Mountain access cut off to locals

The company that leases Mt Tarawera admits it has gone back on a promise to allow free access to the mountain but says it has no plans to change its stance.

Keen Rotorua walkers Monica Quirke and Carolyne Hall are annoyed Mt Tarawera New Zealand Ltd has changed its mind about allowing people to access the mountain on the eruption anniversary after promising to do so four years ago.

Mt Tarawera New Zealand maintains it is the company's prerogative to change its mind.

The company has been controlling tourist traffic on the mountain's summit since September 2000 after winning a contract from the mountain's owner, Ngati Rangitihi.

After taking over, the price to walk up the mountain rose from $2 to $23.

In August 2002, walkers were banned from going up the mountain and could only access it through guided 4WD tours at a cost of $110.

The price is now $121, soon to rise to $133 as a result of increasing fuel charges, for a half-day 4WD tour including pick-ups from hotels.

There had been a public outcry about the price hikes in 2002.

In August 2002, Mt Tarawera New Zealand Ltd put a public notice in the Daily Post saying Rotorua people could access the mountain on June 10 every year as part of its annual open day to commemorate the mountain's eruption.

Judy Collins, who owns Mt Tarawera New Zealand Ltd, said the first open day in 2003 saw 360 people go up the mountain free of charge but only about 5 per cent of them were locals.

Mrs Collins said they had not offered free access for locals on June 10 for the past three years. Last year they had half price tours on June 10 and not one Rotorua person took up the offer, she said.

This year, they are offering a discounted rate for June of $39 for three-hour 4WD guided tours up the mountain, departing from Ashpit Rd, Rerewhakaaitu.

"We can't run a business with freebies and discounted rates," Mrs Collins said.

"During the whole month of June we will see how many locals actually come up."

Monica Quirke said the discount was not good enough.

Mt Tarawera New Zealand Ltd should not have gone back on what they stated in the 2002 public notice, she said.

"You make a public commitment to the people, you honour that."

Monica Quirke said Mt Tarawera was an integral part of Rotorua history and this year marked 120 years since the eruption.

"This year is a very good reason to dust off walking shoes and for Rotorua people to get out there and to get educated about our history."

Mrs Collins said they had stopped the public walking up the mountain on their own to protect the mountain.

She said guided tours also ensured people left the mountain with the correct knowledge about its history and ownership. When reminded about the 2002 public notice, Mrs Collins said: "I don't care, we're not doing it free ... we can't afford to do free days any more."

Ngati Rangitihi Mt Tarawera Trust chairwoman Lyn Hartley said it was not a matter she could comment on because the trust did not manage the mountain.

"I wouldn't say I am not disappointed but it's not an issue for me."