Ruapehu Bulletin

23/10/2025

Whakapapa's last laps Saturday

An update from Travis, CEO Whakapapa:
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Kia ora,
Spring has sprung a leak…so we are going to go ahead and call last ride this Saturday 25th!

Please dig out your favourite Hawaiian shirt and join us for last laps on Saturday as Whakapapa closes out the Southern Hemisphere season.

Winter 2025…what a ride. This season was a story of new momentum. From sunset DJ sessions through to inclusive celebrations and legacy-events returning, this season saw Whakapapa back in business, with a new energy.

A real highlight: the return of the North Island Primary & Intermediate Schools Ski Championships ‘NIPS’ after a six-year hiatus, here at Whakapapa from 25-27 August. This wasn’t just a race it was our signal that Whakapapa is re-investing in youth, community and development. Schools across years 1-8 travelled in to compete and after a successful programme we are confident numbers will build for 2026 and beyond.

As the winter matured, the snowmaking, grooming teams, and mother nature all played their parts. Coverage held, then eventually opened up to let us ski in the western terrain for the first time since 2023.

Perhaps a favourite chapter was the inaugural Whakapapa Adaptive Festival, held 26-28 September. This was more than another snowy weekend. It was an inclusive experience designed for adaptive skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Tailored lessons, volunteers, community, and smiles in abundance. A morning sled-session, group lessons, a fancy-dress race, even evening socials, every detail seemed aimed at belonging on the mountain.

From the first lifts spinning to the last events winding down, Winter 2025 at Whakapapa felt like a full-body embrace of what a mountain can give to its families, racers, clubbies, newcomers and experts. We’re thankful to our entire community and the Whakapapa whānau for being part of it.

My final acknowledgment must go to the staff of 25, you were something special, something that needs to be bottled! Your energy and welcome was next level and we owe you so many thanks for your effort through the ride.

Nga manaakitanga,
Travis

23/10/2025

TŪROA WINDING SEASON DOWN

Snow play, sightseeing and cafe open, but no skiing or boarding

Following is the company's announcement:

Due to the rain we've already received today and the forecast for more this evening, it's not possible to rebuild the damaged snow trails. As a result, lifts will not be operating for snowsports this weekend.

Our dedicated team and committed crew have worked tirelessly to the end of the season, rebuilding and maintaining trails, assisting guests, teaching lessons, brewing coffee, checking passes and bumping chairs, and will soon be heading off for the summer or next winter adventures. While it’s been a challenging season weather wise, the crew have made sure that manuhiri (guests) have come and had great experiences here at Turoa.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you also to you, our local partners and businesses in the rohe, whose manaakitanga (hospitality) ensures our manuhiri have an unforgettable experience. We're grateful for your support and look forward to continuing our partnerships in the future.

Saturday 25 October
With the sun forecast to shine on Saturday, we are offering the following

Free snow play at base area 9am - 2pm
Sightseeing on the Parklane Chair 10am - 2pm
Alpine Cafe 9am - 2pm (lots of specials and half price deals)
Retail and Guest services at the base 9am - 2pm (Labour weekend sales)
Tūroa HQ Ohakune 9am - 5pm (Labour weekend sales)

Sunday 26 October

Tūroa HQ, Ohakune 9am - 5pm (Labour weekend sales)

Sunday 26 will be our last operating day on mountain for 2025, our team will be fully focused on winter 2026 during the summer months, and Freddie’s will not be opening during this time. Retail at HQ on Ayr street may be open for a period in summer, but these dates/times are still to be confirmed.
Looking forward to 2026 we’re also excited to announce the first 2026 Season Passes went on sale yesterday. This sale will run until 31 October 2025, offering a limited-time, unmatched price, we want everyone to have the chance to visit in 2026. Please note: sale of passes will continue and the Local Workers Season Pass will return in 2026, but this early drop price will not be repeated or matched.

Finally, we’re proud to celebrate one of our own: Meg Hoyland, from the Tūroa Snowsports School, who has been named NZ Snowsports Instructor of the Year for 2025. Meg was presented with this award at a ceremony in Queenstown held by Snow Sports New Zealand this month.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini - the success is not alone but of a collective, it takes a village to build a child.

Ngā mihi nui see you Winter 2026

22/10/2025

PR: Horizons Regional Council:

Ruapehu District under weather watch

Manawatu-Whanganui Civil Defence bringing more staff into Emergency Coordination Centre ahead of Labour Weekend weather

Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence is stepping up resourcing in its Emergency Coordination Centre in response to forecast Labour Weekend weather.

Tararua District is under a heavy wind warning from 10am today until 3am tomorrow, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.

Horowhenua District is under a heavy wind warning from 9am until 7pm today, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.

The Tararua Range is under a heavy rain warning from 10am until 8pm today. Expect 80 to 100 mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm per hour.

There is also a heavy rain watch for Tongariro National Park from 3pm until 11pm today. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a warning.

Group controller Craig Grant says staff have been monitoring the situation throughout the week, but more staff are being brought in to support the region’s response.

“With many watches and warnings across the region, and the worst of the weather forecast to come through this afternoon and evening, we are ensuring we are prepared for any situation. Staff are rostered throughout the weekend, including into the evening.

“We are in contact with district and city council emergency management teams, as well as partner agencies such as emergency services and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, to ensure everyone has what they need to respond to local issues.

Mr Grant says people should take the time to prepare.

“While Horowhenua, Tararua and Ruapehu are under watches and warnings, the weather will also impact other parts of the region – such as Manawatū and Palmerston North.

“There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry.

“Further damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles such as campervans and lighter vehicles such as motorcycles.

“People travelling to the area for camping or recreation during the long weekend should ensure they are prepared for the weather. Take plenty of supplies, and be sure to have a radio with a list of key frequencies.”

Residents should drive to the conditions and, if possible, avoid any unessential travel, Mr Grant says.

“Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, so we may see hazards across our roading network. Please stay home if you can and keep up to date with the weather conditions.”

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one and you can keep up to date with any key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence page.

“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”

17/10/2025

SH3, SH4, SH43 UPDATE - from 1.30pm
Downer advise that SH3, SH4 and SH43 will be OPEN to two lanes later today:
• SH3 Awakino between Mokau and Piopio will REOPEN TODAY at approximately 3pm.
• SH4 between SH43 and SH3 will REOPEN TODAY at approximately 5pm.
• SH43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona will REOPEN TODAY at approximately 5pm.

Thank you to the crews and subcontractors who have worked hard to reinstate access for road users and the community as quickly as possible.

Further works are required to repair damage caused by this week’s heavy rainfall and high floodwaters, which will recommence from Monday 20 October.

These sections of SH3, SH4 and SH43 will have multiple sites under stop/go traffic controls over the coming 2-3 weeks, and road users can expect additional travel times of approximately 40-60 minutes in these areas.

More wet weather is forecast across parts of the region in the coming week. Slips and other hazards can occur without warning, so please drive to the conditions.

*END*

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14/10/2025

BULLETIN DELAYED:

Due to the flooding road closures in the northern areas, our printer's delivery truck was not able to get our papers to our couriers last night.

The Ruapehu Bulletin will be delivered on Thursday morning.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay.

24/09/2025

Eruption seminar postponed

Following is a message from the organisers of "Ruapehu 30 years on... A Volcano Science & Risk Management Workshop":

Kia ora,

We are writing to you with some difficult news. In light of the recent passing of Ta Tumu Te Heuheu, paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, we have made the decision to postpone the Ruapehu 30 years on... A Volcano Science & Risk Management Workshop.

This decision has been made out of respect for this significant loss and to allow the community, including our iwi partners, the appropriate time and space to mourn. Ta Tumu Te Heuheu's leadership and legacy were deeply connected to the whenua and its people, and it is vital that we acknowledge this.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse any costs for accommodation or transport that you may have already booked.
We will notify you of the new workshop dates once they have been confirmed.

Thank you for your understanding.

Ngā mihi,

Agnes Mazot

On behalf of the Organising Committee

22/09/2025

Ngāti Tūwharetoa chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu has died

By Pokere Paewai, Māori issues reporter for Radio New Zealand

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, the ariki and paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, has died. He was 84.

In a statement, Te Kapua Whakapipi the Office of the Ariki confirmed his passing.

"We the people of Tūwharetoa and Te Whare o Te Heuheu are bereft at the loss of our humble chief, Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII.

"Born on the shores of Little Waihi to the late Ariki Sir Hepi Te Heuheu and Lady Pauline Te Heuheu, Sir Tumu leaves behind a proud legacy.

"His life was dedicated to the people, the whenua and the maunga. He passed peacefully with his wife, Lady Susan Te Heuheu and whānau by his side."

People pay their respects at Tuurangawaewae Marae, on the third day of the tangi for Kiingi Tuheitia, 1 September, 2024.Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII at the tangi of Kiingi Tuheitia in 2024. Photo: Supplied/ Kiingitanga - Tuteri Rangihaeata
Sir Tumu leaves behind a legacy of commitment to iwi, hapū and to the environment. He succeeded his father as ariki in 1997.

He was appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 for services to conservation, and in 2009 he accepted redesignation as Sir under the Knight Companion rank.

Sir Tumu was the first New Zealander to chair UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, and instrumental in Tongariro National Park becoming one of the first places in the world to be granted dual World Heritage status in 1993, recognising both its cultural and natural values.

In August in an interview with The Hui, he called for the return of Tongariro National Park to Māori. His ancestor Horonuku Te Heuheu enacted a tuku of the three volcanic peaks in 1887.

From left Ngati Tuwharetoa Paramount Chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, Corrections Minister Pesta Sam Lotu-liga and Tuwharetoa Settlement Trust chairman Dylan Tahau at Rongomai Marae.Ngati Tuwharetoa Paramount Chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu (left) with then Corrections Minister Pesta Sam Lotu-liga and Tuwharetoa Settlement Trust chairman Dylan Tahau at Rongomai Marae. Photo: Supplied
But Sir Tumu said the tuku had not been received or treated in the way it was intended. The intention was "to bring our people together, to bring the Crown and Māoridom together", he said.

"But also to ensure that the Tongariro Maunga was well protected. And by doing that, the Crown wasn't in support at that time in his request. So they declared the National Park over the taonga."

When it comes to the tuku, the relationship between Tūwharetoa and the Crown had never improved, he said.

"The relationship has never improved, if I can put it that way. It's a tono that we continually bring forward in the hope that the Crown will, at some stage, do what's right... Doing what's right is about working collectively for the benefit of our people. The unity with the Crown and with our people, it will never change."

18/09/2025

27/08/2025

Ohakune Squash

A new round of Ohakune Squash Club’s inter-house started last week. Results from the first round had three clear winners. Tecnifibe beat Head 104/71, Karakal beat Dunlop 104/73, Salming beat Usquashable 100/74 and Prince got 80 for the bye. The draw for this Thursday is 5:00pm Unsquashable vs Dunlop, 6:30pm Head vs Prince 8:00pm Karakal vs Tecnifibre and Salming has the bye. The kitchen is again providing meals with proceeds going towards teams traveling to Superchamps national finals later in September.

The Ruapehu Zone Interclub doubles competition finished the first round last week with all teams in Turangi. Ohakune picked up its third win.

The junior Prince series finished with a final round held at the Rangitikei Squash club in Marton last Sunday. Casey Shields finished fourth overall out of all the girls and Ocean Thompson finished fifth out of all the boys. Juniors can now look forward to the Ruapehu Tecnifibre series that will start next month. Two tournaments will be held at each of Ohakune, Turangi, Taihape, Taumarunui and Raetihi clubs. Unlike the Prince series the tournaments will be open to all grades. The first is scheduled for Ohakune on 7 September. Entries can be made through My-Squash.

Local player, Hana Harding, headed off to Cairns in Australia this week to compete in the NZ secondary schools team against their Australian counterparts in the annual trans-Tasman clash. Ruapehu College teacher, Matthew Laurenson, is also travelling as coach of the boys’ team. Hana picked up wins in both her first two encounters against her New South Wales and Queensland counterparts earlier this week with team winning both clashes as well.

13/08/2025

A message from Forgotten World Adventures

We Are Hiring!
One of New Zealand's leading tourism operators is recruiting Tour Guides, Safety Conductors, Bus Drivers and Food Heroes/ Lunchies to join our talented and friendly team for the upcoming season!
Passionate about the Ruapehu/ King Country/ Taranaki regions?
Enjoy meeting new people and working outdoors?
Love the local history?
Is this you or someone you know..?

Check out the Careers page on our website for more details on each role.
Full training provided
Full and part-time positions available
Successful applicants must be available from 30th September 2025 to 9th May 2026.
All roles based in Taumarunui, North Island NZ
Applications close Friday 29th August 2025.
Please send CV and cover letter to [email protected].
www.fwa.co.nz

22/07/2025

Tūroa's High Noon Express to open on Saturday

Tūroa Ski Area has announced the opening of the High Noon Express chairlift this Saturday, marking the first weekend of the 2025 ski season delivering a top-to-bottom skiing experience on Mt Ruapehu.

The opening of the High Noon Express represents a significant milestone for Tūroa, providing access to the mountain's flagship terrain and offering skiers and snowboarders the full mountain experience they've been waiting for.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer guests top to bottom skiing for the first time this winter on Tūroa’s premier terrain,” said Jono Dean, Tūroa Chief Executive.

“The weather for Saturday is looking mint so we’re preparing for a busy weekend up the mountain. We encourage guests to pre-purchase their passes online or at Tūroa HQ in Ohakune, which means there’s more time to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Freddie’s prior to hitting the slopes for a big day of riding,” added Jono.

Alongside the terrain opening, key mountain facilities will come online to support the increased capacity. The Giant Café and Snowflake Big Mountain Burgers will be operational, providing more dining options for visitors throughout the day. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, The Giant Café will feature a DJ on Saturday, creating the perfect après-ski vibe for the season opener.

With strong interest expected for the first full weekend of operations, Tūroa is encouraging advance planning to make the most of the mountain experience.

Tūroa HQ on the corner of Ayr and Goldfinch Street in Ohakune remains open for pass purchases and mountain information, while online purchasing continues to be the most convenient option for securing lift passes ahead of arrival.

15/07/2025

Ruapehu and Whanganui to Form Joint Water Services Entity

MEDIA RELEASE: RDC

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) will join with Whanganui District Council (WDC) to form a two-council Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) to deliver future water services under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform programme.

RDC had voted to support the two-council WS-CCO model at its meeting on 9 July, with the decision contingent on WDC confirming its preference to partner with Ruapehu. That confirmation came today, with WDC elected members voting 8–5 in favour of the joint model.

Chief Executive Clive Manley welcomed the confirmation and said it was an important milestone that enables both councils to begin work on the detailed planning and implementation.

“This has been a long and complex process, and a significant amount of work has gone into getting us to this point,” said Mr Manley.

“Now that we have clarity and agreement from both councils, staff can progress the necessary steps to implement the new water services delivery model. Until we had confirmation of our partner council, there were key aspects we simply couldn’t move forward on.”

The immediate priority will be the development of a joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) with WDC.

This plan must demonstrate how the proposed two-council WS-CCO meets the Government’s legislative requirements - particularly around financial sustainability - and must be submitted to the Minister of Local Government for approval by 3 September 2025.

“Given ministerial approval of the WSDP, Council staff will be working closely with Whanganui to operationalise the new WS-CCO as quickly as possible,” said Mr Manley.

“The target is for the WS-CCO to be fully operational by mid-2027. In the meantime, water users in Ruapehu will continue to be serviced by our existing provider, Veolia, with no change to service levels.”

Mr Manley noted that WDC had also voted to include stormwater services in the new WS-CCO.

Ruapehu is still considering whether to transfer its stormwater services or retain them in-house. This decision will not impact the establishment of the WS-CCO.

“We’ll make a decision on stormwater in due course, but it doesn’t prevent us from moving forward with the rest of the WS-CCO implementation,” he said.

Mr Manley added that this partnership builds on the strong history of collaboration between the two councils.

“This new water services partnership adds to a growing list of shared services between Ruapehu and Whanganui.

Both councils are committed to continuing to explore opportunities that improve efficiency and reduce costs for our communities.”