Spill fine boon for river

HEALTH RESTORED: Raetihi's water is drawn from the Makotuku River near here, upstream from the town. The Makotuku Stream had about 19,000 litres of diesel spilled into it.PHOTO/FILE

At least $100,000 from Ruapehu Alpine Lifts' fine over a diesel spill will be put into a project to beautify the Makotuku River, Horizons' Ruapehu councillor Bruce Rollinson says.

The diesel spill that began on September 26, 2013, at the Turoa Ski Area leaked 19,000 litres of diesel into the Makotuku. The small river supplies Raetihi's water and the Ruapehu town was without drinking water for three weeks.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts was later prosecuted and pleaded guilty to four charges. It was fined $300,000 for three of them.

Usually, whatever money was left after legal expenses were paid would be kept by Horizons Regional Council. But Mr Rollinson said in this case the spill was a disaster for Raetihi. Councillors agreed to give the rest to the town - a minimum of $100,000.

Horizons staff, Mr Rollinson and Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron, met yesterday to talk about what to do with it. A staff member suggested using it for a project Raetihi Promotions was already working on - to clear and beautify the stream and reconnect it to the town.

That work had already begun, using a Horizons grant from last year.

The idea is a short walkway, with picnic tables and perhaps a children's play area. Willows are to be cleared so the water can be seen, and so that a former swimming hole can be used again.

Input will be sought from residents and from the Ngati Rangi and Uenuku iwi. Then a design concept will be presented and work can begin, with local people helping at working bees.

Mr Cameron will lead the project, and both he and Mr Rollinson are keen.

"The spill was a disaster for the town and this is a first positive step.

"It's a really neat project. I'm really quite excited for Raetihi," Mr Rollinson said.