Podcasts about ruapehu

The Ruapehu District could be in for an economic boom with new skifield ownership. The Department of Conservation's approved a 10 year concession for Whakapapa Holdings to operate the Whakapapa side of Mount Ruapehu. An agreement for the Turoa side was struck last year, following a lengthy bidding war, with numerous Government bailouts. Mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking it's a critical milestone in securing the future of skiing in Mount Ruapehu. He says it gives confidence to the wider tourism sector, and provides a huge amount of income to the community and region – to the tune of around $100 million. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

There's frustration about rubbish dumping along the Desert Road detour. State Highway 1 between Tūrangi and Waiōuru closed in mid-January for about two months of roadworks. The detour, which runs through State Highways 41, 47, 4, and 49 has seen a noticeable rise in rubbish. Ruapehu District Councillor David Nottage has been picking up the rubbish himself. He told Andrew Dickens it's more than people throwing a few things out the window. Nottage says it's hard to believe people are carrying that much around while they travel, so they may be taking advantage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Thursday on Newstalk ZB) You Didn't Miss Much/Who Should Run Tourism?/Snow Is So Pre-Climate Crisis/You Can't Get to Space on a Road Cone/The Next New MilkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am so pleased to see NZ Herald Business Journalist Kate McNamara continue to write about the woes in the Ruapehu District. Why? Because the Ruapehu region has been hit hard with indecision around the two ski fields, the sudden closure of the Chateau two years ago; followed by the loss of over 200 jobs when Winstone's pulp and timber mills shut down late last year. This region has taken a beating through no fault of their own! Yesterday McNamara focused on the issues surrounding the majestic Chateau Tongariro Hotel, which has been sitting in a derelict state for two years. It's a sad sight at the base of Ruapehu. A desolate Chateau, the golf course overgrown, and empty buildings surrounding it. The area feels quietly paused in time, with no sense of if and when it may spring back to life. Whakapapa Holdings Ltd, the company in the process of buying the Whakapapa Ski Field, is keen to discuss the future of the Chateau with government officials. They are interested in taking on the historic chateau, reviving it, providing employment, an increase in tourism, and offering some economic stability for the region. The problem is – no one is really interested in talking to them. As we learnt with the ski fields, this is a complicated region that requires sensitive conversations between government, the Department of Conservation, iwi and other stakeholders. It was a struggle to find a consensus over the ski fields – with some preferring the continuation of a not-for-profit organisation such as previous operators RAL, others' preferring to hand things over to private operators. Along the way, a lot of government money was put into keeping the ski fields afloat, until it got to the point where the fields were too expensive to fail, as was the prospect of closing them down, removing all structures from the mountain and returning it to its natural state. Getting the Chateau up and running again will cost many millions of dollars – but on the right terms, such as a 30 year lease and a peppercorn rent, WHL would be willing to make the investment. They have also done research into the earthquake strengthening which needs to be done and believe it's not as extensive as previously suggested. Look, this might not be the deal which makes everyone happy, but frankly I don't see anyone else queuing up to give it a go. Leaving the chateau empty and decaying for years, possibly decades - at the cost of around $150 - $200,000 a month for maintenance – when a possible solution sits on the table is simply depressing. The government needs to deal with the lease termination agreement and payment to the previous operators, reopen expressions of interest, and have some conversations. Talking is almost always a good place to start, so please take the call. Ruapehu is an incredible part of our country, and one that deserves to be thriving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald J. Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Behind the pomp and ceremony are lessons for politicians on the left here and around the world. Labelling your opponent a racist, a nazi, an extremist, a homophobe, a sexist, anti-trans, a threat to democracy, a tyrant, and sexist won't win you an election. Biden, and then Harris, threw the kitchen sink of threats about Trump at the public and none of it stuck. The Obama's, the Pelosi's and the Clinton's of American politics did their best to paint Trump as a dystopian dictator, hell-bent on crucifying immigrants and minorities. And what happened? They lost. He won. A clean sweep of the battlegrounds. The House. The Senate. The electoral college. The popular vote. And around half of Latino voters, the highest ever for a Republican, even higher than George W. Bush in 2004. Record numbers of minorities voted for Trump. His election was of course run against a backdrop of a tough economy and inflation hitting punters hard. Plus, Joe Biden was, well, literally stumbling to the finish line, struggling to walk and talk. But the fact remains voters picked the guy who'd been labelled all these awful things because they trusted him to turn the economy around, and some also to stop the free speech moderators and pronoun police. So, what's the lesson here? For Hipkins it doesn't matter how many times you call Seymour and/or Luxon a racist - it won't get you back for the greasy benches. Labour and its allies are gearing up for a fresh onslaught of attacks on race as the Treaty Bill goes to select committee. But here's the thing - most Kiwis aren't listening. Look at the polls. The Ipsos issues monitor from late last year showed that. Inflation, health, economy, crime, housing, poverty etc were the big issues. Race relations? 15th on 6%. Those in the left would do better —and we'd all benefit from this— if they'd stop the name-calling and start coming up with serious, credible, alternative economic plans to get this country firing again. Labour was supposed to be a party for the workers. They've let provincial New Zealand down badly with economic mismanagement and energy policies that may have suited a speech at UNGA in New York, but certainly not the good people of Ruapehu. And that's the lesson Trump is giving the left today. The recipe used over the past decade of window dressing, performative politics, identity politics, virtue signalling, and demonising your opponents no longer works on the people who matter most. The voters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting today the Desert Road will be closed for two months. Up to 20,000 vehicles could be diverted to regional roads and it will take motorist through towns like Ohakune and National Park. It is a welcome boost to Ruapehu businesses, but does this disruption mean people could give the region a miss all together? Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton joins the show to discuss what the diversion will mean. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Regional development minister won't commit to helping save jobs at Tokoroa's Kinleith pulp and paper mill but said he's sent an official in Japan to meet with company's owner and establish the facts. The Mill plans to stop paper processing next year with 230 jobs going. The Kinleith operation is owned Oji Fibre Solutions, which announced in September that it was closing its operation at Auckland, partly due to high power prices. Two other paper mills in the Ruapehu district have also closed down this year. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones was at a meeting to save the Kinleith mill in Tokoroa, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

More targeted support is on the way for beneficiaries on the jobseeker benefit, but questions have been raised about punishing people who don't move for jobs. Job losses have been a big problem in regional New Zealand this year, with two big mills closing in the Ruapehu District costing over 200 people their jobs. Mayor Weston Kirton told Ryan Bridge there simply aren't any regional jobs around. "We've got only a limited number of opportunities in our district. We do have one or two businesses that, on a seasonal basis, take people and we traditionally have a high unemployment rate in our area anyway," he said. "To have 230 jobs taken away from us has a huge impact on our economy". An additional 8000 people went on jobseeker support in the last three months, bringing the total to over 200,000 which is pushing the government's target of bringing that down to fewer than 50,000 by 2030. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kinleith Mill in Tokoroa plans to halt paper processing next year and that will mean about 230 job losses. It's owner Oji Fibre solutions said the paper part of the business has been making significant losses for several years and there's no prospect of that improving. Instead, Kinleith will import paper for its packaging operations and will focus on pulp. Workers were told of the looming cuts at a meeting this morning, with a final decision due by January. In September, Oji Fibre Solutions, announced the closure of its Penrose operations, up to 75 workers were affected. In August Winstone Pulp and Paper revealed it was closing its two Ruapehu mills. Joe Gallagher from E tu union spoke to Lisa Owen.

Currently, unemployment is sitting at 4.6 percent or 143,000 people out of work. Treasury forecast have it rising to 5.3 percent by this years end. Today, the Alliance Group confirmed it's shutting down it's meat processing plant in Timaru; that's 600 jobs gone. Earlier this month Winstone pulp closed two sites in the Ruapehu district with 230 losing their jobs and this week Kiwirail said it would offer all staff voluntary redundancy. How does that work and what do employees need to know if they've been offered redundancy? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's the last day for Winstone Pulp International after operating for 45 years in the Ruapehu District, providing hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars for the local economy. Senior Journalist Alexa Cook spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There's growing concerns about the future of small town New Zealand - with one expert warning 'tough conversations' are needed. The closure of Winstone Pulp International's Ruapehu mills have cost the region 230 jobs, and the proposed shutdown of Alliance Group's Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru could cost over 600 more. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the need to achieve certain climate goals is driving down key industries - and negatively impacting regional New Zealand. "If we're not going to maintain access to gas and coal during a managed transition and we're going to continually make it more difficult for farmers to sustain production, we are going to see a contraction of the economy around some of our small towns." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruapehu officials are hoping a new dining experience on the Northern Express will help boost tourism in the region. The scenic train which runs between Wellington and Auckland has introduced a commercial kitchen and three premium carriages and as Ashleigh McCaull reports, there's already excitement from tourists.

Ruapehu's mayor Weston Kirton is deeply disappointed the Department of Conservation's has cancelled the planned expressions of interest for potential new operators of the beleaguered Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Kirton spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, the government says getting people to work from the office is better for productivity, while also acknowledging it will be a much needed boost for central city shops, cafes and restaurants, in Lebanon it has been the deadliest day of Israeli strikes since 2006, Donald Trump has said that he does not expect to run again for president if he is defeated in November's US election, the Free Speech Union has joined community organisations, legal experts, and official advice in opposing the legislation to ban gang patches, Ruapehu's mayor Weston Kirton is deeply disappointed the Department of Conservation's has cancelled the planned expressions of interest for potential new operators of the beleaguered Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

Hundreds of thousands of North Island homes could be covered in ashfall if there was a significant eruption on Mount Ruapehu. Lauren Crimp reports.

An Ohakune family is pondering its future following yesterday's news Ruapehu's biggest employer Winstone Pulp will close two of its central North Island mills. Charles has worked at the mill for 25 years as an electrician and his son Leonardo for the past two years as an operator, he's hoping the closure won't mean his son ends up flipping burgers. Winstone Pulp had paid staff in full during the consultation period and will pay in full any outstanding leave and redundancy for its 230 workers at the Tangiwai Sawmill and Karioi pulpmill. Charles spoke to Lisa Owen and said he thought he had a job for life and he wished he'd seen it coming.

Winstone Pulp has confirmed its two mills in the central north island are shutting for good. That means more than two hundred job loses and real fears communities will become ghost towns as people are forced to move away for work. The Ruapehu district mayor has described the closures as a devastating blow to the workers and community. Westin Kirton said talks are already underway with Work and Income and iwi partners to help support affected workers, reporter Alexa Cook spoke to Lisa Owen.

Two North Island mills have failed to strike a deal to save their operations. Winstone Pulp International announced its pulp and saw mills in the Ruapehu District will close indefinitely, putting more than 200 people out of work. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says they'd been talking with Government Ministers and electricity providers trying to save the mills, but with no luck. He says he's devastated. "We've had our ups and downs, as you know, but this is a big hit. I'm really taking it personally." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 September 2024, hundreds of people will lose their jobs in a huge blow to the Ruapehu district. Mayor Weston Kirton tells Heather he's gutted the Government wasn't able to broker a deal. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are about to square off for the first time in a presidential debate. Former debate moderator Dominic Carter reckons Kamala has a lot to lose. Australian kids are going to be banned from using social media - but will this ban actually be enforceable? Plus the Huddle debates whether New Zealanders just need to cheer up a bit and stop being so gloomy. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings and Toby Manhire from the Spinoff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Courts will be able to ban gang members from wearing patches in the home thanks to an amendment the Government made to the bill. Is this a step too far? Winstone Pulp International announced its pulp and saw mills in the Ruapehu District will close indefinitely - putting more than 200 people out of work. Should the Government have gotten involved and saved the mills? Are we getting too gloomy? A new piece by Pattrick Smellie from BusinessDesk says New Zealand's gotten too unhappy recently. Are we right to complain about the economic and social issues? The Australian Government is looking at banning social media for kids, with legislation to arrive by the end of the year? Is this the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ruapehu district has been dealt a huge blow - as Winstone Pulp International confirms it will close the two mills in the region. Over 230 workers will lose their jobs, and mayor Weston Kirton is 'gutted' the Government couldn't broker a deal and save the mills. Infometrics principal economist unpacks the economic impact of this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruapehu's mayor is hopeful the government has worked out a last-minute deal with Winstone Pulp International to prevent its closure due to high wholesale power prices. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

That was quite a smart move from Chris Luxon yesterday, calling on opposition parties to support the Government in fixing this energy crisis we're in at the moment.Not only because this is now so serious, with businesses closing down and cutting jobs because they can't afford the power bill, that it really requires everyone in Parliament to be grown ups about it - but also because I think this is going to politically snooker Labour on that oil and gas ban. I reckon they're getting in trouble on this one now. At the moment, mind-blowingly, Labour is still committed to it. Just yesterday, Chris Hipkins said it was a bottom line they wouldn't budge on - they'll still bring the oil and gas ban back.But I wonder if that's what they're saying until they say the opposite - do you know what I mean? I don't know that they can hold the line on this forever. Because their argument at the moment is that the climate is more important than 230 mill jobs in the Ruapehu district and 300 jobs at Methanex in Taranaki - and however many other jobs are lost around the country at businesses that close down because they can't afford the power bills because we're running out of gas and not trying to find more because Labour won't let us try. Labour's argument on why they need to maintain the ban is bollocks. They're suggesting there's no more gas out there. Yes there is - there are two fields off the coast of the North Island that have gas. There's Toutouwai off Taranaki and Karewa off Raglan, both are sitting there basically untapped.If Labour really believes what it's saying, that there really is no more gas, why do they need a ban?Lift the ban, let the investors trick themselves and keep exploring for this non-existent gas, it's not going to do any harm if there really isn't any gas out there. But what it will do is help New Zealand benefit from those companies maintaining the wells we already have.Now, I don't think Labour's in trouble for this just yet - which is why they're holding the line and saying they will bring the ban back.And I believe that's because most people aren't affected yet, most of us don't work for Methanex or these businesses shutting down.But come April, when our power bills go up and we see the cost of this ban on us - Labour might have to start dropping this policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With two Ruapehu mills set to close because of record high power prices, the government's promising action. As well as what it said are urgent actions agreed by Cabinet today, it's announced of the government's plan to electrify New Zealand, by making it easier to consent renewable generators. But with the mill closures likely to be confirmed in the next couple of weeks, meaning at least 230 jobs lost, the clock is ticking, reporter Russell Palmer speaks to Lisa Owen.

The Mayors of Taupō and Ruapehu are feeling hopeful after a meeting with central government about the impending mill closures in their regions. Taupō mayor David Trewavas and Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, the mayors of Taupō and Ruapehu are feeling hopeful after a meeting with central government about the impending mill closures in their regions, Kamala Harris is set to formally accept the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States, one of the Warriors most successful players will play his last home game vs the Bulldogs on Friday night, we have our weekly political panel and we cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.

The owner of New Zealand's largest saw mill said electricity prices are the straw that could break the backs of even more companies as they struggle in already tough economic times. It follows the anouncement that Winstone Pulp international plans to shut down its Tangiwai sawmill and Karioi pulp mill indefinitely, due to skyrocketing power prices; meaning about 200 jobs will go. The Ruapehu Mayor is calling for the Government to provide financial support to the company. However, associate energy minister said right now there's no plan to help manufactuers financially, Red Stag owner Marty Verry speaks to Lisa Owen.

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says the news Winstone Pulp International is planning to shut indefinitely is devastating for his district's economy. Kirton spoke to Morning Report.

The Tangiwai and Karoio pulp and timber mills are owned by Winstone and employ around 300 people, mainly in the Ohakune area. However, the company said its electricty costs have gone up 600% since 2021, and it's simply too expensive to stay open, Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton speaks to Lisa Owen.

Connect' is the transport service managed by the Horizons Regional Council, with bus routes stretching across Ruapehu, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Tararua. After much discourse, they are conducting a survey to ask users IF they enjoy hearing music on the bus. And if they do, WHAT music? Jesse chats to the Manager of Transport Services for the council, Mark Read about what they want to know.

Local business owners around Mount Ruapehu are hoping for the best of times ahead, after the worst of times of previous winters, Jimmy Ellingham reports.

How risky is it to ski on Ruapehu, and what have we learned from previous eruptions, both recent and historic?

Emile Donovan speaks to chief executive of Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Helen Leahy about the impact the project has had, with its long-term future uncertain.

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.

New Zealand's volcanoes are world renowned, and most Kiwis are familiar with our big ones such as Ruapehu, Taranaki and Tarawera. But what about our lesser talked about volcanoes? GNS Science principal scientist Graham Leonard joins Susie to chat about some of the volcanic areas around the country that people are less familiar with - from Northland's periodically active field to volcanoes buried in the Canterbury plains gravels.

GNS volcanologist Brad Scott joins Emile Donovan.

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

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.

The Prime Minister has defended the government's bail out decision, saying it's a pragmatic decision to keep the ski field going for this season. Visual journalist Marika Khabazi went to ask people what they think of the decision.

The government is stumping up another 7 million dollars for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to ensure the ski season can go ahead on Whakapapa. Cabinet has also agreed to provide three million in equity and loan funding to support the sale of the Turoa ski field assets to Pure Turoa Limited. It's the fifth government bail out for the company, which went into voluntary administration in 2022. The government has warned this latest lifeline is the last one. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speaks to Lisa Owen

A Ruapehu business owner wants taxpayer funded bailouts for the mountain's ski-fields to stop and says the government must start listening to experts not officials. The coalition is providing $7 million to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought - and $3 million in equity and loan funding to help Pure Tūroa Limited buy the Tūroa ski-field. It's the fifth rescue package in 18 months and comes with a warning - it's the last. Here's political reporter Giles Dexter.

A Ruapehu business owner wants taxpayer funded bailouts for the mountain's ski-fields to stop and says the government must start listening to experts not officials. The coalition is providing $7 million to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought - and $3 million in equity and loan funding to help Pure Tūroa Limited buy the Tūroa ski-field. It's the fifth rescue package in 18 months and comes with a warning - it's the last. Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.  

Ruapehu accommodation and ski-hire business owner Sam Clarkson says the latest cash handout to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is a waste of money. The coalition Government is providing 7 million dollars to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought. But Sam Clarkson says it's good money after bad and it won't work. He spoke to Corin Dann.  

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.

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

RNZ Checkpoint reporter based in Palmerston North, Jimmy Ellingham has been speaking to Ruapehu businesses following another rocky season, Massey University staff and students are still facing uncertainty about the future, and the high school students building Kainga Ora houses.

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.