Tongariro Na-tional Park. There is plenty of space for both our native wildlife – kiwi, whio, in-sects and our skiers, hikers and bikers, but we don’t have unlimited space for lots and lots of cars, vans and campervans,” says Bhrent Guy, DoC operations manager, Tongariro District.

He asks people to plan ahead and use a shuttle from local villages and towns: National Park, Turangi/Taupō, Ohakune and Raetihi.

DoC says car parking at Whakapapa Village is limited.

Visitors are also warned this year there is no chain fitting service in Whakapapa Village, “another good reason to use a shuttle”.

The Department is working in part-nership with the New Zealand Transport Agency, Ruapehu District Council, the NZ Police and their highway patrol divi-sion this winter season.

“This winter we need visitors to use shuttles so they can be safe and not worry about icy road conditions on the way back down the hill so they can make the most of their day,” says Ross I’Anson, highway manager, NZ Transport Agency.

A group of bus passengers stranded in Waiouru during last week’s snow storm enjoyed the hospitality of the Army.

Passengers on a Mana Bus trip from Auckland to Wellington were supposed to arrive in the city about 8.30 on Thursday morning, but found themselves stuck in Waiouru when the roads closed.

“While we try to stick to our timetable, we’re incredibly conscious of safety to our passengers and follow all guidelines from NZTA regarding road closures,” said spokeswoman Sheryll Otway in a statement.

“At the point of starting the journey from Auckland at 2130, the road was open and NZTA had not issued a road-closure warning.”

The passengers were well looked after by the Army who provided

accommodation and meals, said Ms Otway.

“The passengers had spent part

of the day holed up in the Oasis Hotel bar,” she said, with them later moving to Army barracks.

Wintry conditions and stranded travellers at Waiouru Military Camp. Photo: NZdF.

Surely it was tongue in cheek – “We are just trying to survive” – said a Skotel staff member, according to Stuff.co.nz.

The comment was in response to questions about the hundreds of people trapped by the snow storm at Whakapapa Village and in the ski field club lodges.

While there were some genuinely disadvantaged people because of the snow storm, with lots of travellers’ plans disrupted, it seems most on the ski fields were more than happy to sit out the storm in the hope of some sunshine so they could be first on the slopes once it had passed.

Martijn Verhoeven, in one of the club lodges, said they were really enjoying themselves.

“Pantry with food for a month, we’re playing games and really having a lot of fun. We’ve just had a cooked breakfast and are going out for a walk later this morning.

“We’ve run out of cheesecake though.”

The reported comments drew many social media comments:

“Let’s hope they don’t have to resort to cannibalism,” said one.

Others included:“I heard it’s terrible ... someone spilt their latte.”“But they’re out of cheesecake! Oh the humanity!”“The only way to get a break in this world is to get

stranded up a mountain during a snow storm... I’d literally sell a newborn right now to be them.”

“I wouldn’t underestimate the dire circumstances for those trapped in the Skotel, I think I read somewhere else that they’ll have to resort to drinking the house-wine if any superior bottles aren’t bought in within the 24 hours... Yuck.”

However, some took the reported comments seriously “We are just trying to survive … ummmm all you have

done is made us privileged look even more stupid.”

RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017 • 7

a ewesical comedywritten by Lynelle Kuriger

directed by Marion Johnston

A R T S 

FREE FAMILY MOVIESaturday 22 July, 2pm at The Centre RaetihiRaised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family.

Snack and drinks will be for sale. Kids bring a pillow to sit on!CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT.

Another Community Project organised by the Ruapehu Lions Club.

Join the Lions Club, new members are always welcome and enjoy giving back to the community.

Enquiries: Ursula, Phone: 385 3323 or 027 975 0724

Snow hikers warned: caution required in the Park

The Department of Conservation is advising hikers and climbers venturing above the snowline on Mounts Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe to be aware of hazards they may not be used to.

Alpine hazards which pose risks to inexperienced people now include avalanches and thinly snow-covered crevasses especially on Ruapehu outside the ski area; thin ice on the higher lakes on Tongariro and thinly covered holes or warm ground on Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Such holes may contain volcanic gas.

Steep icy slopes on all peaks need to be approached with caution. Alpine equipment and experience, including training for avalanche conditions, are necessary to proceed safely into the higher elevations of Tongariro National Park. In addition, warm clothing and boots suitable for alpine conditions are also necessary.

“Recent snowfalls are very welcome but will have covered up some crevasses and other holes on the volcano and climbers and others risk injury if they do not make themselves aware of such hazards,” advises Dr Harry Keys, DoC technical advisor.

“This includes venturing out over deep water onto the ice covering or partly covered lakes and ponds on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing,” he says.

“Falling through the ice on these lakes will quickly chill people creating serious risk of rapid onset of hypothermia. There are no facilities for the rapid rescue essential in these situations”

All waterways

including the lakes on Tongariro and his peaks Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are sacred to the local Māori tribe. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro kaumātua Te Ngaehe Wanikau asks visitors to the area to keep their own safety and wellbeing paramount and also to respect the sanctity of the maunga tapu (sacred mountains) by not touching or entering any of the waterways including the alpine lakes. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro places extreme importance on their guardian role in protecting not only Tongariro and his peaks, but also the safety and wellbeing of visitors to the region.

Full winter conditions now exist on the mountain. People going above the parks’ road ends should be fully equipped with alpine clothing, crampons and ice axe, know how to use them and take account of the weather and avalanche

forecasts:http://www.metservice.

com/mountain/tongariro-

national-park and http://a v a l a n c h e . n e t . n z /forecasts/region.asp?a=7.

Foodstuffs driver Perry Jackson unloads supplies at ohakune New World on Friday morning. despite all the roads closed on Thursday, the driver still managed to get through. He had made it as far as the Taihape deviation on Thursday but couldn’t get any further. Although the roads were still closed on Friday morning, they were clear enough for him to carry on to ohakune. He spent the night in his cab, saying he was fine and hand an truck load of food to keep him going.

doC are urging caution above the snowline on Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe due to the snowfall and weather conditions. Photo – dr Harry Keys, shows large crevasse.

Daffodil Day staysWaimarino’s two Cancer Society stalwarts, Kathryn Greenwood and Peggy Frew, are

still working on the annual Daffodil Day fundraiser in August.Last week the Bulletin report on their retirement from the committee, but they have

pointed out that they will remain on the Daffodil Day team.Peggy Frew said she is also happy to take calls from people who want to know more

about the volunteer roles.Readers can contact Peggy, or call Yvonne Cuthberston on 06-348-7402, or email

Yvonne.cuthbertson@cancercd.org.nz.

Charge change for power customers

All weekend load control period calculations for The Lines Company’s residential customers will see changes, the company announced last week.

With the change, should TLC’s current pricing approach continue beyond April 2018, any peaks from weekend load control periods between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017 would not be part of these plan users’ 2018 kilowatt (kW) load reset calculations.

“Late last year we began a review of the way in which we charge our customers. Through this process we received some very constructive feedback,” says TLC chief executive Sean Horgan.

“And while this review is now in its final stages, there is an opportunity to implement some change immediately.”

“One area of feedback was the challenge that people face when we load control during weekends and use this information for price calculations for

the following year. I heard a number of examples where people made significant changes during weekends affecting both them and their families.”

He said the capacity calculation is not affected by the weekend change.

“As always, we encourage customers to continue to manage their anytime maximum demand.”

The “one-off change” covers weekend load control periods from 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017. Capacity (anytime maximum demand) is not excluded from the weekend load control change.

TLC does not expect to impose other charges on customers in relation to any revenue that may be lost as a result of this change, said Mr Horgan.

Further information including some frequently asked questions (FAQs) is available on TLC’s website www.thelinescompany.co.nz.

Cold night at the Deviation for the milk

“Anyone who is inexperienced in driving in winter mountain road conditions should definitely use the park and ride service as a first choice option over taking their own car up to the ski areas,” he said.

“RAL reported that their road teams recovered dozens of private vehicles that had became stuck or slid off the road due to a combination of speed, experience and incorrect equipment.”

“In addition to helping avoid the congestion issues that would have been typical in previous years on similar weekends the new park and ride bus service is helping keep people safe and as well as providing real environmental benefits.”

The first weekend of the new free park and ride bus service for Whakapapa and Turoa went well with people using the service saying they were very happy with the experience.

Editor’s note: If you have a comment to make on the new service, either as a user or a business affected by the parking down town, we’d like to hear from you. email us at ed@ruapehubulletin.co.nz or go to the Ruapehu Bulletin Facebook page.

From Page 1Snow shuttle success?

8 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017

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Email: sales@ohakune-eng.co.nz

• Manufacturing and repairs

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• Engineering supplies

• BOC gases

• 20T & 50T crane hire

Engineering

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FOR THE BIG JOBS: digger hire, cherry pickers,

pumps, wood splitters, generators, welders, car trailers, post hole borers, furniture trailer, Bobcat & attachments, concrete

equipment, rollers & compactors, portable trencher

Marquee HireUpholsterers

Ph 06 385 8487

Landscaping

Ph 027 241 3412

Plumbing / Drainlaying

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B&M PLUMBING LTD• Plumbing & Drainlaying• Pumps - sales, servicing & installation of

all pumps• Fires & Solar • 5 Ton Digger with Augers, Ditchwitch & Tip Truck

“Your local Registered Certifier”

Call Brian 027 436 1075Email:

bmfred@xtra.co.nz

Experts

Mountain pony clubs quizzed

Annemarie HorrocksRural Salesperson

027 289 4228A/H 06 342 8823

annemarie.horrocks@bayleys.co.nzCOAST TO COAST LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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The Waimarino Pony Club hosted the King Country Area Quiz at St James Church Hall Ohakune, on 9 July with a Waimarino children’s team, two Taumarunui children’s teams and an adult team.

Rounds included identification, points of the pony, general knowledge and the road code as related to horse riding, plus a fun true or false test.

Results were very close with the adult team, who were not eligible for rosettes, topping the Taumarunui team by half a point.

The winners were Megan Weir, McKenzie Clarkson and Libby and Ellie Street. Second were Dillon and Olivia Burton, Jess Weir, Fleur Street and Onour Clarkson.

The Waimarino team of young riders were third, consisting of Jorga, Katie and Melody Richfield, Molly Leary and guests Chelsea Fredrickson and Hannah.

The Ian Weir Quiz Trophy was presented to the winners; the Roke Trophy for competition points also went to Taumarunui for their wonderful participation and success in all competitions over the season

The Club thanked Robyn Hodder, quiz master, and Chrissy Weir for judging/scoring, and the adults for bringing the riders and the afternoon tea.

Two coaches from both Waimarino and Taumarunui attended the coaches’ conference in early June in Taupo and gained a lot of useful information.

The National AGM/ Conference is being held in Wellington shortly and two Waimarino members will be attending.

Next is a Waimarino planning meeting for the coming season, on 8 August, before riding restarts around the beginning of October, weather permitting.

Quiz masters: McKenzie Clarkson, Megan Weir, Libby and Elie Street with the Ian Weir Quiz Trophy.

S’no rugby for Ruapehu Premiers

The snow was the winner on the day on Saturday and McCarthy’s Ruapehu Premiers Rugby Team are one of four Tasman Tanning Premier teams that had official draws added to their final season tallies as only two games in the final round robin weekend were possible.

Mathmatically, the semifinal picture could have possibly changed shape on Saturday with third-placed Ruapehu and the hard-charging

Black Bull Liquor Pirates separated by one just competition point.

But the decision to call off their games with Settler’s Honey Ngamatapouri and Utiku Old Boys, in Ohakune and Taihape respectively, saw all four teams pick up two competition points.

This means the current top four line-up remains intact.

Rochfort Park rugby grounds would have made for an interesting game on Saturday, with the try line hard to pick out. The Premiers decided to call it a draw.

RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017 • 9

Accountants

Ph 06-385-8801

Marquee Hire

Furnishers

Ph 06 388 0357

Specialists in carpets & lino,curtains & blinds.

Call for a FREE measure & quote

The big store on the cornerHautapu St, Tui St, Taihape.

Quality Home Furnishings

Ph 06 385 8321

Legal ServicesTrust Law Family Law Criminal LawWills and Estates Relationship Property LawProperty Law and Conveyancing

Nash Jordan Law56 Clyde St, OhakuneJoanna Jordan & Jeremy NashEmail: office@njlaw.co.nz

Building Supplies

Ph 06 385 8414

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING PROJECT & DIY NEEDS

MON TO FRI – 7.30AM TO 5PM l SAT 9AM – 3PM

Septic Tank Work

Ph 06 388 0452

Bennett’s Septic Tank Cleaning

ServicesSeptic tanks, water tanks,

grease traps.Call us for fast efficient service.

Phone Chris on 06-388-0452

Septic Tanks

Ph/fax 06 385 8455

Septic Tank CleaningFast, efficient service

Affordable rates

Phone Brian021 254 9946

Gas Fitting

Ph/fax 06 343 6866

Cut down on your power bill.

Go gas hot water, supplied

and installed from $2,250.

Call for a consultation.

Phone Andrew 027-457-8393 or

Email andrewpalmer@xtra.co.nz

Ph 06 345 4554

Furnishers

Quality furnitureflooring andwindow treatmentsfor the discerning

Geoff Anderson027 283 9551

33 Victoria Avenue, Wanganuiemail wangafurn@xtra.co.nz

Electrician

Ph 021 770 123

Are you looking for an electrician who:- Turns up on time?

- Keeps his promises?- Offers efficient service

& sound advice?

Then call Jake Fah at

REGISTERED ELECTRICIANOhakune - Raetihi - Rangataua -

Horopito - National ParkPH. 06 385 3393

Heat Pumps

Ph 07 895 7348

Call our refrigeration engineers for a free quote

• Interest free terms• Energy efficient• Six year parts, labour and mileage warranty

Central refrigeration, trading as100% Appliances

Therapeutic Massage

Ph 06 385 8507

Work/Sports injury recovery,prevention, maintenance & relaxation

Clinic & Sauna: 14 Manuka St, Ohakune.Call-outs: 027-274 4282

Available 12 hours every dayVOUCHERS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Carpet

Ph 07 895 7089

CARPET & VINYL LAYING

We supply and install domestic and commercial carpets and vinyls

119 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunuicountrycarpet@paradise.net.nz

Butchers

Ph/fax 07 895 7570

Cecil’s Meat & VegQuality meat products

Beef, pork, mutton and chicken, all cuts available.

Small goods made in store. • Bacon • Sausages • Hams • etc.

We are now licensed to process all home kill and wild game.

Open 6am - 5pm weekdays & 8am - 1pm Saturday109 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui.

Opposite the Railway Station

Ph 06 385 8700

Appliances

Ohakune TV Electrical

Your local Heat Pump installers

Choose a Heat Pump that’s actually

designed to heat.

Guaranteed to heat -15

Auto Services

Ph 06 385 9222

AUTO SERVICE CENTREAuthorised Holden Service CentreFull workshop services for all vehicles, wheel alignments,

computer diagnostics, warrant of fitness inspections,

parts, batteries, engine oils.

84 Clyde Street, Ohakune After hours 027 448 4080

autoservicecentre@hotmail.co.nz

Flooring

Ph 022 315 3238

McCarten FlooringOhakune

Carpet & Vinyl

Installation & Supply

bmccartenflooring@gmail.com

Experts ~ at your service

Lawyers

Ph 06 281 3461

Carpet Cleaning

0800 22 78 22

WANGANUICARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

24 HOUR FLOOD CALLOUTWe specialise in stains, odours and hard to

clean carpets and fabrics.P.U.R.T - Pet Urine Removal Treatment

cdwanganui@outlook.co.nzwww.chemdry.co.nz

Wanganui & Ruapehu Regions

Build, Renovate, Decorate

027 321 4050/027 627 4984

dreams and schemes

Note:Call Jude to book

this space for next

week.Only cost

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each week for 50

weeks, in colour!

Other options availa

ble.

p: 06-385-8532

e: ads@ruapehubu

lletin.co.nz

10 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017

Phone 06-385-8532.Email: ads@ruapehubulletin.co.nzCLASSIFIEDS Deadline 5pm Friday.

FORSALE

buSInESS nOTICES

buSInESS nOTICES

Assistantrestaurant manager

Full time positionsWe’re looking for motivated, hard working

people.Apply at Osteria Restaurant, Clyde Street,

Ohakune, or phone 06-385-9183

SITuATIOnS VACAnT

Term 3 PowhiriWe would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students for Term 3 and their whanau on 24 July at 9am to attend our school powhiri.

If you need any information in regard to new enrolments please feel free to contact Lisa Clark (Principal) on 027 3887581.

We are excited to start our new term and look forward to welcoming you to our fantastic learning place.

Ross Hardey – OptometristFor an appointment when next in Ohakune

or Taihape, phone: 0800 4 EYESIGHT, (0800 4 39374)

FIREWOOD THE WOODSHED. Shed dried. Order now. Contact Ian 06-385-4523 or 027-444-3441.

FIREWOOD A-GRADE MAIRE, Old man pine, macrocarpa, also gum and native, bags of kanuka. Seasoned and dry. Prompt free delivery town area. Quantities from bags to bulk. Order now. Call Mike 027-477-1992 or 06-385-9264.

FOR SALE

Whanganui Kindergarten Association

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Date: 27th July 2017Venue: 151 London Avenue, Whanganui

Time: 7:00pm

To RSVP/provide apologiesplease contact Karen Craig ongmpa@yourkindergarten.co.nz

or 06 345 6729 extn 3

Waimarino Trails Charitable TrustRaetihi Ripper

Annual General MeetingSunday 6pm

16 JulyRaetihi Cossie ClubContact 0272401090

Waimarino Rodeo Ass

IncAnnual General

Meeting7pm Cossie ClubTuesday 25 July

Contact 0272401090LAWNMOWING AND

SECTION maintenance – Phone Alpine Property Services 0800-896-689 or 027-289-6689 email: sue@alpinelawns.co.nz.

TANK SPECIALISTS, water or septic. Delivered price quoted. Buy direct. Ph 0800-487-633.

PubLIC nOTICES

SECOND HAND WASHING MACHINES, 3 sizes available, all serviced and ready to go at Ohakune TV Electrical. Phone 06 385 8700.

F&P REFRIGERATION, great selection of new appliances, free delivery and 2-year guarantee at Ohakune TV Electrical. Phone 06 385 8700.

Ohakune & Waimarino RSA

AGMTuesday 1 August, 6pm

at the Ohakune Club

WORKSHOP ADMINISTRATOR

– KARIOIWe are looking for a ‘switched on’ dynamic person to fill this new role based in our service and maintenance workshop at our Karioi Hub.This position will report to the Workshop Manager and be responsible for carrying out the administration functions associated with the servicing and maintenance of our Wanganui and Karioi fleets (approx. 65 trucks).You will need to have the following attributes:• Outstanding organisation skills• Outstanding communication skills both

verbal and written• Good sense of humour• Previous administration experience• Outstanding work ethic• Excellent time management • Clean and tidy work habits• Excellent computer skills and experience

with a computer programme eg MYOB, Payroll, maintenance system or similar

The position will be 30 hours per week with negotiable start and finish times and a job description is available on request.The Company offers many staff benefits and an excellent remuneration package. You will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical and drug test. Please email your CV and a cover letter by

2 August 2017 to: Sandy Innesssandy@mccarthytransport.co.nz

Phone 06 3441620 if you have an enquiry.

Retail Team LeaderFull-time Permanent position

Based in Taumarunui, we are looking for someone with:• a passion for customer service• enthusiasm and team spirit• knowledge of timber industry, timber grading,

estimating M3 and knowledge of native timber would be an advantage

• Quick and alert mind and the ability to adapt and be flexible

• Computer skills an advantage• Current F endorsement forklift licence• Class 2 HT• Pre-employment drug test• Clean police record• Previous retail experience and knowledge of

our products will be viewed favourably

Hours of work, Monday to Friday and Saturday morning (approx 44 hours per week)

If you want to work in a fun dynamic environment, as well as receive ongoing training, uniform and great staff privileges and you think you can delivery what we seek, please forward CV and cover letter to: dave.tbtimber@xtra.co.nz

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

PubLICnOTICES

FORSALE

SITuATIOnS VACAnT

PubLICnOTICES

Buy local ... support localOpen from 10am Tuesday to Saturday

We would love to see you.

Secondhand Shop

56 Goldfinch St, OhakunePhone: 06 385 9411

HELP CHANGE YOUNG LIVES FOR THE BETTER

To find out more about a career at Oranga Tamariki Weno Ruwhina phone (07) 904 5813 email EdwinaWeno.Ruwhiu@cyf.govt.nz

Family Home Reliever (Casual)Taumarunui

Job ID: 12163

• Have you supported a child through a difficult time?• Helped a young person realise their potential?• Successfully guided your own children through adolescent to adulthood?• Have a high level of resilience and motivation?

Then you already have the skills to work alongside our social workers to make a difference for children and young people, who need some special support for a few critical months in their lives.

The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki support vulnerable children and young people in New Zealand. Oranga Tamariki works to advance the wellbeing and positive long-term outcomes for children and young people. In everything we do, the wellbeing and best-interests of children are paramount. The voices of children and young people underpin the design and operation of our services.

These positions form part of a casual pool of staff. From time to time they provide short or long term support for our Family Home Caregivers, who work so hard to keep our children and young people safe.

Family Home Relievers at Oranga Tamariki carry out a variety of tasks including:• Day to day care of children and young people• Meal preparation and ensuring the family home is comfortable• Providing emotional support to vulnerable children• Coordinating transport to and from appointments.

To work as a Family Home Reliever you will need to have a:• passion for working and supporting children, young people and their challenges• Positive attitude and is enthusiastic about your work• Proven experience in caregiving, community work or working with young people• Full clean driver’s licence is a must.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your life experiences and develop specialist skills.

We look forward to hearing from you.

How to apply: Please visit our website https://jobs.msd.govt.nz job reference 12163 and upload your CV and cover letter to our applicant tracking system. Please note all applications must be made online.Applications close: Wednesday 26 July 2017.

3-BEDROOM HOUSE, Rangataua, long term winter season only. No pets. Phone 06 385 8470.

ACCOMMODATIOn AVAILAbLE

RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017 • 11

FOOD ACT WORKSHOPS

The Food Act 2014 helps make sure that food sold throughout New Zealand is safe. A central feature of the new Act is a sliding scale where businesses that are higher risk, from a food safety point of view, will operate under more stringent food safety requirements and checks than lower-risk food businesses. To help Ruapehu businesses involved with food understand where they fit in under the regulations and what their responsibilities are Council in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is running two workshops. The first is in Taumarunui on Tuesday 25 July and the second in Ohakune on Wednesday 26 July. Anyone attending one of the workshops will leave understanding exactly where they fit in under the regulations and what the new law means for their business.

TaumarunuiTuesday 25 July - 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Council Chamber - 59 Huia Street.

OhakuneWednesday 26 July - 9.00am to 11.00am

Ruapehu Hub - 43A Ruapehu Road

Come along and have all your questions answered by Food Act experts.

If you have queries please call Sarah Dunn at Council on 07 895 8188 or 06 385 8364.

If you are in the food business in anyway - from a grower through to a food retailer or restaurant -

these workshops are for you!

Karioi forest hunting access closed for

next two weekends22nd - 23rd and 29 - 30th July

Karioi Forest will be closed for hunting and public access for the next two weekends 22 – 23rd and 29-30th July 2017 due to road clearance work following recent snow storm damage throughout the forest. Normal hunting will resume in August as per the hunting calendar.

Keith WoodOperations Manager (Forestry)

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

HELICOPTER INSPECTION OF TRANSMISSION LINES – Ruapehu Area. As owner and operator of the National Grid, Transpower New Zealand undertook helicopter inspections on its transmission lines in the Ruapehu area.

Work was undertaken on 26th June due to a fault on the lines. The flight affected transmission lines in the Utiku, Taorao Junction, Taihape, Moawhango and Waiouru areas.

Landowners directly under the lines where low level inspection was required will be contacted by Electrix Limited.

Please contact Paula Edmond on 06 353 3555 or Andy Ward 021 357 935.

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Indoor footballFootball draw week 2: Opening duties Magpies.

6.00pm Liquorish Allsorts vs Crystal Phallus, ref Magpies; 6.30pm Magpies vs Inter Your Nan, ref Crystal Phallus; 7.00pm Magpies vs Liquorish Allsorts, ref Inter Your Nan; 7.30pm Terkerslovakia vs The Presidents, ref Seagulls; 8.00pm Seagulls vs Waterboys, ref Terkerslovakia; 8.30pm Nuipi S.C vs Terkerslovakia, ref Seagulls. Closing duties Seagulls, contact Austin 021-035-9938.

Ruapehu golfThe recent snowfall caused lots of damage to trees on

the course, which will take months to clean up. There are dangerous hanging branches in some trees.

Snow covered fairways and greens made the course unplayable over the weekend.

Weather permitting, next Sunday the $300 stableford jackpot will be up for grabs for the person who scores 2 points on any 17 holes. Tee off is from 12.30pm. If it is not struck the jackpot will be for any 16 holes on the following Sunday reducing by one hole each subsequent Sunday until someone wins.

Ohakune squashThis Thursday inter-house is back on with team 1

playing team 6 at 5:30pm, team 5 plays team 7 at 7:00pm, team 2 plays team 3 at 8:30 and team 4 has the bye. Note that this is as per the original draw and last weeks missed round due to snow will be added on at the end.

Ruapehu Zone interclub results from last week saw Taihape beat Waimarino 7/6 on a games count-back after drawing two matches each.

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Win for Ruapehu SeniorsMcCarthy’s Ruapehu Seniors left the snow-covered

Rochfort Park to play in the sunshine at Waverley in the Consolation final against Border on Saturday.

After a very even first half with Border slightly ahead, Ruapehu dominated in the scrums and pushed ahead to claim the victory 14-22. Tries: Dayton Rikihana, Andre McDonnell, Te Uhi Hakaraia, Shairone Wood penalty and conversions (2).

McCarthy’s Ruapehu Rugby and Sports Club Seniors enjoyed a win to finish off their 2017 season win on Saturday. Photo: Merrilyn George.

Snow commute for Mountain staffLast week’s serious

storm clouds brought a silver lining to Mt Ruapehu’s ski areas, with Whakapapa receiving about 40cm of snow and Turoa between 50cm and a metre, depending on which reports you receive.

There was so much snow on the Ohakune Mountain Road that staff used snow mobiles to get to work and groomers were used to help the road clearing snow ploughs to clear the road.

The snowfall helped Whakapapa’s upper slopes but they still need more to be able to build trails.

But with Turoa’s south-facing aspect, the field has gone from only having the Alpine Meadow open at the start of the school holidays, to top-to-bottom skiing by Sunday.

Despite the huge storm, the ski fields staff managed to get the lower chairlifts running on Saturday and the High Noon Express running on Sunday afternoon, albeit with some technical issues.

On Friday they had a fleet of snow cats, along with road clearing trucks,

to get the Ohakune Mountain Road clear.

Staff were driving snowmobiles up the mountain road to work – “definitely not a normal occurrence”, stated Ruapehu Alpine Lifts after the storm.

“It’s fair to say they loved their commute to work!”

Over 3000 people visited Turoa and over 3700 visited Whakapapa on Saturday.

The snow stake on the upper mountain of Turoa is reading 150cm snow depth.Wednesday storm

As the storm arrived on Wednesday, heavy snow fell across Whakapapa, waist deep in places.

At 1pm the Rangatira Express was closed followed by Happy Valley

at 1.45pm due to blizzard conditions. At 1pm the road was closed to uphill traffic due to deteriorating conditions and visitors

were advised that shuttles would head down the mountain early to avoid road closures.

Slippery conditions

and poor visibility on the Bruce Road prompted Mt Ruapehu to arrange convoys to escort visitors safely down the mountain. A number of visitors were delayed due to the blizzard and were offered complimentary hot chocolate and chips while they waited for the road to clear. Mt Ruapehu shuttles were used to transport visitors safely down the mountain.

“We’re stoked to see the heavy snow falls on both Turoa and Whakapapa,” said RAL marketing manager Matt McIvor on Wednesday.

“The guests that got first tracks up Whakapapa were able to get a full morning of skiing and snowboarding before the second front hit.”

daniel Fergus captured a different kind of work/snow image, at 13km up ohakune Mountain Road

Turoa staff head higher for more snow clearing work on the ski area. Photo: Liz Brooker.

Visit www.ohakune.info

12 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 18 July 2017

Ian Ferry, manager of The Hobbit Motel in ohakune, was busy clearing fallen branches from the massive gum trees at the property last week. He said the weight of snow snapped off a couple of large branches, which then fell onto the house, taking off the guttering. He was thankful though, that some large, weakened branches had been removed earlier this year. As he was clearing the debris, he was also on the phone taking calls from people cancelling their bookings as they couldn’t get there because of the road closures.

Ruapehu’s snow storm in pictures

Early morning snow clearing at Whakapapa Base Area.

A drift outside Adrift outdoors, Carroll Steet, National Park. Photo: Murray Wilson.It wasn’t just power lines and trees that were damaged. A carport in Miro Street, ohakune, collapsed onto a car that was reported to have just come back from the panelbeaters.

After the storm: Lily Balsom from Mt Maunganui and Ruby dowsett-Smith from Arrowtown meet avalanche dog ‘Fire’ and ski patroller Phil Couch on Turoa. Photo: Liz Brooker.

Storm? What snow storm? Loreto Reyes Jr carries on working in the snow at Winstone Pulp Industries.