Podcasts about mt ruapehu

Marcus talks volcanic eruptions, in particular the 1995 eruption of Mt Ruapehu. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 30 years since Mt Ruapehu erupted in 1995, a major event that captured the county's attention. RNZ journalist Stephen Parker spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, senior doctors and dentists have walked off the job in a 48-hour strike that began at midnight, we've been talking about the decline in people learning to drive manual cars, but in some industries knowing how to drive stick isn't just handy, it's a must, a new deal will see domestically sourced coal available as back-up fuel during electricity shortages, Labour says the government's lost control of the economy and New Zealanders are paying the price, It's been 30 years since Mt Ruapehu erupted in 1995, a major event that captured the county's attention

A group of six people who were caught in an avalanche in the backcountry of Mt Ruapehu were extremely lucky no-one was hurt according to the NZ Mountain safety council. The group had reported being near the Summit Plateau on Friday when the avalanche happened. Their report to the NZ Avalanche Advisory said four people had become partially buried - one had only their face and arm exposed - and another was completely buried except for their hand sticking out. Everyone was dug out within 10 minutes and no injuries were reported. NZ Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Family and friends of a woman who died on Mt Ruapehu still long to know how she ended up climbing in dangerous conditions they believe were well beyond her ability. Katie Todd has the story.

The wondrous Ruapehu region never ceases to amaze me at its capacity to stir all senses, from its expansive platter of leisurely outdoorsy pursuits. It easily ranks as one of my all-time favourite playgrounds in New Zealand and I have revelled in its glories via a multitude of modes in recent years. I have savoured exceptional mountain bike trails, jet boating, quad biking and world-class hiking. Not to mention skiing. But in the autumn months, why not head to the heart of Tongariro National Park and take a ride to the summit of Ruapehu from Whakapapa village? The radiant Sky Waka, New Zealand's longest gondola ride, fully warrants the stature as a signature Kiwi experience. I've always been in awe of the alpine engineering audacity of the Swiss – and the Sky Waka absolutely projects that same sense of spine-tingling prowess. Spanning 1.8km from the base station and zipping you up 390m, Whakapapa's dramatically serrated volcanic landscape sweeps you up, as you gawp in wonder out of the glasshouse-like cabin, luxuriously appointed with heated leather seating! Situated at 2,020m above sea level, the cherry on top is Whakapapa Ski Area's Knoll Ridge Chalet which is New Zealand's highest café. As you gush superlatives over the horizon-searching views, it's a novel perch to enjoy coffee from Pātaka, drinks in The Back Bar, or nosh in style while marvelling at the skyline from Knoll Ridge's giant floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking The Pinnacles. I highly recommend “Tea at 2020m”, Whakapapa's stirring take on traditional high tea. It's actually considered the highest high tea on the planet, with a delectable tiered stand of sandwiches, savouries and cakes to work your way through. It's currently available until the end of April, prior to the mountain's seasonal switch to winter activities. After feasting on far too many tasty morsels, the mountain trails were calling. There are over 10km of marked trails to strike out on, ranging from 20 minute strolls to 3 hours return alpine hikes. Without its snow-coat, it's a compelling way to admire the dramatic terrain and its mash-up of volcanic rock, pumice, scoria and sand. Close to Chateau Tongariro, there's a stack of tasty wee tracks. The Tawhai Falls walk is a heart-stealer, leading you through mountain toatoa and beech forest to a waterfall tumbling over the edge of an ancient lava flow. It's one of two waterfalls used in Lord of the Rings that depicted Gollum fishing, hence its nickname is Gollum's Pool. (Mangawhero Falls, very close to Waitonga Falls, is the other location that was cast as Gollum's Pool.) It was sad to see the sorry sight of the moth-balled Chateau Tongariro, although the local rumour mill suggests a wealthy Irish businessman is a hot prospect to breathe new life into the grand lady. Just behind the Chateau, Taranaki Falls is a return walk for even grander waterworks. Passing through a mix of tussock, alpine shrublands and beech forest, the track wraps around the lower slopes of Ruapehu, with vintage views of Ngauruhoe's symmetrical cone. A flock of native birds, including whiteheads and grey warblers, serenaded my stroll all the way to Taranaki Falls, tumbling 20 metres over the edge of a large andesite lava flow which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. If you're up for a half-day advanced hike, I definitely recommend the Tupapakura Falls walk. It starts just out of National Park village, on Fishers Road. The track has been upgraded by the local community in partnership with the Department of Conservation. It begins with an easy 20 minute walk to the Taranaki Lookout, serving up panoramic wide-range perspectives of Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu. Beyond this point, the trail becomes a back country adventure track, which will test your stamina in the Erua Forest. The track follows a ridge and then descends steeply to a stream. There are good stands of tawa, mature rimu, miro and totara to see along the way. Climbing from the stream, the track winds its way around bluffs to a sparkling lookout point with views of the long-drop falls. You'll need at least four hours to knock off this 11km long track. Refuel? Reward yourself with a thirst-quencher at Schnapps Bar & Restaurant in National Park Village. Heading south? Synonymous with Ohakune as much as carrots, the famed main-street Chocolate Éclair Shop is worth the trip alone. Sinking your teeth into one of their celebrated giant cream-filled, chocolate-topped pastries is one of life's great pleasures. Just north of town, a curious diversion is Horopito Motors. It's featured in two classic Kiwi flicks, Smash Palace and Goodbye Pork Pie. Nicknamed Smash Palace, for a gold coin donation, you can see some film memorabilia and have a look around the yard. It's quite a yard – more like a vast car graveyard because Smash Palace are the biggest vintage car dismantlers in Australasia. It's like an enormous op-shop for old cars. They sell parts around the world for cars made between the 1920s-1970s and also for some early models that were built before WW1. The on-site museum also includes owner Colin Fredricksen's favourite car restorations on display. Back in my Ezi Car Rental vehicle, I was bound for Taumarunui, but I also enjoyed a short layover in the pint-sized village of Owhango, to reacquaint myself with Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve. Just over a decade ago a group of passionate local residents banded together to bring the birdlife back to this unlogged native podocarp forest, mercifully spared from the ravages of historic milling. This glorious slice of wilderness is on the boundary of Tongariro Forest Park and is now one of our national kiwi sanctuaries. It's also home to a vast flock native bird species including the whio (blue duck), dabchick, whitehead, North Island robin and kereru. Take a stroll on the 3.8km loop track around the reserve for some seriously soothing forest-bathing. I gave a massive 600 year old totara tree a fresh hug, after first marvelling over this mighty specimen four years ago. Yes, I'm still a happy little tree-hugger. I romped my way around the Ruapehu region in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They're everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz The drama and grandeur of Ruapehu is power-packed as a year-round wonderland for outdoorsy adventure. Crowned by the triple volcanoes of the central plateau and the majestic Tongariro National Park, make tracks to the wide open spaces and hospitality charms of Ruapehu. www.visitruapehu.com Mike Yardley is our Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In all my travels, I've never encountered anything quite like it, particularly given its magnitude. Prising open the mighty King Country, Forgotten World Adventures (FWA) offers remarkable excursions, riding the rails of an abandoned railway line, stretching from the northern tip of the Ruapehu District to heartland Taranaki. It's not only an enduring totem to our guts-and-glory pioneering heritage but a more modern-day manifestation of gritty Kiwi ingenuity – and repurposing! Based in Taumarunui, FWA is an incredibly enterprising tourism venture boasting a compelling platter of soft adventure excursions, prising open the legends, heritage and unspoilt scenery of the hinterland. Forgotten World Adventures re-opened 142 kilometres of this decommissioned railway line in 2012, including 24 tunnels and 92 bridges – all built from hand. Founded by Ian Balme, this Waikato farmer dared to dream big, turning a mothballed rusting eyesore into a visionary business. For the past three years, FWA has been owned and operated by Grant Ross and Laura Wackett. They both have a fascinating backstory, principally in international television production, while Grant was also previously a professional rugby player in South Africa and France. Originally from Wellington, Grant is revelling in steering a homegrown enterprise, which was quite the baptism of fire given New Zealand was still wrestling with Covid when he purchased the business. He's very hands-on and highly engaging with guests. It was fascinating to chat to him about the challenges and rewards of the job – like when a massive storm buried the tunnel entrances in a pile of mud! The prohibitive costs of constant track maintenance underpinned KiwiRail's decision to pull the plug on the line's operation in 2010. Taking nearly 32 years to build, the Stratford – Okahukura Line (SOL) finally opened in 1932 and linked up with the main trunk line through Taumarunui to Auckland. Working gangs sawed and blasted their way through the bush-draped hinterland to lay the tracks of this steel artery. It cost 2.5 million pounds to build this line, equating to billions of dollars today – the most expensive rail line in our nation's history. They even built massive timber-trestle viaducts across the likes of the Mangatatoko Ravine, now overgrown in bush, because it would have been too difficult to maintain such a sky-high bridge. The engineering prowess was extraordinary. The line had been commissioned to transport products from the emerging farming, coal and logging industries. At its peak, there were 15 stations in operation on this line – now, concrete platforms serve as sobering memorial slabs to a bygone age. FWA operate six unique guided adventures, whether you're after a half-day excursion, full day or multi-day adventure. If you want to ride the entire 142km-long line to Stratford, that's a two-day affair, but I plumped for the full-day rail car ride to the self-declared Republic of Whangamōmona. You can do it one-way in either direction, with a night's stay in the irrepressible Whangamōmona Hotel. The historic hotel was built in 1912 and the area's proud history is lustily showcased on the pub walls. But full drama ensued in 1989when Whangamōmona threw a strop and declared its independence. It was prompted by local government reforms which carved up the boundaries of the Whangamōmona district, which resulted in half the district ending up in Manawatu-Whanganui, when most folk associate themselves with the Taranaki region. So they declared independence in the pub and continue celebrating Republic Day in January. You can even get your passport stamped at the pub counter. You'll love the ebullient spirit of the hotel and its patrons, with excellent meals and comfortable accommodation. Arriving into the main street, with its heritage shop facades, you'll feel like you've been transported into a Wild West movie set. It's utterly enthralling, and home to one of New Zealand's legendary watering holes. Meeting up with my FWA guide Ray, we set off from Whangamōmona, under bright blue skies, for our full-day ride back to Okahukura. Ray knows this wild region intimately, guiding since 2016 and prior to that delivering rural mail. He was an exceptional host on the rails, informative and effusively passionate about the region's rich heritage. This is certainly no train ride, but a unique self-drive rail journey in converted golf carts, where you're in charge of the pedals. Petrol powered and limited to a top speed of 22km an hour, these souped-up golf carts originate from Arizona, but given the lush and vivid greenness of the surrounding landscape, they certainly don't look out of place. I was half expecting a vast fairway to appear on the horizon. The weirdest initiation is feeling comfortable not steering the wheel, because you're firmly affixed to the rails. No turning required! The mining and milling heyday of the Forgotten World region may have long faded but the wrap-around scenery is deliriously drool-worthy, a blend of the bucolic, wistful, lonely and rustic. Animals vastly outnumber people in these parts, as we tootled by goats, deer, alpacas and happy herds of cows on elevated pastures, while a vast flock of freshly-sheared sheep skipped alongside the line, under the watchful eye of crowd-wrangling sheepdogs. Clattering along the tracks in our carts, curling through valleys and creased hills, we traversed lichen covered bridges spanning rivers, while more lichen streamed down from trees like confetti. We threaded our way through magnificent native forest, particularly around Tangarakau, where kiwi are being re-introduced to the bush. Towering papa cliffs rose up beside the railway line adding to the natural splendour. Reaching out on the eastern horizon, I snatched the occasional view of mighty Mt Ruapehu, piercing the skyline, by Tahora Saddle. The King Country's tightly folded steep-sided hills and starkly contrasting curvaceous hummocks, created by lahars from Taupo and Ruapehu eruptions, make for riveting topography. The Egyptians would be suitably impressed, because of all the pyramidal shapes that sharply point at the sky. The verdant countryside is sprinkled with clutches of ramshackle houses and dilapidated farm buildings, strutting the skyline as reminders of the region's boom times, when primary industries like timber-milling and coal-mining thrived. When in season, you can even pick wild blackberries, blueberries and apples from the railway line. It's sobering to reflect on how dramatically the population has changed in some of these settlements. A delicious buffet lunch awaited us in Tokirima, which FWA staff had prepared in advance of our arrival. We also stopped for scrumptious home-made snacks and a hot cuppa in the sleepy village of Matiere. It's still home to around 40 residents – and a thriving Cossie Club. At its peak, 85 years ago, Matiere had a population of 750, built on saw-milling and farmers breaking in land. This pioneering town once included a dairy factory, three general stores, two butchers, two drapers, a tailor, bank and post office. Information posts along the route, complete with historical photographs, illustrate how bustling many of these lineside communities used to be. But the undeniable highlight of riding these storied rails are the brick-lined tunnels laid by hand and the longest tunnel on the line, spanning 1500 metres. Apparently it comprises 3.5 million bricks and took eight years to build! Boring through these tunnels on our carts was absolutely thrilling. It certainly pays to wrap up warm. They can be bone-chillingly cold. The 1500 metre tunnel, known as the Okahukura Tunnel, is actually New Zealand's seventh longest rail tunnel. Adding to its ethereal theatre, a thick mist draped the middle of the tunnel, before we re-emerged from the darkness into spectacularly sunlit native bush. Rail travel has always exuded romanticism. The supreme sense of scenic intimacy is unmatched by road travel and the novelty of piloting your own passage along the tracks is an undeniable winner with the Kiwi DIY love affair. While in Taumarunui, my head hit the pillow at the Forgotten World Motel. My well-appointed unit was clean, quiet and toasty, the beds are cloud-comfortable and there's free Wi-Fi. The rail excursion season rolls on until May 10, before resuming again on October. Make tracks! For full details on the FWA product range, head to www.fwa.co.nz I romped my way around the Ruapehu region in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They're everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz The drama and grandeur of Ruapehu is power-packed as a year-round wonderland for outdoorsy adventure. Crowned by the triple volcanoes of the central plateau and the majestic Tongariro National Park, make tracks to the wide open spaces and hospitality charms of Ruapehu. www.visitruapehu.com Mike Yardley is our Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Pike is one of our low-key legends who is a world-class story teller, with an exceptional story to tell. In 2007 he was guiding a friend to the summit of Ruapehu when the mountain erupted. As a layer of rocks, water and mud rained down on his Dome shelter, he was crushed and critically injured. When he next woke up in hospital, his leg was gone. Doctors called William's survival a miracle, but his crushed right leg had to be amputated below the knee. After a long series of surgeries and a gruelling rehabilitation, William learned to walk again with a prosthetic limb – and what he's done with his life since is equally remarkable and inspiring. This episode is gripping. William's harrowing account of being trapped on the mountain, anticipating death will stick with you. The community that rallied to save and support him in the rescue and rehab will  warm your heart – and how he's used the adversity to thrive in life will inspire. You'll love this one. We're also super stoked to announce that William has joined us at B2B Speakers and is available to share his story at your function or event. As you're about to hear, William is one of the best speakers in NZ and you can now get him to your work or event by flicking us a message at B2Bspeakers.co.nz. Also check out our epic lineup of former guests available for hire too. And while there sign up to our weekly newsletter with all the biggest news from us and the podcasting space in NZ.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snow season is fast approaching but the North Island's only commercial ski field has an uncertain future

Mount Ruapehu has got a wobble on, with seismic data showing unusual clusters of small earthquakes on the mountain. The movement started in early March and was initially so small it was hard to pick up. But on some day there's up to six shakes and they can go on and on. GNS Volcanologist Steve Sherburn speaks to Lisa Owen.

Businesses that rely on Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa slopes are popping the corks after the government announced a 7 million dollar cash injection for the ski field. Meanwhile, those on the other side of the mountain are waiting for the Turoa sale to be finalised. Any celebrations though may be dampened by a dose of reality from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who says there's no more money after this. Jimmy Ellingham is in National Park.

A central North Island iwi says Māori have been sidelined yet again in the latest decisions on the future of Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa Skifield. The Government announced yesterday that it will provide seven million dollars to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to ensure the ski season goes ahead while a buyer is sought for the business. But a local hapu say the plans amount to another slap in the face for Māori. Aiden Gilbert is the chair of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua - a collective of these hapū.

The Government remains adamant there will be no further bailouts for Mount Ruapehu's struggling ski field beyond this year.  Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to operate this season.  The company, which has been in receivership since October last year, has been operating on funds from a previous bailout.  Regional Development Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking that the latest support will definitely be the last.  He says he's got no mandate to offer more money and is calling this bailout the "last chance saloon".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's promising a further loan to Mount Ruapehu skifields, giving certainty to local operators and communities. Cabinet has agreed to provide just over $10 million to ensure this year's ski season can go ahead. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is great news for skiers- but the timing isn't great for the Government amid existing financial concerns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North hospital is flying in a doctor from Australia, there are more cuts at Massey University, Whakapapa Holdings has pulled out of taking over Mt Ruapehu skifield assets, and Jimmy has an update on teenager, Carson Harvey who required costly specialist surgery in London.

The future of Mt Ruapehu is again shrouded in uncertainty after the presumed buyer Whakapapa ski slopes buyer walked away. A government rescue package meant skiing could at last take place on the mountain's two slopes last winter, and there were hopes this year would provide yet more certainty. However, with the Whakapapa deal now up in smoke, the region's tourism businesses are nervous. Jimmy Ellingham reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346461567112

Top stories for 9 February 2024 The battle lines have been drawn after the axing of Auckland's Regional Fuel Tax. We cross to Southland where residents of Bluecliffs are worried their homes will be swept into the Waiau River. The US Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a crucial case that will decide whether Donald Trump is eligible to run for President. We examine the future of Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa skifield.

It's never too early to turn back. That's the message from police after two trampers lost on Ruapehu had a slow painful walk off the mountain, helped down by a volunteer rescue team on Monday. Bad weather, including fog and torrential rain, closed in the couple as they reached the crater lake; they lost the path and ended up wandering lost for hours. Lisa Owen speaks to Constable Mark Bolten. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345854356112

Business owners and locals in the shadows of Mt Ruapehu are eagerly awaiting some certainty about the future of the mountain. Discussions are still ongoing between the companies bidding to take over operations on the mountain, and interested parties, such as the local iwi, and the Department of Conservation. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

The future of Mount Ruapehu's skifields remain up in the air. The Tuwharetoa iwi group has abandoned its bid to take over the liquidated Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton says there are reports the iwi now plans to take legal action, if the sale isn't stopped. He says it's a sad situation. "They thought they were going to be bidding- then they come in out of left field and say that they're not going to support a new bidder to actually go ahead with this negotiation."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mother of an 11-year-old killed in a bus crash on Mt Ruapehu has told a court of her anguish at losing her daughter. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts was operating the shuttle bus that overturned after its brakes failed halfway down the steep Turoa ski field road. The company pleaded guilty earlier this year to health and safety charges and appeared in the Waitakere District court yesterday for sentencing. Rayssa Almeida reports.

This week on Tomorrow's World, Leilani and Rawan look into the upcoming, cost covered Girl's on Ice Aotearoa expedition for 15-16 year old girls. This is an 11 day expidition in Mt Ruapehu focused on earth science, art and the outdoors and is a part of the Inspiring Girl's Orginisation. Rawan spoke with Lauren Vargo, researcher at the Antarctic research centre in Victoria University and director of the Girl's on Ice about what the programme is about and why it is important. 

Are all snowflakes really unique? What makes some snow better for skiing? And what's the difference between snow and hail? Join Alison Ballance and Katy Gosset as they hit the slopes of Mt Ruapehu and discover a science wonderland of snow.

Dust off your thermal undies and sharpen your edges, we're back; that's the message from the operators of the beleagured Mt Ruapehu ski fields. Despite financial uncertainity, a $5 million government bail-out means the mountain is able to open tomorrow for the winter season. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts that runs the Whakapapa and Turoa Ski field went into liquidation last week after creditors failed to agree on who should take over the operation. Decision on its long term future could be months away. In the meantime, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is reopening the fields tomorrow. Chief executive Jono Dean spoke to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6330347915112

Ohakune businesses and locals are breathing a sigh of relief that this year's Mt Ruapehu ski season has been saved.  A $5 million guarantee from the government allows the Tūroa and Whakapapa ski fields to open from Saturday despite Ruapehu Alpine Lifts being in liquidation. And for now, life pass holders can still ski. Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

Optimism has turned to despair and frustration for businesses in the shadow of Mt Ruapehu, after creditors of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts yesterday failed to endorse a new ownership proposal. Instead RAL today went into liquidation and the future of the Tūroa and Whakapapa ski fields remains uncertain. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham filed this report from Ohakune. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6329821638112

The future of skiing on Mt Ruapehu is reaching a critical point with a watershed creditors meeting set for next week. Cabinet has agreed to support separate private bidders to run Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields after the previous operator, Ruapehu Alpine lifts, went into voluntary administration last year, owing millions of dollars. Whakapapa Holdings Ltd and Pure Turoa are separately seeking to purchase the assets of the respective ski areas, and want to open for skiing and boarding in the coming weeks. However a group of life pass holders are putting up a separate proposal to keep the ski areas in community ownership. Next Tuesday RAL creditors - including that block of life pass holders, will vote on the proposals. Meanwhile local iwi have criticised the process, saying they have not been adequately consulted. Kathryn speaks with head of Whakapapa Holdings, former Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas' chief executive Dave Mazey; and Sam Clarkson Life Pass Holders' representative and local business operator.

Cabinet has late this afternoon agreed to support separate private bidders running Mt Ruapehu's ski fields after the previous operater fell into volunteer administration. Regional Econonomic Development Minister Kiri Allan says the two preferred bidders are Whakapapa Holdings Limited and Pure Tūroa Limited. In the face of criticism that officials haven't adequaletly consulted with local iwi and hapū, Ms Allan says the government will work closely with them over their interests and relationship with the mountain. Jimmy Ellingham has the story, and Kiri Allan talks to Lisa Owen.   

The government is promising to consult closely with local iwi and hapu over the future the Mt Ruapehu ski fields. Cabinet has agreed to support separate private bidders running the ski fields after the previous operator fell into volunteer administration. Regional Economic Development Minister Kiri Allan says the two preferred bidders are Whakapapa Holdings Limited and Pure Turoa Limited, whose respective bids to run the slopes will be considered at a creditors' meeting next week. Hayden Turoa, from Whanganui and Ruapehu hapu grouping Te Patutokotoko, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

After years of Covid disruption, a poor snow season and uncertainty around the future of Mt Ruapehu's ski fields, people in the North Island town of Ohakune have something to smile about. They're basking in the news that new operators for the mountain's ski slopes could be around the corner. Jimmy Ellingham has more.

A group of life-time pass-holders is hoping to crowd-fund millions of dollars to keep Mt Ruapehu's two skifields - Whakapapa and Turoa - in public hands. Its current operator, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts went into voluntary administration in October following a poor season and covid distruption. Our reporter Robin Martin has more.

As mountains get warmer with our changing climate, what will happen to the iconic alpine plants that live at high altitude? Claire Concannon visits the moonscape slopes of Mt Ruapehu with a team of researchers using an experimental set-up that's part-greenhouse, part-UFO.

What will happen to our iconic alpine plants in a warmer and wetter world? Claire Concannon visits Mt Ruapehu with a research team investigating the future for mountain flora.

The company that operates Mt Ruapehu's ski slopes has announced it will sell season passes for 2023 - despite being in voluntary administration. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts made the call during a period of uncertainty for the region, including the abrupt closure of Chateau Tongariro last month. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham has more.

Today on The Panel Wallace and panellists Anna Dean and David Farrar discuss the dropping immunisation rates among young people. Plus, they discuss Mayor Wayne Brown's criticism of Auckland's Art Gallery and Mt Ruapehu's ski fields receiving a six million dollar lifeline.

Life pass holders for Mt Ruapehu's troubled ski fields have two more days to indicate whether they're willing to stump up funds to help save Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.

Mt Ruapehu skifield's decision to farewell a third of their workforce and limit operations has left Ohakune businesses shocked and heartbroken.

One of the warmest wettest winters on record has put the skids on Mt Ruapehu's ski season, and cost 130 workers their jobs. That's a third of the staff working on the mountain's two main ski fields. The off-piste weather has hit the natural snow on both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas, but has also made it hard to create machine-made snow. Tūroa is closed for the rest of the week with the operators saying it will need a significant snow dump to reopen. Mike Wiggins is the owner of TCB Ski, Board & Bike Ohakune. He talks to Lisa Owen.  

Top stories for 25 August 2022 Countdown and Foodstuffs are told to loosen their grip on the wholesale market. Newly independdent MP Gaurav Sharma lashes out at the outgoing Speaker, Trevor Mallard Also a third of workers at Mt Ruapehu's skifields lose their jobs because there's no snow. And Manawatu and Whanganui could soon be home to a new "friendly" foreign wasp

The axing of a third of the staff at Mt Ruapehu's skifields is sending reverberations across the region. About 135 people have lost their jobs, as one of the warmest, wettest winters on record leaves the slopes at Whakapapa and Turoa almost bare of snow. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which runs the two skifields, says Turoa is now closed and will require a significant snow dump to reopen. Ruapehu District Deputy Mayor Karen Ngatai spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Echo loves rolling in the snow but he has an important job to do while he's in the white stuff. He's an avalanche rescue dog and we are out with him and his handler keeping up his finely tuned skills to help save lives on the slopes and in the back country.

Snowseekers have struck it lucky overnight, with a big dump of snow at Mt Ruapehu. Earlier in the week Checkpoint reported on the barren and rocky skifields of Turoa and Whakapapa - in the middle of the school holidays. But there's been 70cm of snowfall in 24 hours.. raising hopes the chairlifts can fire into life this weekend. Turoa Ski Area Manager Johan Bergman has the details. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6309862824112

Volcanic activity on Mount Ruapehu is settling down again after a period of strong tremors over the weekend. The tremors increased sharply and fluctuated between moderate and strong levels on Friday night. GNS volcanologist Geoff Kilgour spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Residents of the Central North Island town of Ohakune are optimistic a booming winter is on the way after two years of Covid uncertainty. And although warnings about volcanic activity on Mt Ruapehu are posing some concern, the town's economy is moving away from a reliance on skiing. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham paid a visit.

Ruapehu Civil Defence officials have spent part of this week working on plan if there is an eruption. The central plateau volcano had its strongest tremors in two decades and plumes of steam were seen midweek. But locals are unfazed, as reporter Leah Tebbutt found out.

Volcanologists say they have seen a steam plume from Mt Ruapehu, visible for 45 minutes. Mt Ruapehu is putting out the strongest tremor - or vibrations - in two decades and the crater lake temperature has risen to 39C this week. Nobody is allowed within a 2km radius of the summit. But as Sam Olley reports, skiers are being told not to cancel their plans.

A steam cloud was visible above Mt Ruapehu for about 45 minutes on Tuesday morning, as the volcano continues to show signs of life. Ruapehu is at Alert Level 2, indicating moderate to heightened volcanic unrest. GNS volcanologist Geoff Kilgour spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Today on RNZ National People are being promised their homes will still be built despite construction company Armstrong Downes Commercial going into liquidation The US is stepping up its diplomatic engagement with Pacific nations Mt Ruapehu records its strongest volcanic tremor in two decades, as the crater lake temperature remains high

Gas readings at Mt Ruapehu in recent days confirm continued high levels of volcanic gas emissions, along with the strongest volcanic tremor in two decades.   The temperature at Crater Lake, te Wai a-moe, has risen to 38 degrees. GNS volcanologist Geoff Kilgour spoke to Corin Dann.

Locals living near Mt Ruapehu appear unfazed by the signs of elevated volcanic unrest, despite the recent strong tremors and the lake heating up. Mt Ruapehu's Volcanic Alert Level has been raised to Level 2. But our reporter Kirsty Frame says locals are more concerned about the impact of Covid on their community, than a potential volcanic eruption.