This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton has welcomed the Government’s announcement of $3.5 million from the International Visitor Levy to restore more than 3,000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by last year’s major fires.
Mayor Kirton thanked Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and the Government for committing funding over five years to support recovery efforts.
“Tongariro is not only a dual World Heritage site of immense cultural and natural significance – it is a cornerstone of the tourism economy for Ruapehu and the wider region,” says Weston.
“This $3.5 million investment over five years will make a real and lasting difference.”
The funding will support implementation of Maunga Ora, the restoration plan developed by Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. The plan is grounded in science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori, and includes sustained weed control, pest management including deer control, and biodiversity monitoring.
“Regeneration is visible on the maunga, but without ongoing protection that progress could be lost,” says Weston.
He says the investment will also deliver wider economic benefits.
“This investment supports local jobs, businesses and communities both directly and indirectly.
“Directly, through employment created by restoration work on the ground. Indirectly, through the ripple effect of that investment flowing to local businesses and communities that rely on a strong visitor economy.”
Weston says allocating International Visitor Levy funding to the project is appropriate.
“The IVL ensures visitor revenue is reinvested into the very places that sustain our tourism economy and local livelihoods.
“Protecting and restoring Tongariro National Park is not just about ecology – it’s about investing in our whenua, safeguarding jobs, backing our communities, and securing Ruapehu’s long-term future.”
