CLUB NEWS

• Published date: 25 March 2021

Last Monday’s speaker, Steve Manunui, Area Manager of Whakapapa Ski Field, proved to be yet another captivating speaker, relaying to the group his 33 years of working on the mountain and the creation, development and challenges of the Sky Waka gondola.

While a number of the audience have visited the Sky Waka, no one had any idea of what an enormous challenge the conception and then development proved to be. From working with local iwi, to planning and consents to fundraising the $25 million required, to receiving tenders and to utilising overseas contractors, local contractors and suppliers, local skills and labour, Steve’s audience listened intently to the machinations of having the Sky Waka finally completed.

The construction work was shared by contractors who came from Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Australia, to many of the local skilled contractors and businesses in the Taupo, National Park and Ruapehu districts.

Just listening to details such as the quantity of steel and concrete involved, the methods of transporting the materials up the mountain and the skills involved had the audience spell bound.

Steve, a local of Tuwharetoa descent, spoke of his pride that the mountain gives opportunities for local young people to work and train and of his own life growing up on the mountain, how it had become his life’s work and what a special place it is.

It was surprising the number who have yet to experience the trip up the Sky Waka, so they have organised their own visit this week to be able view this magnificent development for themselves.

Due to Easter the Tauhara Luncheon Club next meets at Wairakei Resort on Monday, April 19. Interested people can phone Katherine Ewen on 021 641 926 or Helene Phillips on 021 641 926. Cost for attendance and a three-course lunch is $40.

Monday Walkers

Equinox, time to smell the roses and enjoy being outside in the autumnal weather. We started at the rose garden savouring their fragrance, past the site of the old harbourmaster’s house and, with special permission, on to Petersen Wharf. Many could recall peering from the quay into the water to look for trout and koura or diving off the deck into the river. From here we walked at a leisurely pace to the Sea Scout Den admiring the tranquil lake and perfect views of the mountains of Tongariro National Park. Hard to imagine that in just a few days world class athletes will be jostling at record running pace along the same route. The low water level has exposed large areas of...