Two years after 18,000 litres of diesel devastated the waters of the Makotuku Stream, Uenuku and Ngati Rangi have announced the creation of a $5000 education scholarship.
Following the 2013 spill, Turoa ski field operators Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and fuel storage tank manufacturer Petroleum Services Limited (PSL) were found guilty in the Environment Court.
As part of this process Uenuku and Ngati Rangi submitted victim impact statements and while the judge made no direct reparation order for financial, environmental or emotional cost to local whanau, Petroleum Services Limited director David Kraakman has personally decided to donate $5000.
Uenuku trustee Moana Dawson said in deciding how to best utilise the money, Uenuku trustees and Ngati Rangi Pou Arahi Andy Gowland-Douglas were looking to the future.
"No amount of money could lessen the impact the spill had on the people of Raetihi but it's important that we learn from what happened.