RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017 • 1 6 June 2017, Vol 34, No 1673 P: 06 385 8532 E: [email protected]www.bayleys.co.nz Bayleys Ruapehu Ltd MREINZ, 16 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune. 06-385-0170. Licensed under REAA 2008. A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES WHATEVER YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS ARE – WITH BAYLEYS IT’S MADE POSSIBLE TLC pricing causes ‘stress and uncertainty’ says EA The Lines Company’s peak demand pricing has “caused consumers stress and uncertainty”, states the Electricity Authority, although it also says the pricing system “has not negatively impacted retail competition or system reliability”. The EA released its report on its review into the load controlling and pricing methods used by The Lines Company (TLC) in the King Country. Load controlling refers to situations where, for example, TLC switches consumer’s hot water heaters off for a short period to reduce demand on the TLC network. The report says much of the issue with TLC’s load controlling activity arises from the fact that their peak demand prices are loosely linked to their use of load control. “TLC uses load control more than the other distributors we canvassed, and they only set their peak demand charges when load controlling occurs. This link between load controlling and pricing —and consumer uncertainty about when TLC’s charges apply to them — means many consumers have struggled to understand TLC’s pricing and are making “bad” investment decisions as a result,” says Electricity Authority chief executive Carl Hansen. “The use of load control is consistent with the current transmission pricing regime, which encourages TLC to reduce transmission charges by reducing demand on the network when TLC thinks it may be charged transmission charges.” “It turns out this is a case where uncertainty from one source is compounding uncertainty from another source, causing a great deal of unnecessary anxiety for many TLC’s customers.” Mr Hansen said the Authority noted TLC had completed its own review into its pricing structure. “There have been a number of changes at TLC since we conducted our review and we note they are now undertaking a consultation process with their consumers about proposed changes, which include Turn to Page 3 Queen’s honour for Ohakune teacher Teaching and community service are inter-twined, says Ruapehu College teacher Merrilyn George when asked which field has been more prominent in her being chosen for a Queens Service Medal. The semi-retired teacher has learned that she is to receive a Queens Service Medal for services to education and the community. “The school is part of the community so if you’re involved in teaching, you’re involved in the community,” says Merrilyn. “I couldn’t have got the award without the support of the community.” She learned that she had been nominated back in April and hadn’t told anyone, because that was the instruction. But then her husband Ken found out when a letter from the Prime Minister Bill English arrived, congratulating her. The rest of the family did not know about the honour until Monday. The George family usually get together for Queens Birthday, and Monday was to be another such gathering. One of her daughters, Kerren, usually wears a plastic tiara, but this year Merrilyn said it would be her turn. Mrs George has taught at Ruapehu College since 1966, retiring recently, and has made numerous contributions to the Ohakune community. Ruapehu students have learned technology, art, mathematics, science and Te Reo Māori with Mrs George over the past five decades and her teaching goes well beyond school hours. She established strong relations with local marae and helped to set up an inter-whanau kapahaka competition at the College. “I started learning to speak te reo in the late 1950s and I was very blessed to be around fluent speakers,” she says. “My family deserve a lot of credit for Turn to Page 3 Merrilyn George at home with part of one of her latest quilting creations – a 7-metre triptych featuring the mountains of Tongariro National Park that is to go on show in the USA as part of a world quilters exhibition. Fire guys win with veges P3 First snow for NZ P5 Power people’s safety award P7 Rugby win for Ruapehu P8 “Consumers have struggled to understand TLC’s pricing and are making “bad” investment decisions.”
A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES WHATEVER YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS ARE – WITH BAYLEYS IT’S MADE POSSIBLE
TLC pricing causes ‘stress and uncertainty’ says EA
The Lines Company’s peak demand pricing has “caused consumers stress and uncertainty”, states the Electricity Authority, although it also says the pricing system “has not negatively impacted retail competition or system reliability”.
The EA released its report on its review into the load controlling and pricing methods used by The Lines Company (TLC) in the King Country. Load controlling refers to situations where, for example, TLC switches consumer’s hot water heaters off for a short period to reduce demand on the TLC network.
The report says much of the issue with TLC’s load controlling activity arises from the fact that their peak demand prices are loosely linked to their use of load control.
“TLC uses load control more than the other distributors we canvassed, and they only set their peak demand charges when load controlling occurs. This link between load controlling and pricing —and consumer uncertainty about when TLC’s charges apply to them — means many consumers have struggled to understand TLC’s pricing and are making “bad” investment decisions as a result,” says Electricity Authority chief executive Carl Hansen.
“The use of load control is consistent with the current transmission pricing regime, which encourages TLC to reduce transmission charges by reducing demand on the network when TLC thinks it may be charged transmission charges.”
“It turns out this is a case where uncertainty from one source is compounding uncertainty from another source, causing a great deal of unnecessary anxiety for many TLC’s customers.”
Mr Hansen said the Authority noted TLC had completed its own review into its pricing structure.
“There have been a number of changes at TLC since we conducted our review and we note they are now undertaking a consultation process with their consumers about proposed changes, which include
Turn to Page 3
Queen’s honour for Ohakune teacher
Teaching and community service are inter-twined, says Ruapehu College teacher Merrilyn George when asked which field has been more prominent in her being chosen for a Queens Service Medal.
The semi-retired teacher has learned that she is to receive a Queens Service Medal for services to education and the community.
“The school is part of the community so if you’re involved in teaching, you’re involved in the community,” says Merrilyn.
“I couldn’t have got the award without the support of the community.”
She learned that she had been nominated back in April and hadn’t told anyone, because that was the instruction.
But then her husband Ken found out when a letter from the Prime Minister Bill English arrived, congratulating her.
The rest of the family did not know about the honour until Monday.
The George family usually get together for Queens Birthday, and Monday was to be another such gathering.
One of her daughters, Kerren, usually wears a plastic tiara, but this year Merrilyn said it would be her turn.
Mrs George has taught at Ruapehu College since 1966, retiring recently, and has made numerous contributions to the Ohakune community.
Ruapehu students have learned technology, art, mathematics, science and Te Reo Māori with Mrs George over the past five decades and her teaching goes well beyond school hours.
She established strong relations with local marae and helped to set up an inter-whanau kapahaka competition at the College.
“I started learning to speak te reo in the late 1950s and I was very blessed to be around fluent speakers,” she says.
“My family deserve a lot of credit for Turn to Page 3
Merrilyn George at home with part of one of her latest quilting creations – a 7-metre triptych featuring the mountains of Tongariro National Park that is to go on show in the USA as part of a world quilters exhibition.
Fire guys win with vegesP3
First snow for NZP5
Power people’s safety awardP7
Rugby win for RuapehuP8
“Consumers have struggled to understand TLC’s pricing
and are making “bad”
investment decisions.”
2 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2016 • 1
WHATEVER YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS ARE – WITH BAYLEYS IT’S MADE POSSIBLE
RUAPEHU SKIER’S JAPOW: Whakapapa ski patroller Jess Hotter tastes ‘Japow’ – famous Japanese powder snow at Annupuri Ski Area in Hokkaido. See inside for more information. Photo: www.SkiJapan.com
PRINTING SOON!Call Jude on 06 385 8532 to book your space
my achievements because I have always had wonderful support for the things I do.”
She has coached various softball and netball teams at the College and in 1979 established a netball competition to promote and encourage fitness and wellbeing.
“I have always done those activities with students and I enjoy them.
“You build such good rapport outside the classroom.”Mrs George wrote and published Ohakune, Opening
to a New World, a major contribution to the area’s local history in 1990 and has published several other historical works as resources for the community.
In 2002 she was awarded a Royal New Zealand Society fellowship for Traditional Māori Textiles Technology.
She has been involved in many historical, cultural and sporting events that have occurred within the Waimarino and assists her local community by providing guidance and logistical support for community events.
As committee chairperson, Mrs George ensured the success of Ruapehu College’s 50th Jubilee in 2005.
Mrs George has been a regular contributor to the Ruapehu Bulletin, providing rugby photos and reports for many years. She also wrote and collated the regular Eye on Ruapehu College when she was on the permanent staff.
She has returned to the College to cover for another teacher’s absence, as well as researching and writing in history as well as working on her fabric creations. A seven-metre triptych that features the Tongariro National Park mountains is headed to the USA soon to be part of a world quilters exhibition that will be toured to four cities.
Merilyn’s Facebook feed was inundated with congratulations yesterday.
“This is awesome, your passion, heart and focus all equate to an exemplary form of service to so many, thank you for everything,” said Che Wilson.
“Congratulations Mrs George, I will always have fond memories of your teaching and the example you set for others. Truly a reward well deserved,” said Darrien Brown.
“Yay! Well done Merrilyn. An awesome acknowledgement of all you hard work and dedication. Good on you Maxine, Kerren and Ken for your support,” said fellow-teacher Ann Stuckey.
From Page 1
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 [email protected] 896 8008ianmckelvie.co.nz
Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Ian McKelvie 47 Manchester Street, Feilding
AEPW
TCBohakune
What’s onround
RuapehuOhakune Fashion Show Saturday 10 JuneOhakune PTA Quiz Night Friday 7 JulyFallout Festival 26 August – 9 SeptemberRetro Day 2 September
Tell us about your event. 06-385-8532, [email protected], Board & Bike
Cnr Ayr St & Goldfinch St, Ohakune06-385-8433, tcbskiandboard.co.nz
Chopper missionA man in his 70’s was injured after coming off his
mountain bike on Friday in Ohakune. He sustained leg injuries and was stabilised by St John Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Whanganui Hospital in the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.
moving to a time-of-use based pricing structure.“We welcome TLC’s efforts to resolve its issues with
its customers.”TLC response
TLC says it welcomes the EA’s Market Performance Review.
“Many of its conclusions reinforced those of a recent independent review of TLC pricing, including the influence of a complex pricing methodology on customers when making decisions about their energy usage,” says TLC’s new chief executive Sean Horgan.
“This is valuable feedback from the EA and very timely, since those are the areas we are already working to address through the proposed changes in pricing structure we are currently investigating.”
“This new report provides good insight into the issues of our current pricing method, while recognising the challenges we face running a network like ours. It further validates our decision earlier this year to embark on a service-based pricing review,” says Mr Horgan.
“We will use the EA report information, with that from Roger Sutton, PWC and our own community consultation, to develop a simple, transparent and equitable pricing methodology that is easily understood by all. While there is considerable work yet to be done we are committed to making sure any changes are well understood and communicated throughout the whole process.”
TLC recently completed a second round of consultation involving seven communities and over 130 participants. Once developed, the revised pricing structure will be modelled and trialled before a final round of consultation with the community.
The Electricity Authority’s “Review of pricing and load control by the Lines Company” may be viewed at www.ea.govt.nz/monitoring/e n q u i r i e s - r e v i e w s - a n d - i n v e s t i g a t i o n s / 2 0 1 6 /review-of-tlc-pricing-and-load-control/
From Page 1
TLC pricing stress
Queen’s honour for Ohakune teacher
For the first time in the history of the Ohakune Carrot Carnival, teams made up of people who don’t work in the gardens took on the vegetable challenge. What’s more, one of those non-vege expert teams won the coveted trophy pallet. Pictured with their prize are, from left, Craig McDonnough, Nathaniel Turner, Paul Sarrett and Sam Deadman.
Mangaeturoa School saved, for nowA community group set up to save and make
use of the old Mangaeturoa School, south-west of Raetihi, had to act quickly last week when they heard that the building was to be demolished the next day.
Local resident Rodney McCoubrie explained to Waiouru Waimarino Community Board members at their meeting in Ohakune on Thursday that he had received word that contractors were to arrive the next morning to start the demolition.
He said he was part of a group that had
worked on the school buildings, so they could be used for the benefit of the rural community in the area.
“It was in a state of disrepair,” he said.But after a delay, the group had started work
again about six months ago, securing the roof and walls to make it weather-proof.
He said the group had been working on a number of ideas to use the old school, including setting up a camping ground.
“We’d made good progress.”The plans to demolish the building were a
surprise to the group.“We didn’t think there was any risk.”With help from councillor ‘Rabbit’ Nottage
and Ruapehu District Council property officer Margaret Hawthorne, Mr McCoubrie was able to get in touch with the relevant people, from Land Information New Zealand.
“LINZ have given us a week to get it sorted out,” he told the community board.
The Board was told that LINZ was responsible for the building on behalf of the Office of Treaty Settlements.
ACROSS1. University attended by Geoffrey Palmer, Tipene O’Regan and James Belich (8)7. Soil (5)8. Close shave (4,5)9. Moose (3)10. Husband of a countess (4)11. Delighted (6)13. Honest (6)14. Walk carefully and quietly (6)17. Bird house (6)18. Sharpen (4)20. NZ’s largest and most profitable bank (1,1,1)22. Company which is the new sponsor of Coast to Coast race (9)23. Premature (5)24. Legendary city of gold (2,6)
DOWN1. First name of actor who did Beaurepaires ads for 30 years (5)2. Humiliation (7)3. Curse (4)4. Frozen column (6)5. Wept (5)6. Town which holds a winter Mardi Gras party (7)7. Self-delusion (3,4)12. Fussy (7)13. Butcher’s axe (7)15. Priest or healer (Maori) (7)16. Savage (6)17. Shade of bright blue (5)19. Town located 360m above sea level (5)21. Necessity for shooters (abbr) (4)
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)
Waimarino-Waiouru Community BoardJohn ‘Luigi’ Hotter, 06-385-8193; Allan Whale, 06-385-9139; Winston Oliver 06-385-4443. Other Ward councillors: Rabbit Nottage, 021 111 6514, Vivenne Hoeta 022-65-88-320.
National Park Community BoardBoard members: Jenni Pednelton, 027-441-2147, Simon O’Neill 021-661-159; Murray Wilson 07-892-2774.
Taumarunui/Ohura Ward CommitteeMarion Gillard, 07-893-8575; Graeme Cosford, 07-895-7572; Karen Ngatai, 07-896-6658; Kim Wheeler 027-229-1527; Adie Doyle 027-495-3308, Jacques Windell 021-108-1451.
Ruapehu MayorDon Cameron, 06-385-3033
Guidelines is published free of charge. Please help us to keep it up to date – call us if your details change, or if you see something that needs changing: 06-385-8532
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(Audit Bureau of Circulations)Reaching homes every Tuesday in Ohakune, National Park,
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Publishing Editor: Robert Milne – robert @ ruapehubulletin.co.nzAdvertising Rep: Jude Chevin – ads @ ruapehubulletin.co.nz
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Extra RDC spending is $1.8m
The amount of additional spending the Ruapehu District Council is planning to adopt as part of the 2017-18 Annual Plan is $1,874,000 and not $2,890,000 as reported in both the Ruapehu Bulletin and Taumarunui Bulletin last week.
It is important to note that $975,000 of that is seed funding for three tourism infrastructure projects that will only proceed if council is successful in gaining financial support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund, states RDC communications manager Paul Wheatcroft.
Of the $500,000 for district township revitalisation, there is no itemised plan for the use of this money, only that it will be spent by council as needs be to progress the (district) township revitalisation projects.
“As township revitalisation is a journey the pace of which is being determined by individual townships, it is possible that we could spend a lot less than the budgeted $500,000.”
The $10 million that was quoted for funding township revitalisation is also only an estimated amount of how much council may need to borrow to fund township revitalisation and is for a ten-year period, not three.
It is not part of the 2017-18 Annual Plan budget but is something council wanted to flag as something that we would be consulting on as part of next year’s 2018-28 Long Term Plan (LTP).
Railwayman recalls saying goodbye to Tangiwai heroes
Des O’Sullivan of Upper Hutt was on duty at the Waiouru Railway Station at the time of the Tangiwai Disaster.
He served as stationmaster at the time and was likely to have been the last person to see the two railwaymen before their train hurtled into the Whangaehu River.
Des O’Sullivan served with the 22nd Battalion, 2NZEF, during World War 2.
Following the recent unveilings at the site, his family have forwarded his recollections from that night. Des made this statement to the Upper Hutt Community Policing unit after he retired from his career in Railways.
• My shift at Waiouru Railway Station commenced at 5pm on Christmas Eve 1953. The evening was cloudless and calm with no hint of the event to occur a few hours later, or that it would be well into Boxing Day before I came off duty.
Prior to the arrival of the Wellington–Auckland Express (626) a group on the platform had been speculating about
the terrific noise, which seemed to be located to the east of Mount Ruapehu, in the vicinity of the Desert Road.
The local taxi driver, Ross Harrison, Constable Leo Smidt and a couple of others – set out in the taxi to investigate, but without success.
Evidently by that time, the lahar from the mountain had reached the flat and was travelling through the Karioi State Forest in the direction of Tangiwai to the West, the noise probably being muffled by the trees.Season’s greetings
Number 626 duly arrived at Waiouru on time and, after offering season’s greetings to the driver Charlie Parker, his fireman Lance Redman and guard Bill Inglis, I despatched it at 10:09pm, unaware that 12 minutes later it would meet its fatal destiny with the loss of 151 lives.
About 10:26pm the train controller at Ohakune called me with the news that 626 was in the river at Tangiwai and requested that all available medical and rescue personnel, together with lighting
and other equipment be despatched to the scene. He had been alerted from a trackside telephone by a railwayman, Alf Diggle, who was a passenger on one of the rear carriages.
I immediately contacted Waiouru Army Camp, HMNZS Irirangi Naval Station, Ministry of Works and all Railway personnel in the area. These together with various other civilians, were promptly on their way, some in assorted vehicles which they had commandeered.
To assist with the lighting at the scene, railway track workers took carbide flares which, to operate, were required to be placed in a bucket of water. Unfortunately, because of the heavy silting and ash in the river, only one of these worked, this being positioned on the remainder of the bridge casting an eerie glow over the capsized locomotive and collapsed girder embedded in the riverbank opposite.
A road block was soon set up at the exit from Waiouru to deter sightseers and through traffic, in the event the road bridge at
Tangiwai was also out.About 11:10pm a
second Auckland bound Express arrived at Waiouru and to enable passengers to reassure relatives of their safety, we opened the Post Office telephone exchange, which in those days was operated there by railways staff. Calls were made, at no cost, by a continual stream of people – one brief call per person to places all over the country.
The locomotive from this train was detached and sent to Tangiwai to bring back the intact portion of 626 with its surviving passengers. I had seen some horrendous sights during World War Two, but never so many people in such profound shock at the unexpected fate they had escaped.
We took particulars of their identity and offered them the use of the telephone, or relayed messages of assurance for them. Local residents were soon on the scene with tea and refreshment making facilities.
In due course all passengers off both trains were returned to Marton and thence on their way north via Stratford and Okahukura or to wherever else they desired.
The recovery of victims was a lengthy and difficult task, as evidenced by
some 60 bodies being found 24km downstream from the scene. About daybreak of Christmas Day the first recovered bodies were brought to the Waiouru Station waiting room where they were laid out pending identification. However, because of space requirements and need for facilities for washing and embalming etc., they were later transferred to a large hall at the Army Camp.
Four nights after the disaster a mortuary train pulled out of Waiouru carrying 114 bodies either home for burial or, in the case of 21 unidentified, burial in a mass grave at Wellington. Other victims were located later but 20, including the fireman, were never found.
The population of the area, both military and civilian, spared no effort in conjunction with the Police and clergymen etc., in difficult and traumatic circumstances.
Many a Christmas dinner and other meals, accommodation and transport, was shared by local residents with strangers who had travelled to Waiouru to identify victims. One can only speculate on the response in today’s competitive environment, if faced with a similar situation. Hopefully the need will never arise.
Charles Parker. Lance Redman.
RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017 • 5
Earliest snow play for Ruapehu By Liz BrookerThere were smiles all round for snow lovers and
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) staff alike with the start of the winter season on Saturday.
Celebrating the earliest opening day since the 1960s, over 800 skiers, snowboarders and sightseers flocked to test the man-made snow spread over Whakapapa’s Happy Valley.
Aucklander Megan Bason and her family travelled down especially for the earlier-than-usual start to then season.
“We love it here, I’ve been skiing for 20-plus years and this is absolutely fantastic.
“To be coming down in June, we love it, the kids love it, it’s brilliant.”
“I think the snow is really good, the kids have had a couple of runs and are a bit tired so I gave them a pineapple lump each and we’re away again.”
Adam Watson from Tauranga also made the first-day pilgrimage to get a head start on the season for his four-year-old.
“It’s really good that it’s open in June, we just wanted to play in the snow.
“It’s Lucas’ first day and we’ll get some lessons for him when he gets a bit bigger.”
Over the preceding two days, all the large piles of man-made snow, produced with the TechnoAlpin Snowfactory’s new technology, were spread to form a 25-centimetre deep trail running through the rocky terrain of the Valley.
Normal snow guns can only be operated once air temperature hits -2 degrees Celsius. However, these new machines operate internally with a heat exchanger cooling the water to freezing point.
From this process, it’s then shredded to form tiny flakes of shaved ice that is produced without the use of any chemical additives.
Parents with young children weren’t the only skiers and boarders taking to the beginner run to celebrate the guaranteed snowfall.
Opening at 9am, the trail conditions saw a traditional frosted crust soften to early spring-like conditions by 10.30am.
This delighted even the most experienced mountain lovers like National Park’s Nick Slegers and Brya Lowry-Thomas who raced to ride the Double Happy chair and claiming New Zealand’s first chair of the 2017 season.
Being able to open a full month ahead of the usual scheduled opening of 1 July is a “big deal” for RAL CEO Ross Copland.
“It’s great to have the Double Happy up and running, first chair lift in New Zealand a week ahead of basically the rest of the country and on par with the Australian resorts.”
“The investment down here at Happy Valley has been quite significant with three new carpet lifts, a new Snowfactory snow making system upgrades, a restaurant refit so it has been a busy old summer and the crew have done a great job.
“It’s a massive deal for this community as well, tourism is a big part of the Ruapehu region and to get able to get up and running, it’s great for us and all the accommodation providers and others that support this economy.”
ABOVE: Five-year-old National Park local Koda Hoyle takes great delight in testing out the snow being pumped onto the trail from the new TechnoAlpin machine.
RIGHT: National Park’s Brya Lowry-Thomas (left) and Nick Slegers (right) celebrating catching New Zealand’s first chair of the 2017 season.
BELOW RIGHT: Over 800 skiers, snowboarders and sightseers flocked to test the man-made snow spread over Whakapapa’s Happy Valley on Saturday.
BELOW: RAL staff were spreading new snow onto then run right up to the 9am opening.
6 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017
Local newspaper advertising is alive and well right here in
Ruapehu
Contact Jude today for details of our *Starter Pack on 06 385 8532 Email [email protected]
There is a lot of talk about the demise of newspapers, following the explosion of on-line media. But local community newspapers like the Ruapehu Bulletin reach as many people as they always did. With the cacophony of information through electronic media, our readers like to pick up their Bulletin and read
about the people and places in their community.You can by-pass the confusing and eye-watering number of websites
(last count, well over half a billion) and talk directly with your customers by advertising each week in the Ruapehu Bulletin.
Families of the two enginemen cut the ribbon to unveil the memorial
to the two Tangiwai Disaster heroes. Photos: Liz Brooker.
Turn to Page 6
Prime Minister Bill English cuts the ribbon launching RAL’s $100m reinvestment programme; from
left: chairman of Ngati Hikairo Te Ngaehe Wanikau; RAL chairman Murray Gribben; Prime Minster
Hon Bill English; Hon Louise Upston, MP for Taupo; Ian McKelvie, MP for Rangitikei (includes
Ruapehu); RAL chief executive Ross Copland (obscured). Photo: Robert Milne.
Turn to Page 5
Doyle heads
power
trustP3
Hitting
the Te Ara
trailP3
Raetihi’s
new teachers
P4
Tunnels
for WW1P5
RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017 • 7
Contact Dave Scott Anytime 06-385-8256 or 027 485 7693
There’s a Fieldays deal that’s perfect
for you!
WHATEVERFIELDYOU’RE IN
Treadwell Gordon are pleased to open our new office at The Pinnacle Building, 77 Clyde Street in Ohakune. We welcome Joanne Parkinson to the team, who will be working with Paul Brown and Amy Cranston from the Ohakune office.
Jo, Paul & Amy are familiar faces around the community, all three offer a good local knowledge and can provide advice and help with any legal service you may require.
Call our Ohakune office today or pop in and say hi.
OHAKUNE OFFICEThe Pinnacle Building 77 Clyde Street, Ohakune. Tel (06) 385 8120.
New Ohakune office, familiar faces.
www.treadwellgordon.co.nz
Joanne Parkinson Paul Brown Amy Cranston
Next volcanic event, ready or not?
Some of New Zealand’s leading volcanic researchers joined civil defence professionals, local iwi and repre-sentatives from response agencies and utilities at a meet-ing of the Central Plateau Volcanic Advisory Group (CPVAG) in Ohakune on Wednesday last week.
Set up following the civil defence response to the 2007 lahar on Mt Ruapehu, CPVAG now provides a forum for the collective planning and readiness activities for vol-canic hazards on the Central Plateau.
Ruapehu emergency management officer Nick Wat-son said that following the civil defence response to the 2007 lahar it was recognised that it would be invaluable to maintain the relationships and connections between people and response agencies that had been established.
“CPVAG provides a forum for any stakeholder in-volved in any aspect of managing and responding to vol-canic hazards on the Central Plateau to work together to increase community resilience.”
“CPVAG allows all stakeholders to get together on a
regular, scheduled basis and put ‘names to faces’, share information, discuss issues, refine response plans and un-dertake training exercises, etc.,” he said.
“For example, Wednesday’s meeting included pres-entations on current scientific research activities and updates from local iwi, GNS, DOC, Police, Fire, Army, the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Manage-ment, Waikato and Horizons Civil Defence Management Groups and other agencies such as Transpower, Genesis and MetService.”
“In addition to the sharing of general update informa-tion the CPVAG meeting has three specialist groups that focus on the specific issues concerning science, planning and communications.”
“The Focus Groups allow the specialists responsible for these functions during an actual response to discuss issues and solutions specific to these activities.”
The next CPVAG meeting is scheduled for November.
Fashion for three decades
On the catwalk in 1986 were sisters Pixie Chambers, Jocelyn Lilburn and Sonia Robb. The tradition of using volunteer models has continued.
For more than 30 years, Ohakune has kicked off the ski season with a community event that shows off snow wear and fashion while raising funds for local community causes.
The first fashion show was held at Pipers Kings Court (now Kings) at the Ohakune Junction in May 1986.
The event raised $1000 for the Ohakune Primary School hall.
Thirty one years later, and the event this coming weekend will again raise funds for the local school, this time for sports equipment.
Spot prizes will also be given away to supporters,
As is tradition, local retailers support the show while displaying their winter wear, for both on and off the snow.
TCB Ski Board and Bike Shop are on the list again, as is High Country Clothing from Taihape.
The Shire in Ohakune will also have fashions on show, as will Teena Juanita, Opus Fresh and Janelle Hinch.
Wearable arts creations from the Snow Queen will also feature.
Isobel May will provide live entertainment.
The Ohakune Fashion Show will be held at the Matterhorn Restaurant & Bar at 7pm on Saturday 10 June.
Tickets are available from TCB, Angel Louise in Raetihi, at Ohakune Primary School and on the door on the night.
The Shire
$20 TICKETSAvailable at: TCB, Angel Louise, Ohakune Primary School or on the door
PROCEEDS TO THE OHAKUNE PRIMARY SCHOOL PTA FOR SPORTS
Visit www.ohakune.info
8 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017
Ph 06 385 8952
29 Burns St, Ohakune.027 473 0188 Dave or 027 444 2058 Bruce
Ruapehu rugbyMcCarthy’s Ruapehu Premiers rugby team bounced
back from a loss last week to beat Harvey Round Motors Ratana 60-19 in Ohakune on Saturday, despite having several veterans away up north to support their team mate Peter Rowe in the biggest game of his life against the British and Irish Lions in Whangarei.
The younger players stepped up under the on-field guidance of Fraser Hammond and Chris Winter.
Hammond scored two of his team’s ten tries, while as the side still waits for the return of Craig Clare, three players took the opportunity to make successful goal kicks.
McCarthy’s Transport Ruapehu 60; tries to Fraser Hammond 2, Te Uhi Hakaraia, Troy Brown, Jackson Campbell, Robert Hughes, Chris Winter, Cruz Pene, Kahl Elers-Green, Shaquille Waara; Pene 3 con, Winter con, Brown con) bt Harvey Round Motors Ratana 19 (Keanu Puki-Kaa, Western Hemi, Paddy Ririnui tries; Aaron Paranihi 2 con). HT: 31-5.
Ruapehu’s Fraser Hammond scored two of their 10 tries on Saturday. Photo: Glyn Hubbard.
6.00pm PG13 vs Magpies, ref Seagulls; 6.30pm Seagulls vs The Presidents, ref Magpies; 7.00pm Nuipi S.C vs The Waterboys, ref The Presidents. Closing duties Seagulls. All results and fixtures will be posted to their Facebook page. www.facebook.com/footballohakune. The Winter league will start in 4 weeks, new teams wanting to play can register a team name and contact number via text message with Austin, 021-035-9938.
RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 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.
CLASSIFIEDS Deadline 5pm Friday.FORSALE buSInESS nOTICES PubLIC nOTICES
buSInESS nOTICES
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
PROJECT WAIREKAWATER FILTER
CHANGES ARE DUE when the cold water is less than half the
flow it normally is, and definitely at a trickle.COSTS: $10.50 (6 month) $48.00 (12 month) please note:as some of these are blocking up as well, as
specified, the cost works out as $4.00 per month of usage.
I also have FULL UNITS available for purchase as well.
PURSUANT to Schedule 10, Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974, notice is hereby given that the Ruapehu District Council proposes to close the Ohakune Mountain Road as per the details below:Event: Maunga Karakia – Matariki CelebrationsDate: Monday 12 June 2017Time: 5.30am to 8.30amRoad to be closed: Ohakune Mountain RoadAll queries should be directed to Cook Te Wano at Council on 07 895 8188 ext 280 or 06 385 8364
MILITARyEXERCISE
The general public is advised thatThe New Zealand Army will be
conducting Training in the Rangataua Forest over the period
14th – 16th June 2017 (day time only).
The activity will be “Non Live Firing”and will take place within allocated blocks. The exercise will involve
around 30 personnel carrying weapons and there will be some blank firing.
Signs will be displayed
Enquiries: Can be directed to:Warrant Officer Class one Tony Wright
Mobile: 021 027 46777
Advisory Notice
PUBLIC NOTICESection 101 – Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012Wicked Edge Ltd has made an application to the Dis-trict Licensing Committee at Ruapehu for the Variation of an On Licence, in respect of the premises situated at: 4 Thames Street, Ohakune and known as The Kitchen. The variation of conditions refers to the following: Change in Designation.The general nature of the business conducted or to be conducted under the licence is: Restaurant/Bar.The days and hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7.00am to 2.00am and Alfresco Dining Monday to Sunday 9.00am – 10.00pm.The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Ruapehu District Licensing Com-mittee at the Ruapehu District Council Office, 59-63 Huia Street, Taumarunui.Any person who is entitled and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at the Ruapehu Council, Private Bag 1001, Taumarunui 3946.No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.This is the second publication of the notice.
LAWNMOWING AND SECTION maintenance – Phone Alpine Property Services 0800-896-689 or 027-289-6689 email: [email protected].
TANK SPECIALISTS, water or septic. Delivered price quoted. Buy direct. Ph 0800-487-633.
Ohakune Senior Citizens Club Inc.
AGMWednesday 7 June, 1.30pm
St James Hall, Rata Street, Ohakune.All welcome.PubLIC nOTICES
RAFFLE RESuLTS
ORAUTOHA HALL COMMITTEE, firewood raffle, drawn by Ohakune Police, No 17 Shirley & Brian. Thank you for your support.
Buy local ... support localOpen from 10am Tuesday to Saturday
We would love to see you.
Secondhand Shop
56 Goldfinch St, OhakunePhone: 06 385 9411
Night CleanerExperienced night cleaner wanted.Transport available. Drug tested.
Monday to Friday.Phone 06-385 4879.
SITuATIOnS VACAnT
Notice of Impounding and Proposed Sale of Impounded stock
Impounding Act 1955 Section 46(2)
Ruapehu District Council is offering for public tender one ewe and one gelding horse. As the animals have not been claimed by the owner they will be sold by public tender or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the Impounding Act 1955.
Gelding horseImpounded date; 8 May 2017. Tender extended due to the horse had been stolen from Councils pound. Since re-impounded on 14 May 2017.Location; Makere Street. Reason; Roaming on road. Description; His left, two socked feet. White blaze on face. Approx 16 hands. Was originally impounded with a good condition blanket. On the second impoundment the blanket had been replaced with another blanket.
EweImpounded; 11 May 2017. Location; Lairdvale road area, Age; approx. 1 years old. Has not been docked. Has been drenched.
Tender closes 3:00 pm on Friday 9 June 2017
Please submit your tender bid to your local Ruapehu District Council office noting: 1. Your name, address and contact phone number. 2. The tender amount (Highest tender not
necessarily accepted)Any queries please contact Brenda Ralph on (07) 895-8188 or (06) 385-8364
By order of the Ruapehu District Council
Ohakune squashInter-house results from Week 7 were: Team 1 beat
Team 2 76/69; Team 3 beat Team 8 76/64; Team 4 beat Team 7 67/65; Team 5 beat Team 6 85/66.
Competition final results are: Team 2 first with 560, Team 1 second on 552 and Team 5 third on 521. Congrats to Team Two (Jackson Campbell, Roger Suckling, Campbell Harding, Kathy Pyatt, Jeff Drayton, Matt Sinclair, Ricky Deadman, Sharon Wilton, Holly Deadman and Karen Layman).
Ruapehu Zone after three rounds, Ohakune are leading on 28 points with Taihape and Waimarino second-equal on 21 points. The next round is Tuesday 13 June. Taumarunui One vs Taumarunui Two at Taumarunui, Ohakune vs Taihape at Ohakune, Ruapehu College vs Waimarino at Ohakune.
Raetihi vs Ohakune Club Night – this Thursday 8 June 2017 sees Raetihi host Ohakune in Raetihi for a Club night. Contact Shey or Roger.
Ruapehu golfQueens Birthday weekend was busy with lots of
visitors enjoying the course in ideal conditions. The club competitions were all about teams.
On Saturday Monica Battersby and Tom Spry won through to the semi-final of the Hotel Cup.
On Sunday Gareth McGuigan and Adam Hinana also progressed to the semi-finals, while the rest played in teams of three for Rex Harding Day. The winning team included David Butler, a visitor from Taranaki, and Andy Entwisle. Andy and Rex also scored twos.
Next Saturday the Zones Team travels to Waiouru to play Apiti. Sunday will be a normal club day with the stableford jackpot of $300 still ready for the taking.
It is difficult to predict whether we have reached the peak of the market, you really only know where the peak of a market is after you have been passed it, until then it’s an educated guess at best.
However, while market fundamentals are strong i.e. interest rates are low, migration continues from the larger centres, supply is outweighed by demand from buyers, prices are more likely to remain under upward pressure.
From Page 11
Property market
Ring of Fire ticks all the boxes for internationals
Competitors in the Ultra Trail Australia event held in the Blue Mountains near Sydney recently have shown a lot of interest in being part of the inaugural Ruapehu Ring of Fire Volcanic Relay, Solo Ultra and Marathon scheduled for Saturday 7 April 2018.
Ruapehu Ring of Fire organiser Nick Reader said that they had specifically targeted competitors and supporters taking part in Ultra Trail Australia, as they share the same competitive, environmental and cultural values that are central to the Ruapehu Ring of Fire.
“The Blue Mountains, where Ultra Trail Australia was held, is a world heritage area just like the Tongariro National Park, which will host the Ruapehu Ring of Fire.”
“We were very happy, but not overly surprised, at the level of excitement shown by both competitors and supporters at Ultra Trail Australia at the idea of coming over to New Zealand to take part in the inaugural Ruapehu Ring of Fire next year,” he said.
“The Ruapehu Ring of Fire ticks all the boxes for ultra-marathon competitors and their supporters.”
“The location of the event is in a dual world heritage national park combining spectacular alpine terrain and scenery, respect for cultural and environmental values, and a race that will challenge competitors physically, mentally and physically.”
“We are very confident that we will achieve our target competitor goal of 800 athletes for the 2018 event, that includes 100 internationals, and then growing that to over 1000 athletes in subsequent years.”
“With events such as the Ruapehu Ring of Fire, there are typically one or two supporters for every competitor, which could see Ruapehu hosting around 2400 event specific visitors over the event weekend and lead up to it.”
“The Ultra Trail Australia attracted 4500 competitors, which highlights the huge popularity of ultra-trail running world-wide and the potential for the Ruapehu Ring of Fire to develop into an iconic international signature-sporting event for Ruapehu and NZ.”
Entries for the Ruapehu Ring of Fire will officially open on Monday 10 July at 9am NZ time. In the interim people can find more information at www.rof.co.nz or contact Nick Reader on 021-632-721 or email [email protected].
THERE’S ONLy ONE
THING WORSE than being
talked about, is not being
talked about. If you’re not in the Bulletin,
are they talking about you?
Call us today, 06-385-8532 – we’ll get them
talking.
RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017 • 11
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 We're back for summer, 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 Ph: 06 385 8322Bottom of the Mountain Road Hosts Becks & Rodger Come 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 year round – Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4pm.
ThE POWDERKEGBottom of Mountain Road, Ohakune Ph: 06 385 8888Specialising in fresh, organic and free range food. From gourmet platters to sumptuous rack of lamb, catering from vegans to meat lovers and everyone in between. Accompanied by the largest wine and craft beer selection in the Ruapehu region. Matterhorn open 7am – 9.30am daily. Al fresco and indoor dining available from 4pm weekdays and 3pm Saturday Sunday. See you at the keg!
To include your restaurant/bar/cafe in this guide, please contact the Ruapehu Bulletin
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. Come along and try our new menu. The Spiral Cafe & Bar has a loyal following from local diners and travellers alike with a quality a la carte menu with daily specials. Enjoy spectacular views of Mounts Ruapehu, Tongariro & Ngauruhoe. Dine inside in front of the fire in winter and alfresco in the outside courtyard in summer.
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 11am til late weekdays and 9am till late weekends. 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
Power retailer wins safety award
Property market ‘very active’
More time for Raetihi concept plan feedback
From left, KCE staff at the Awards, Lace McCool, Kayla Gubb, Chris Fincham, Sandra McKenzie, Sue Burton, Rob Foster, Alex Polaschek, Matt Van Rooyen, Sande Jansen.
The Ruapehu area’s power retailer King Country Energy (KCE) has won best health and safety initiative in the small business category at the 2017 Safeguard New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards.
The win centred on keeping the company’s team of meter readers safe using a detailed, four-pronged safety approach.
It’s the first year KCE has entered the awards and CEO Rob Foster said that to win is “an outstanding achievement for the team”.
“It’s a true credit to the commitment our staff give to health and safety initiatives at KCE and will continue to give in order to keep everyone safe.
“We have five full time and five part-time meter readers who travel over
250,000km per year to 16,000 residential, commercial, and farming locations. Our meter readers face risks every day while out on the job.
“We have a responsibility to ensure we do everything within our power to minimise these risks. I’m very proud of the work the team has done with designing and implementing this health and safety initiative, and ensuring we are doing the best job possible.”
KCE’s initiative involved identifying risks, developing a Hazard Risk Register specific to its meter readers and making changes to how new meter readers are inducted at KCE.
KCE has operated in the King Country area for over 50 years and has an expanding customer base across the central North Island.
Due to requests from the community, the timeframe for public feedback on the Version One concept plans for Raetihi township revitali-sation has been extended.
Township Revitalisation project leader Mar-garet Hawthorne said that, as all the township revitalisation projects are community-led, the community will ultimately set their own pace for how quickly things proceed.
“At this stage, we have not set a new feed-back deadline date as we want to get around the various sections of the community that say they need more time to consider their response, understand how much time they feel they need,
and see if there are any other issues,” she said.“Council would also like community groups
and others to note that we are happy to attend one of their meetings to talk about the concept plans and the township revitalisation process if they want.”Intended purpose
“The level of public interest with the initial concept plans has been good and is obviously stimulating public discussion which was their intended purpose.”
“The feedback and comments received so far have been wide-ranging and have been pro-vided in a wide variety of ways including via:
Council’s website, feedback forms, verbal con-versations, Facebook, emails and even a video submission from the kids at Raetihi Primary School.”
“As the feedback comes in and is collated we are making it available on our website.”
Mrs Hawthorne said that the feedback on the Version One concept plans will be provided to the landscape architects Bespoke to inform the development of a new amended set of plans for the next round of community consultation.
“One of the important things we would like people to take on is that township revitalisation is a journey and it is important that they stay en-
gaged with the process as we progress through the up-coming stages.”
“Although the shape of the township revitali-sation projects will vary from town to town the common factor to ensuring their success is par-ticipation from local residents and other stake-holders,” she said.
“The input of ideas, energy and passion from local people is key to keeping the projects on track and making steady progress.”
“Any community group wanting to organise a meeting with council to discuss the concept plans and the township revitalisation process should contact council to organise.”
It has been a busy three months, with property markets across the King Country very active, reports Guy Hoban, registered valuer with Doyle Valuations.
“Traditionally things slow down somewhat during winter so it will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months,” he stated in his latest report.
The rural property market witnessed a slight increase in activity with 30 pastoral farms over 100ha selling in the last 12 months, just one more than last quarter, across the King Country area, says Guy Hoban.
The average size was 327ha. The median farm price fell to $1,712,500, averaging $6339 per hectare, a significant 24% increase on last quarter.
Only six dairy sales over 40ha were recorded, down from nine in the last period. The average size was 124.86ha, the median sale price rising to $3,600,000. The average sale price per hectare
increased to $26,059.The obvious trend in the rural market is that
good, well presented properties continue to attract strong demand with sales prices generally above their respective rateable values while inferior or lesser presented properties i.e. poor fertilizer history, high presence of weeds, poor infrastructure etc., are tending to transact below rateable values.
“We are beginning to see more dairy farms coming to the market as payouts increase and the optimism in the dairy industry increases. This market is certainly one to watch over the next 12 months.”
The commercial vacancy rate in Hakiaha Street Taumarunui, fell to 13% over 77 tenancies, this being below the long-term average of 18.35%. As the figures would suggest, there appears to be an increase in commercial activity though it would appear that some previously vacant spaces have
been filled on concessional rentals with limited rental growth evident.
While there have been limited sales of commercial properties, the continuing trend of modern, well leased properties continue to be sought after with yields for these types of properties generally being less than 8.5%.
Twenty eight smaller lifestyle blocks have sold over the last year in Taumarunui, with sale numbers consistent with last quarter. The average lifestyle price rose to $344,489 from $310,946, the average size at 4.88ha.
Ohakune’s median house price rose to $224,500 from $210,000. Sale numbers rose from 82 to 95 while properties on average sold 9% above their rateable values. Taumarunui residential sale numbers increased quite significantly from 145 to 170. The median house price also rose from $115,000 to $123,000 while properties on average sold 23% above rateable values.
As the statistics would suggest the residential market is very active at present with large (relative) increases in sales volumes, while value levels are also increasing. It is notable that the higher price brackets in the respective centres is particularly active, while purchasers looking for DIY projects are enjoying for the first time for many years, money spent on renovations translating into value and, in some instances, providing a margin.
Other notable trends include different value expectations between ‘out-of-towners’ and ‘locals’ with migration from the larger centres such as Hamilton and Auckland.
“We are also witnessing a number of multiple offer scenarios with purchasers competing with each other, this along with the relative shortage of listings due to the increase in sales volumes has positively impacted on value levels.”
Turn to Page 10
12 • RUAPEHU BULLETIN 6 June 2017
Carrots galore for Ohakune!Fun with carrots on Sunday in Ohakune: top left, kids are enthralled by Festus McBoyle and his pirate crew. Top right, the Isted family, Trevor, Rebecca and Cayden, made a special trip from their Auckland home for the Carnival, complete with carrot outfits. Left, Festus McBoyle high-fives with his fans. At right, Olivia Porter won the award for the most creative carrot cake. Below, carrot cake judges Anne Stuckey, at left, and Angela McCoubrie had to try the cakes two and even three times to decide the winners. Photos: Robert Milne.
