Item 1
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 4:00 pm
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: Jarre Gauci; Travis Donoghue; Libby O'Brien
Subject: Re: Request for discussion on Vil age Transport
Yes let’s shoot for tomorrow thanks
Steve Manunui
General Manager - Opera ons
Whakapapa
s9(2)(a)
(sent from my iPhone)
On 2 Dec 2025, at 3:34 PM, Mere Mokoraka <[email address]> wrote:
Steve (Jarrett)
Let me know if tomorrow’s time works as I wil need to travel from Ohakune. Otherwise, I wil set a time for Friday.
Mere
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 2:25 pm
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Cc: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
; Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Request for discussion on Vil age Transport
How does 12.00 pm tomorrow at the coffee cart work?
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 2:21 pm
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Cc: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Request for discussion on Vil age Transport
Thanks Libby, Jarret is out a er tomorrow, I’m available tomorrow and Friday.
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
<image001.png>
From: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 1:50 p.m.
To: Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Cc: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Mere Mokoraka
<[email address]>
Subject: RE: Request for discussion on Vil age Transport
Kia ora ano
We’ve just had a bit of a chat within the team and Mere is going to lead this one for us and is really interested in how
we might be able to make this work for winter 2026.
Released under the Official Information Act
Mere will be in touch for a coffee and a chat to discuss some options – ideally to tee something up before the end of
the week.
Ngā mihi
Libby
From: Jarre Gauc s9(2)(a)
Sent: Monday, 1 December 2025 2:22 pm
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
1
Cc: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
; Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Request for discussion on Vil age Transport
Good a ernoon Libby,
Fol owing on from my earlier email, please see a ached paper.
I am away from the 5th to the 15th so if a more suitable me fal s within these dates for you, I am happy for Travis and Steve to carry on
without me.
Al the best,
Jarrett Gauci
Operations Manager
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
<image002.png>
From: Jarre Gauci
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2025 3:52 PM
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Cc: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
>; Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Subject: Request for discussion on Vil age Transport
Good a ernoon Libby,
Earlier in the year we had a crack at discussion on Vil age Transport for Winter. We are keen to bring back this conversa on nice and early and
work with you to see what we can achieve. There was a paper suppor ng this that I wil touch up tomorrow and send through to you.
Could you let me know if you have me this week to catch up?
Thanks,
Jarrett Gauci
Operations Manager
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
<image002.png>
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2
Item 2
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Monday, 8 December 2025 6:16 pm
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: Libby O'Brien; Travis Donoghue
Subject: Re: TONGARIRO FIRE UPDATE - 8 DECEMBER 2025
Follow Up Flag: Fol ow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Thanks for the update Mere. Most of our vil age staff have decided to head out of the vil age
for the night. There are now only 4 keen to stay for the which we wil account for should the
vil age need to be evacuated.
Assuming the night goes wel , and that the Vil age is accessible for staff in the morning, would
we be able to make a plan to have our Maintenence team on standby to get back up the hil to
work first thing.
Posing this question tonight and we are a little keener as we have a rope splicing technician
arriving from Austria to do 4 days planned work.
If any of this is doable what is the earliest we could touch base in the morning? Many thanks
YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager - Operations
Whakapapa
s9(2)(a)
(sent from my iPhone)
On 8 Dec 2025, at 4:49 PM, Mere Mokoraka <[email address]> wrote:
Kia ora koutou
It is unfortunate that we are in this position again. Here is the latest
updates from DOC:
. A fire has been reported this afternoon along SH47.
2. FENZ is leading the response. For official updates, please check
Released under the Official Information Act
their Facebook page and website.
3. As a precaution, visitors have been asked to leave Whakapapa
Village due to the fire’s proximity.
4. Whakapapa Village tracks are being closed.
. Whakapapa Villlage has not yet been evacuated and any decision to
evacuate Whakapapa Village will be made by FENZ. However,
residents have been advised to prepare for a possible evacuation.
3
2. We are working closely with other agencies; evacuation calls will
come from FENZ.
3. Road closures are in place SH47, SH46, SH48, Waimarino and
Mangatepopo Road. Mangatepopo Hut is closed.
4. Visitors are asked not to access walks in Whakapapa Village.
Alternative walks are available on the southern side of Tongariro
National Park.
5. DOC will provide another update at 6:30 PM.
6. FENZ will continue to provide updates on their website.
Ngā mihi,
Mere Mokoraka
for Libby O’Brien
Tongariro Operations Manager
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apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
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4
Item 3
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 10:29 am
To: Mere Mokoraka
Subject: RE: 10.00 AM - Department of Conserva on - Tongariro Na onal Park
Fire Update
Yes, but am I missing something here re vil age residents? Campervan no2 just pul ed up here also –
am I missing something about public access
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 10:26 a.m.
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Subject: FW: 10.00 AM - Department of Conserva on - Tongariro Na onal Park Fire Update
YM – Have you received a copy of this? Mere
From: Cami Nieva <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 10:04 am
Subject: 10.00 AM - Department of Conserva on - Tongariro Na onal Park Fire Update
Ata mārie koutou katoa,
As you are aware, a fire broke out in Tongariro National Park around 1 pm yesterday near
SH47. Please find here the latest update from the Department of Conservation:
Fire Response Status:
Released under the Official Information Act
The lead agency for the fire response is FENZ. For official updates, please check their
Facebook page and website.
As of this morning, the Tongariro fire currently extends to 322 hectares with an 8.5
kilometre perimeter to the north-east of State Highway 48.
5
Fire and Emergency NZ crews and aircraft are working to contain the fire – as of earlier
this morning, the fire is currently 50% contained.
A wind direction change is forecast this morning and crews are working to prevent the
fire pushing back toward unburnt vegetation with the change.
DOC Updates:
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are working
closely on next steps, which may include an extension of the existing Restorative Rāhui
established after the November fire to cover the fireground. Any updates regarding the
rāhui wil be communicated by hapū and supported by DOC.
DOC staff are working with Fire and Emergency to ensure the area is safe and wil
have fire crew on the ground to support FENZ.
Tracks & Huts
Mangatepopo Road is currently closed. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the
Tongariro Northern Circuit are currently closed as wel as al walks in and around
Whakapapa Vil age. Alternative walks are available on the southern side of Tongariro
National Park.
Bookings for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing & the Northern Circuit have been cancel ed
up until the morning of the 10th December. We are hoping to provide an update on the
status of these walks this afternoon.
The Whakapapa Vil age Visitor Centre wil remain closed for the day.
We are working with visitors currently at Waihohonu Hut to transport them to their
vehicles, many of which are at Whakapapa Vil age.
Road closures are currently in place on SH47, SH46, SH48, Waimarino and
Mangatepopo Road.
We are awaiting further instruction and information from FENZ before any further
decisions are made.
Welfare
If any visitors require support for alternative accommodation arrangements at this time,
please contact s9(2)(a)
.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire, including iwi, local communities, visitors,
and those working tirelessly to bring it under control. This is a distressing time for many, and
Released under the Official Information Act
our priority right now is people’s safety and supporting Fire and Emergency New Zealand
(FENZ) in their response.
We know how special this area is to locals, iwi, and visitors, and we share everyone’s
concern for the land, wildlife, and places we al treasure. We are also aware that many
businesses depend on the walks in Tongariro National Park. Our top priority is the safety of
our visitors, staff and local community. We’re working hard to reopen the Park as soon as it’s
safe to do so, and we’l keep you updated on our progress.
6
Please expect the next update this afternoon if the situation doesn’t evolve.
Ngā mihi
Opera ons Advisor
Tongariro District
s9(2)(a)
www.doc.govt.nz
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
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7
Item 4
From: George Taylor
Sent: Thursday, 18 December 2025 4:06 pm
To: Travis Donoghue
Cc: Julie Chuor
Subject: RE: Far West T-Bar site ad Dogs in the TNP
Kia ora Travis,
Just a quick update before I embark on leave. Over and above the substantive RFP that is in the pipeline for the Chateau, we have
been trying to progress the temporary use of the ancil ary buildings with a focus on the accommodation buildings to run a
concession process and being aware of the potential demand for next year’s ski season. As discussed, alongside the concession
process discussion, we have been striving to advance the process for remedial work to address the healthy homes standards that
are required.
Additional y, we have also put forth the question of separating the commercial buildings, such as the Tavern/Tussock and
Fergusson’s , and expediting this process. To date, we haven’t received any feedback on this request but I have copied Julie in case
we receive that information in the near future.
I’m about to pul up stumps today until the 20th of January, so if I don’t see you, have a great Christmas and New Year.
Ngā mihi,
George
George Taylor | Operations Manager, Ruapehu Projects
| Pou Matarautaki
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Tongariro National Park
s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address] | www.doc.govt.nz
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Monday, 15 December 2025 5:50 pm
To: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Cc: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: Far West T-Bar site ad Dogs in the TNP
Kia ora Travis
Appreciate this reply as well as the phone call from Andy.
Released under the Official Information Act
I've been a bit busy with the fires plus I'm off tomorrow to Whanganui for a day on the latest event. I'm conscious I owe
you some feedback on the temporary use of Chateau buildings so hope to do so before the end of the week.
Ngā mihi,
George
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8
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 2:20:32 PM
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Subject: RE: Far West T-Bar site ad Dogs in the TNP
Thanks George.
Note that this was an ac ve worksite at the me of the photos, so there is going to be some degree of this being that this is just what work looks
like- however assuming no one was around at the me of observa on we wil now reiterate with the team:
End of day diness, each day, not just end of job diness
Secondary containment of any fuel containers
We wil also reset expecta ons with the team with dogs and only have them here when necessary.
Thanks again,
Travis
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Monday, 15 December 2025 10:06 a.m.
To: Travis Donoghue < s9(2)(a)
Subject: Far West T-Bar site ad Dogs in the TNP
Morena Travis,
I trust the pleasant weather has been aiding summer operations. Unfortunately, it’s not been as helpful with fire conditions. I want to
bring your attention to a couple of issues.
Attached, you wil find photos detailing concerns around fuel storage and rubbish on the Far West T-bar line. One of our staff was up
there last week and noted several issues. The feedback passed on to me was that
"it was al out the far west. Those fuel cans, I
can’t remember what towers, but it was about 100m from the bottom of the far west, so maybe between towers 1 and 2. Al the cable
ties and other rubbish were everywhere. It wasn’t as much near the bottom, but definitely the higher you got, especial y around tower
8 upwards, you start to see more. Every metre or two, there seemed to be a cable tie or a bit of plastic, rivets, etc. That old-looking
pile of timber and other debris was maybe just over halfway up, possibly close to tower 7 at a guess.”
I’m assuming this aligns with recent maintenance work up there, and I must say that this is not ideal in terms of work practices. Can
you please address this? Our concerns are general site tidiness and sufficient fuel storage to mitigate the potential for an
environmental incident.
Additional y, we have noticed that WHL staff may be getting quite liberal with the condition
Dogs 66. The Concessionaire may only
bring dogs onto the Land for search and rescue or training purposes. The dogs must be wearing their search and rescue harness
with the relevant identifying markers.
I certainly do not want to seem prohibitive on this subject as I understand the value of having the dogs on-site when the bal oon goes
up and the need for training. However, I am concerned about the perception that staff are bringing their dogs to work on a daily
basis, which may not necessarily align with the purpose of the condition. I am happy to have a conversation on these matters if
needed.
Ngā mihi,
George
George Taylor | Operations Manager, Ruapehu Projects
| Pou Matarautaki
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Tongariro National Park
s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address] | www.doc.govt.nz
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Released under the Official Information Act
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
9
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10
Item 5
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 18 December 2025 8:21 am
To: Cami Nieva
Cc: Mitch Black; George Taylor; Fiona Wilson
Subject: Re: Ruapehu District Council - Code of Compliance Cer ficate reminder
for Whakapapa Skifield project
Thanks Cami. Received and wel timed this work is in its final stages at the moment.
Travis Donoghue
Chief Executive
www.whakapapa.com
s9(2)(a)
On 18 Dec 2025, at 8:18 AM, Cami Nieva <[email address]> wrote:
Kia ora Travis,
We received the attached notification which I believe should have gone to you.
Can you please confirm receipt?
Ngā mihi,
Kaitohu Whakahaere|Opera ons Advisor
Tongariro District
s9(2)(a)
www.doc.govt.nz
<image001.png>
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
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<Louise Ryan_202512171341.pdf>
11
Item 6
From: George Taylor
Sent: Thursday, 18 December 2025 4:07 pm
To: Travis Donoghue
Cc: Gerald Mul en
Subject: RE: RRIR Project
This feedback is very much appreciated Travis, thanks.
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 1:38 pm
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Subject: RE: RRIR Project
Kia ora George,
. To our knowledge al centennial foo ngs (except 2 and 3) were completely removed when the Rangatira was built. T2 and T3
became part of the Rangatira footings for the T3 / T4 of that lift. At Hut Flat, suggest there is nothing left to remove (and if
anything is, it is now sitting under the Rangatira return station). The ‘lump’ we discussed might be the old Rockgarden lift
return… which we thought was contracted for ful removal at the time, however if it is stil there it would be great to get it cut
down to improve the terrain.
2. Using the express for fil under the Sky Waka- would require a good containment concept. IF possible we would have an intent
to bring the general level of the lower snow play up from its current uneven and hole fil ed profile. If able to be achieved
cleanly. Fol owing that we would want to concrete or cobble the area to make it tidier and easier to manage.
3. At this stage we do not propose using any existing footings for new inbound snow guns.
Cheers,
Travis
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 12:28 p.m.
To: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Cc: Gerald Mul en <gmul [email address]>
Subject: RRIR Project
Kia ora Travis,
As we discussed this morning, I wanted to summarise the requests for additional information regarding the Ruapehu Redundant
Infrastructure Removal project.
Firstly, in relation to the use of old tower bases and other redundant assets, could you please let me know as soon as possible if
WHL plans to incorporate more of these for the incoming snow guns?
Secondly, any anecdotal information you could provide about the amount of concrete present at the old Centennial return station
would be immensely helpful. Our current estimates suggest there might be around 50m² to remove, but we're not entirely certain.
Any additional details on this, as wel as other relevant sites, would be greatly appreciated.
Lastly, regarding the idea of using concrete from the Waterfal Express Return Station for fil below the Sky Waka return (snow play
area), could you provide more context on this proposal? While this isn't as urgent as the other points, it would be beneficial to start
forming a narrative around it.
Thank you for your time this morning and look forward to your response.
Ngā mihi,
George
George Taylor | Operations Manager, Ruapehu Projects
| Pou Matarautaki
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Tongariro National Park
Released under the Official Information Act
s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address] | www.doc.govt.nz
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
12
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13
Item 7
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 9 January 2026 11:07 am
To: Fiona Wilson
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
A achments: 060126 WHL_Snowmaking_WA Applica on.pdf
Oh dear, apologies. HNY and thanks Fiona. Wil you be my port of cal here as it I wil now assume that
you are back from leave? Thanks Steve
Steve Manunui
General Manager Opera ons
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Fiona Wilson
Sent: Wednesday, 7 January 2026 4:23 p.m.
To: Steve Manunui
Subject: FW: Works Approvals
Kia ora Steve
Thank you for your works approval applica on. Unfortunately the Permissions Team has advised they
cannot record it against the Whakapapa Holdings Limited concession because the applicant name in
your applica on form is ‘Ruapehu Alpine Li s’. They have requested that you provide a new copy of
your applica on form in the name of ‘Whakapapa Holdings Limited’.
Can you please revise your applica on form and send it to me.
Ngā mihi
Released under the Official Information Act
Fiona Wilson | Ranger Project Lead Community, Āo Hāpori | Department of Conserva on Te Papa
Atawhai Tongariro District Office | Tongariro Na onal Park Visitor Centre Mount Ruapehu | DDI: +64
| e-mail [email address]
s9(2)(a)
14
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 12:45 PM
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Fiona Wilson <[email address]>; Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
Kia ora Mere. Happy New Year team.
A ached works applica on for snowmaking jobs to be completed this summer.
If you would like to walk through the jobs on site, then let me know when.
Can you confirm pricing for this applica on. Once done I wil generate a PO.
I went over this work with s9(2)(a) back just before fire 1 last year. He was happy with our plan
and approach and that the next step was to send him something in wri ng to look at which has
been done. I wil try and touch base with him again shortly.
Let me know if anything else is needed.
Hei kona YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Opera ons
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 5 January 2026 12:00 p.m.
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Fiona Wilson <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
15
Kia ora Libby
I’m happy to process this WA in Fiona’s absence.
Ngā mihi, Mere
From: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 5 January 2026 11:16 am
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>; Fiona Wilson <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
Kia ora ano YM
Happy new year!
Just confirming we’re pre y much back on deck so happy to get something through from you when
you’re ready.
Ngā mihi
Libby
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 11:40 am
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Subject: Works Approvals
Hey Libby,
I hope you are well. I seem to keep missing you up the hill – maybe I'll see you in
Taupō (I also need to pick your brain and get some TDC intel as well)
As we are mostly working through the holidays, I’ll be the party pooper here. I have a
works approval almost ready to go, realizing that a lot of your admin crew will be off
for the holidays. So, no urgency here, but I just want to have it ready and waiting in
the inboxes when everyone is back on board.
It is mostly a copy of the work we carried out last summer to be able to place our next
lot of new snow guns. I have talked the work over with9(2)(a) so once I complete the
Released under the Official Information Act
application, I will send him a summary.
Once I have this ready, should I send it to Mere and Fiona? I assume that one of
them would want to come up for a look at the work.
Thanks, and have a Merry Christmas,
16
Youngman
Steve Manunui
General Manager Opera ons
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
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all copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Thank you.
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Thank you.
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17
Item 8
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 9 January 2026 12:01 pm
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: Fiona Wilson; Libby O'Brien
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
A achments: 060126 WHL_Snowmaking_WA Applica on.pdf
Kia ora team, Fiona has rightly pointed out the applica on being under RAL vs WHL – sorry (-: Trav and
I were only discussing last week that this wil be WHL’s first WA. Adjustment made.
Thanks, YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Steve Manunui
Sent: Tuesday, 6 January 2026 12:45 p.m.
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Fiona Wilson <[email address]>; Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
Kia ora Mere. Happy New Year team.
A ached works applica on for snowmaking jobs to be completed this summer.
If you would like to walk through the jobs on site, then let me know when.
Can you confirm pricing for this applica on. Once done I wil generate a PO.
I went over this work with s9(2)(a) back just before fire 1 last year. He was happy with our plan
and approach and that the next step was to send him something in wri ng to look at which has
been done. I wil try and touch base with him again shortly.
Released under the Official Information Act
Let me know if anything else is needed.
Hei kona YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
18
www.whakapapa.com
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 5 January 2026 12:00 p.m.
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Fiona Wilson <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
Kia ora Libby
I’m happy to process this WA in Fiona’s absence.
Ngā mihi, Mere
From: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 5 January 2026 11:16 am
To: Steve Manunui <s s9(2)(a)
Cc: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>; Fiona Wilson <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Works Approvals
Kia ora ano YM
Happy new year!
Just confirming we’re pretty much back on deck so happy to get something through
from you when you’re ready.
Ngā mihi
Libby
Released under the Official Information Act
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 11:40 am
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Subject: Works Approvals
19
Hey Libby,
I hope you are well. I seem to keep missing you up the hill – maybe I'll see you in
Taupō (I also need to pick your brain and get some TDC intel as well)
As we are mostly working through the holidays, I’ll be the party pooper here. I have a
works approval almost ready to go, realizing that a lot of your admin crew will be off
for the holidays. So, no urgency here, but I just want to have it ready and waiting in
the inboxes when everyone is back on board.
It is mostly a copy of the work we carried out last summer to be able to place our next
lot of new snow guns. I have talked the work over with s9(2)(a) , so once I complete the
application, I will send him a summary.
Once I have this ready, should I send it to Mere and Fiona? I assume that one of
them would want to come up for a look at the work.
Thanks, and have a Merry Christmas,
Youngman
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
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Released under the Official Information Act
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20
Item 9
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 1:25 pm
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Bruce Road Works
Thank you, what is the projected comple on date? My understanding is that s9(2)(a) is in discussions
with FH re the removal of the mil ings ful stop, so have le that part of the conversa on with him.
And yes, once ready and if needed we wil partake in the use of the mil ings in car parks. Thanks, YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
3
www.whakapapa.com
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:39 a.m.
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Bruce Road Works
Kia ora YM
Fulton Hogan propose to start on Tuesday, 27th January after Auckland Anniversary. There
wil be no road closures during the reseal works, but traffic management wil be on site.
I’ve given the DOC Project Manager, Paul White, a heads up that WHL maybe interested in
utilising some of the mil ings for use in some of your carparks. We can arrange a walkover
with FH, Paul, s9(2)(a)
and yourselves
Ngā mihi, Mere
Released under the Official Information Act
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:35 am
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Bruce Road Works
21
Kia ora Mere, do you have any updates on the re-sealing work planned for the Bruce Road please. This
wil impact our summer business so we would like to be ahead of our communica ons and marke ng.
Thanks YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Steve Manunui
Sent: Tuesday, 6 January 2026 2:01 p.m.
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Subject: Bruce Road Works
Kia ora Mere, couple quick things.
1. Just caught up with s9(2)(a) re using the shavings from the re-seal work in our Car Parks. We
agreed on some areas which he wil do some pricing and work on with FH. If this becomes
viable then we would arrangea visit for an opportunity to have a final look at the areas
concerned.
2. Do you have the dates and mes for resealing works to be carried out on the Bruce Road this
summer please.
YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
22
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notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is
prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al
copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
23
Item 10
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 1:25 pm
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Bruce Road Works
Thank you, what is the projected comple on date? My understanding is that s9(2)(a) is in discussions
with FH re the removal of the mil ings ful stop, so have le that part of the conversa on with him.
And yes, once ready and if needed we wil partake in the use of the mil ings in car parks. Thanks, YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:39 a.m.
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Bruce Road Works
Kia ora YM
Fulton Hogan propose to start on Tuesday, 27th January after Auckland Anniversary. There
wil be no road closures during the reseal works, but traffic management wil be on site.
I’ve given the DOC Project Manager, Paul White, a heads up that WHL maybe interested in
utilising some of the mil ings for use in some of your carparks. We can arrange a walkover
with FH, Paul, s9(2)(a)
and yourselves
Ngā mihi, Mere
Released under the Official Information Act
From: Steve Manunui < s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:35 am
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Bruce Road Works
24
Kia ora Mere, do you have any updates on the re-sealing work planned for the Bruce Road please. This
wil impact our summer business so we would like to be ahead of our communica ons and marke ng.
Thanks YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Steve Manunui
Sent: Tuesday, 6 January 2026 2:01 p.m.
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Subject: Bruce Road Works
Kia ora Mere, couple quick things.
1. Just caught up with s9(2)(a) re using the shavings from the re-seal work in our Car Parks. We
agreed on some areas which he wil do some pricing and work on with FH. If this becomes
viable then we would arrangea visit for an opportunity to have a final look at the areas
concerned.
2. Do you have the dates and mes for resealing works to be carried out on the Bruce Road this
summer please.
YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
25
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notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is
prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al
copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
26
Item 11
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 15 January 2026 11:09 am
To: permissions
Cc: George Taylor; Libby O'Brien; Damian Cou s; Julie Chuor
Subject: RE: Applica on Tussock Tavern by Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Ltd and Nga
Puia 2023 Ltd
Kia ora Lizzie,
Checking in for progress, one month on.
We are looking for mely progress to ensure that there is sufficient me for an operator to make
something of the opportuni es in the ancil ary buildings with the assump on that they may have a
short tenure only before giving way to wider vil age changes. For the avoidance of doubt our interest
is in possession by about the end of Q1 2026, or April, and commencing opera ons by winter 2026.
We are now nearing two years since my ini al proposal on the temporary use of vil age buildings.
Thanks very much,
Travis
From: permissions
Sent: Wednesday, 17 December 2025 7:02 a.m.
To: Travis Donoghue
Subject: RE: Applica on Tussock Tavern by Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Ltd and Nga Puia 2023 Ltd
Kia Ora Travis,
Thank you for your applica on for the opera on of the Tussock Tavern in Whakapapa Village.
Under sec on 17ZG(2) of the Conserva on Act 1987, the Department has ini ated a process
to determine how opportuni es for this ac vity will be allocated. During this process,
concession applica ons cannot be accepted unless specifically invited by the Department.
We are currently working through op ons for all Chateau ancillary buildings, and we have
noted your interest in the Tussock Tavern. We will be in contact with you in early 2026 once
next steps are confirmed.
If you have any ques ons in the mean me, please contact us at [email address]
Ngā mihi nui,
Released under the Official Information Act
Lizzie Graham
Senior Statutory Advisor
Statutory Process Team
Policy & Regulatory Services
Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conserva on
27
www.doc.govt.nz
Applica ons for permits and concessions wil not be processed during our statutory shutdown period from
Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 9 January 2026. Processing wil resume on Monday 12 January 2026. DOC
offices wil close at 5pm on the 24th of December 2025 and wil reopen on the Monday 6th of January 2026.
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 12 December 2025 3:51 pm
To: permissions <[email address]>
Cc: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Subject: Applica on Tussock Tavern by Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Ltd and Nga Puia 2023 Ltd
You don't often get email from s9(2)(a)
. Learn why this is important
Kia ora,
Please find a ached an applica on from Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited and Nga Puia 2023
Limited as joint venture for the opera on of the Tussock Tavern in Whakapapa Vil age.
Nga mihi nui,
Travis Donoghue
Chief Execu ve
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is
Released under the Official Information Act
confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are
notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is
prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase
all copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Thank you.
28
Item 12
From: Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 22 January 2026 8:57 am
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: Libby O'Brien; Travis Donoghue; Steve Manunui
Subject: Vil age Transport
Good morning al ,
Just wanted to bring this back to your a en on. We caught up in early December about Vil age Transport and we would like to move ahead.
Could we please organise a mee ng together regarding pre-applica on for concession? If there are any perceived impediments to moving to a concession
applica on as was poten al y discussed last month, could we organise a me to work through these issues together?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Al the best,
Jarrett Gauci
Operations Manager
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
29
Item 13
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 7:56 am
To: Jarre Gauci; Steve Manunui; s9(2)(a)
Cc: Ma & Mel’s Coffee & Kai cart; info whakapapa.net.nz
Subject: FW: Bruce Road Reseal works - 27 January - 31 March 2026
FYI
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 7:54 am
To: L\Al - Tongariro Office <TongariroOffice@doc.govt.nz>
Subject: Bruce Road Reseal works - 27 January - 31 March 2026
Kia ora koutou
Reseal works on Bruce Road commence today and wil continue through to 31 March 2026.
No road closures are planned during this period.
Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) wil initial y be instal ed on SH48 below or near
the Whakapapa Workshop and wil progressively move up Bruce Road as Fulton
Hogan advances through the programme.
Please expect reduced speeds and minor delays while works are underway.
Nga mihi,
Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Released under the Official Information Act
30
Item 14
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Thursday, 29 January 2026 6:19 pm
To: s9(2)(a)
Steve Manunui; Jarre Gauci; Travis Donoghue; s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
Cc: s9(2)(a)
; Paul White; George Taylor; James Kemp; Gerald
Mul en; Libby O'Brien; TongariroVC; s9(2)(a)
Subject: Iwikau Ski Club Grease Trap Cleaning - Tomorrow
Kia ora koutou
s9(2)(a)
- Apologies for the delayed notification. Iwikau Ski Club Heli Op grease trap cleaning
wil take place tomorrow.
There is a lot of work underway in the Whakapapa Ski Area, on Bruce Road and within
Whakapapa Vil age this summer season with DOC’s col aborative contract partnerships
making the most of the early summer season. Stakeholders wil be updated at the Meeting
on 9 February 2026.
I wil send out an email tomorrow confirming the agenda and location of the meeting, which
wil also be available via Teams.
Ngā mihi,
Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Released under the Official Information Act
31
Item 15
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Saturday, 31 January 2026 9:13 am
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: Paul White
Subject: Re: Iwikau - Bruce Road Loop - Mil ings for Ski Club lodge Areas
Kia ora Mere. Confirming that this looks accurate and represents the areas and work
discussed earlier. Many thanks.
Steve Manunui
General Manager - Operations
Whakapapa
s9(2)(a)
(sent from my iPhone)
On 31 Jan 2026, at 7:11 AM, Mere Mokoraka <[email address]> wrote:
Kia ora YM
Could you please confirm that the proposal discussed with s9(2)(a)
to place
mil ings on the areas identified in the attached JPG, specifical y the ski club
carpark areas on the Bruce Road loop—is accurate.
In addition, please confirm that the intent of applying mil ings in these locations is
to create a more consistent and level carparking surface, thereby enhancing
vehicle parking efficiency and improving the effectiveness of snow‑clearing
operations.
Ngā mihi,
Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Released under the Official Information Act
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
32
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is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient
you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this
message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify
us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We
apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
<Iwikau - Bruce Road Loop.jpg>
Released under the Official Information Act
33
Item 16
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Monday, 2 February 2026 7:54 am
To: 'Jarre Gauci'
Cc: Libby O'Brien; Travis Donoghue; Steve Manunui
Subject: RE: Vil age Transport
Hi Jarrett
Sorry for the delay. Someone should be reaching out to you within the next couple of weeks, mindful that WHL wil be wanting a decision
before this coming winter.
Cheers, Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
From: Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 22 January 2026 8:57 am
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Travis Donoghu s9(2)(a)
Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Subject: Vil age Transport
Good morning al ,
Just wanted to bring this back to your a en on. We caught up in early December about Vil age Transport and we would like to move ahead.
Could we please organise a mee ng together regarding pre-applica on for concession? If there are any perceived impediments to moving to a concession
applica on as was poten al y discussed last month, could we organise a me to work through these issues together?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Al the best,
Jarrett Gauci
Operations Manager
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
34
Item 17
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 10:01 am
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: Andy Hoyle
Subject: RE: Whakapapa Stakeholder Mee ng
Thanks Mere, are we able to get access to the public consulta on feedback
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 9:48 a.m.
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Whakapapa Stakeholder Mee ng
Kia ora YM
Here it is. It wil go out with the final notes, with some additional context regarding the consultation process.
Happy to catch up if you want to discuss.
Ngā mihi, Mere
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 9:21 am
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
g
Kia ora Mere
Just had a de-brief from Andy on Mondays hui.
Could we have a look at any informa on you have pertaining to the change the speed limit to the Bruce Road please.
Released under the Official Information Act
Thanks YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
+ s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
35
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 9 February 2026 8:01 a.m.
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Whakapapa Stakeholder Mee ng
Ka pai YM
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Monday, 9 February 2026 7:07 am
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Cc: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Whakapapa Stakeholder Mee ng
Morena Mere. Andy wil a end this mee ng on our behalf today, thanks YM
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
+ s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
-----Original Appointment-----
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 30 January 2026 11:29 a.m.
To: Libby O'Brien; s9(2)(a)
Travis Donoghue; Serena Taylor; Steve Manunui; Jarre Gauci; s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
Julie Chuor s9(2)(a)
; George Taylor; Karen Rainbow; Eric de Boer;
Released under the Official Information Act
Paul White; Jenny Hayward; Danial Van der Lubbe; President RSC
Cc: Mitch Black; Michel e Windsor; Alex Knewstubb
Subject: Whakapapa Stakeholder Mee ng
When: Monday, 9 February 2026 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (UTC+12:00) Auckland, Wel ington.
Where: Microso Teams Mee ng; WKP - Tongariro (Seats 14, Ful AV)
Kia ora koutou
36
Attached is the agenda for our hui on 9th February.
You’re welcome to join either via
Teams or
in person in the Whakapapa Visitor Centre conference room.
We look forward to seeing you al .
Nga mihi,
Mere
________________________________________________________________________________
s9(2)(k)
Org help | Privacy and security
________________________________________________________________________________
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject
to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination,
distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please
notify us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the
inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject
to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination,
distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please
notify us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the
inconvenience. Thank you.
37
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to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination,
distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please
notify us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the
inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
38
Item 18
Out of Scope
From: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2026 6:26 pm
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>; Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
; Andy Hoyle
s9(2)(a)
; Steve Manunu s9(2)(a)
; Horizons compliance ([email address]) <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
; Travis Donoghue <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Cc: DLVC_CONSERVATION PROJECT SERVICES LTD T <[email address]>; Paul White <[email address]>; L/Opera ons - CNI
Tongariro DLT <[email address]>
Subject: RE: UPDATE OF DIESEL SPILL BRUCE ROAD, TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Kia ora koutou
Apologies for the late message, but I wanted to take a moment to extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in
today’s clean-up effort on SH48 and the Bruce Road.
While accidents can unfortunately occur in the nature of the work we do, the collective and swift response to minimise
any environmental impact was truly heartening. It speaks volumes about the strength of our collaboration as one big
whānau working across Tongariro National Park, and about how protecting this special place sits at the very heart of
everything we do.
It is a real privilege to work alongside people who consistently consider the best interests of our park. Thank you again for
your commitment and efforts.
Ngā mihi nui
Libby
Libby O’Brien
Taumata Rautaki | Operations Manager – Tongariro
Department of Conservation
Tongariro National Park
s9(2)(a)
www.doc.govt.nz
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2026 2:38 pm
To: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>; Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
; Andy Hoyle
s9(2)(a)
Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
orizons compliance ([email address]) <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Travis Donoghue <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Released under the Official Information Act
Cc: s9(2)(a)
; Paul White <[email address]>; L/Opera ons - CNI
Tongariro DLT <[email address]>
Subject: RE: UPDATE OF DIESEL SPILL BRUCE ROAD, TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Further to this update
The spil is contained and the Naylor Love have worked with the Hiab operator and Fulton Hogan doing the required clean-up.
The vehicle has been repaired and the problem addressed
DOC are satisfied with the response to this unfortunate incident
39
Thanks to those who reported and supported the response to this event.
Ngā mihi,
George
George Taylor | Operations Manager, Ruapehu Projects
| Pou Matarautaki
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Tongariro National Park
M: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address] | www.doc.govt.nz
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2026 12:03 pm
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
; Andy Hoyl s9(2)(a)
>; Steve Manunui
s9(2)(a)
Horizons compliance
([email address]) <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Travis
Donoghue <[email address]> s9(2)(a)
Cc: George Taylor <g [email address]> s9(2)(a)
; Paul White
<[email address]>; L/Opera ons - CNI Tongariro DLT <[email address]>
Subject: UPDATE OF DIESEL SPILL BRUCE ROAD, TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Kia ora koutou,
This is an update on the diesel spil reported to DOC at 10:08am this morning b s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
(TPP).
A diesel hose on a Hiab truck appears to have failed, resulting in a spil along Bruce Road.
The spil is thought to have begun near the Whakapapanui bridge, with faint diesel visible on the left-hand side of the uphil
lane.
The trail remained faint until the truck stopped at the traffic lights managed by Fulton Hogan (FH), who are completing the
current seal works. A more noticeable concentration of diesel was observed at this point.
The diesel became more prominent as the vehicle continued up Bruce Road, turning into Carpark 4 and then through to
Carpark 5, where the truck eventual y parked.
On arrival, s9(2)(a) from Naylor Love (NL) had already begun deploying absorbent spil materials from Carpark 4.
Spil kit material was placed underneath the truck to reduce diesel discharge to the carpark.
Additional absorbent material is being supplied by TPP.
s9(2)(a)
from WHL also arrived on site to assist with further spil ‑kit resources.
NL wil be requesting support from FH for use of their tractor broom to brush, col ect, and dispose of the contaminated
material.
Everyone on site is mindful of the heavy rain forecast for this evening, and DOC appreciates the col aborative efforts underway to
ensure an effective clean‑up.
At this stage, the estimated volume of diesel discharged, and the cause of the hose failure remain unknown. George Taylor is on site
and wil provide further updates as information becomes available.
Released under the Official Information Act
Ngā mihi,
Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
M: s9(2)(a)
40
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Released under the Official Information Act
41
Item 19
From: George Taylor
Sent: Friday, 13 February 2026 9:38 am
To: James Kemp; Steve Manunui; s9(2)(a)
Cc: Andy Hoyle; Jarre Gauci; Sarah Dal e Nogare
Subject: RE: SMP
Kia ora koutou,
Thanks, Steve, for the prompt to put this in pace.
The only addition I might add from the DOC perspective is to state
“This work is being undertaken by Naylor Love under contract to the Department of
Conservation. Any queries can be directed to George Taylor [email address]”
Or words to that effect.
Much appreciated,
George
From: James Kemp s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2026 9:41 pm
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Trevor Smith s9(2)(a)
Cc: George Taylor <g [email address]>; Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Jarre Gauci
s9(2)(a)
; Sarah Dal e Nogare s9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: SMP
Hi Steve,
No problems at all with this, will get something over to you smartly.
Cheers
Kind Regards
James Kemp
Construction Manager
Naylor Love Waikato/BOP
s9(2)(a)
Released under the Official Information Act
www.naylorlove.co.nz
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:18:53 AM
To: James Kemp s9(2)(a)
; Trevor Smit s9(2)(a)
42
Cc: George Taylor <g [email address]>; Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
; Jarre Gauci
s9(2)(a)
Sarah Dal e Nogare s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: SMP
Hi Team.
Park Visitor and guest informa on - not required in the SMP, not sure if it was a requirement in the
Works Approval? It is something we have needed in the past. We have acknowledged and agreed on
our end that this guest care and informa on piece is important. We alone wil be responsible for
transpor ng twenty odd thousand guests up the Sky Waka over the summer period. Historical y we
have communicated this work to guests, and we would like to con nue with this.
Ideal y, we would like a graphic like the one a ached. When used last me we posted these at the top
and bo om of the li , in retail, and on our website. We are happy for our marke ng team to put this
together s as to put the appropriate lens view on it.
Ideal y what we need:
Do you have a high-level brief on the project – what, why, and where
Area’s work is being carried out on this summer for us to highlight on a map
What is involved – core dril ing, blas ng, flying??? High level
Around blas ng – what is being used and or how do we frame this up. And from there how wil
public know what to expect should they end up in the vicinity of a blast.
Once we have this informa on, we wil form up a dra , and catch up a er that.
George – is there anything from a DOC perspec ve that you would like to see?
Regards Steve
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
Out of Scope
43
Out of Scope
Please Note: This email and any a achment are intended for the named recipient only. The informa on contained in this
email and any a achment may be confiden al or commercially sensi ve. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
reproduce or distribute any part of this email, disclose its contents to any other party, or take any ac on in reliance on it. If
you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the message and any a achment
from your computer. Thank you
Please Note: This email and any a achment are intended for the named recipient only. The informa on contained in this
email and any a achment may be confiden al or commercially sensi ve. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
reproduce or distribute any part of this email, disclose its contents to any other party, or take any ac on in reliance on it. If
you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the message and any a achment
from your computer. Thank you
Released under the Official Information Act
44
Item 20
From: George Taylor
Sent: Saturday, 14 February 2026 10:35 am
To: Andy Hoyle
Cc: s9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: Echo avalanche dog training no fica on
OK Andy. Confirm receipt and I'll pass this on to the team.
Ngā mihi,
George
Get Outlook for Android
From: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2026 8:37:42 AM
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Cc: s9(2)(a)
Subject: Echo avalanche dog training no fica on
Hi George,
Sorry for the late notice mate 9(2)(a) is planning to have echo up this weekend for some
currency training as we prepare for our upcoming SARDA summer camp.
Cheers,
A
Andy Hoyle
GM Quality
Whakapapa Ski Area
s9(2)(a)
Released under the Official Information Act
45
Item 21
From: George Taylor
Sent: Thursday, 19 February 2026 11:44 am
To: Steve Manunui; James Kemp; Trevor Smith
Subject: RE: Guest Coms
This is great thanks Steve. If we’re good to go, we can also put this at the VC in the A3 and A4 laminated for the counter.
Much appreciated,
George
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 18 February 2026 4:06 pm
To: James Kemp s9(2)(a)
George Taylor <g [email address]>; Trevor Smith s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Guest Coms
Kia ora team
A ached proposed graphic for public consump on
We are happy with the balance of informa on
Have only shaded the Na onal, Knol , Val ey, and Rockgarden areas for this summer (le HV) Can someone confirm this is correct please.
A er talking this through with our team, we now only propose to post this on an A3 in our retail & KRC, along with some A4 laminated copies at the
counters
Both of the above points give us the ability to change areas and dates while being cost effec ve
We wil also post and scrol this on our screens in retail and the KRC
Thoughts?
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
+ s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Out of Scope
Released under the Official Information Act
46
Out of Scope
Released under the Official Information Act
47
Out of Scope
Released under the Official Information Act
From: James Kemp s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 13 February 2026 11:20 a.m.
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>; Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
; Trevor Smith s9(2)(a)
Cc: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
; Sarah Dal e Nogare s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: SMP
Morning Steve,
48
See below, something along these lines gives a brief enough outline of what we are undertaking.
Your team will have a nicer way of framing it up I am sure!
As discussed, this morning, happy for you to sort graphic as you see fit, our graphics are probably a little agricultural for this.
I am more than happy to have this printed on alu sign boards in town once ready, let me know your preference.
Cheers
Ruapehu Redundant Infrastructure Removal Update
This season, the RRIR project will be focused on removing old redundant concrete foundations across the ski area, to return the
Maunga back to its natural state.
Areas of focus for the 2026 Season (to May 30th) will include the former
National Chair, Knoll Ridge, Valley T, Rockgarden,
and
Happy Valley.
You may notice construction activity around the mountain. This can include:
Breakers, drills and diggers operating from time to time
Concrete‑fracturing that may sound like a dull shotgun blast
Plant and machinery positioned around work areas
Our teams are fully trained and will ensure all visitors remain safe during these works. Worksites will be clearly marked with
fencing or red rope. For your safety, please:
Keep clear of all work areas
View from a distance
Do not touch any machinery or equipment
This work is being undertaken by
Naylor Love Waikato/BOP Ltd under contract to the
Department of Conservation. Any
queries can be directed to George Taylor [email address]”
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe while we continue this important work on the Maunga.
Cheers
Kind Regards
James Kemp
Construction Manager
s9(2)(a)
www.naylorlove.co.nz
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Friday, 13 February 2026 9:38 am
To: James Kemp s9(2)(a)
>; Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
>; Trevor Smith s9(2)(a)
Cc: Andy Hoyl s9(2)(a)
>; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Sarah Dal e Nogare s9(2)(a)
>
Subject: RE: SMP
Kia ora koutou,
Thanks, Steve, for the prompt to put this in pace.
The only addition I might add from the DOC perspective is to state
“This work is being undertaken by Naylor Love under contract to the Department of Conservation. Any queries can be directed to George
Taylor [email address]”
Or words to that effect.
Much appreciated,
George
Released under the Official Information Act
From: James Kemp s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2026 9:41 pm
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
; Trevor Smith s9(2)(a)
Cc: George Taylor <g [email address]>; Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
; Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
Sarah Dal e Nogare
9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: SMP
Hi Steve,
49
No problems at all with this, will get something over to you smartly.
Cheers
Kind Regards
James Kemp
Construction Manager
Naylor Love Waikato/BOP
s9(2)(a)
www.naylorlove.co.nz
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:18:53 AM
To: James Kem s9(2)(a)
; Trevor Smith s9(2)(a)
Cc: George Taylor <g [email address]>; Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
; Jarre Gauci 9(2)(a)
Sarah Dal e Nogare
s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: SMP
Hi Team.
Park Visitor and guest informa on - not required in the SMP, not sure if it was a requirement in the Works Approval? It is something we have needed in the
past. We have acknowledged and agreed on our end that this guest care and informa on piece is important. We alone wil be responsible for transpor ng
twenty odd thousand guests up the Sky Waka over the summer period. Historical y we have communicated this work to guests, and we would like to
con nue with this.
Ideal y, we would like a graphic like the one a ached. When used last me we posted these at the top and bo om of the li , in retail, and on our website.
We are happy for our marke ng team to put this together s as to put the appropriate lens view on it.
Ideal y what we need:
Do you have a high-level brief on the project – what, why, and where
Area’s work is being carried out on this summer for us to highlight on a map
What is involved – core dril ing, blas ng, flying??? High level
Around blas ng – what is being used and or how do we frame this up. And from there how wil public know what to expect should they end up in
the vicinity of a blast.
Once we have this informa on, we wil form up a dra , and catch up a er that.
George – is there anything from a DOC perspec ve that you would like to see?
Regards Steve
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Out of ScopeReleased under the Official Information Act
50
Out of Scope
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sensi ve. If you are not the intended recipient you must not reproduce or distribute any part of this email, disclose its contents to any other party, or take any ac on in reliance on it. If you
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Please Note: This email and any a achment are intended for the named recipient only. The informa on contained in this email and any a achment may be confiden al or commercially
sensi ve. If you are not the intended recipient you must not reproduce or distribute any part of this email, disclose its contents to any other party, or take any ac on in reliance on it. If you
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Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not
the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you
received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the
inconvenience. Thank you.
Please Note: This email and any a achment are intended for the named recipient only. The informa on contained in this email and any a achment may be confiden al or commercially
sensi ve. If you are not the intended recipient you must not reproduce or distribute any part of this email, disclose its contents to any other party, or take any ac on in reliance on it. If you
have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the message and any a achment from your computer. Thank you
Please Note: This email and any a achment are intended for the named recipient only. The informa on contained in this email and any a achment may be confiden al or commercially
sensi ve. If you are not the intended recipient you must not reproduce or distribute any part of this email, disclose its contents to any other party, or take any ac on in reliance on it. If you
have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the message and any a achment from your computer. Thank you
Released under the Official Information Act
51
Item 22
From: George Taylor
Sent: Thursday, 19 February 2026 11:38 am
To: Cal um Learmonth
Cc: Serena Taylor
Subject: RE: No fica on of Search dog training - Whakapapa February 19th, 20th
Thanks Cal um, noted and I wil pass on to the Ops team.
Going forward, can you please forward notifications to Serena Taylor [email address]
Ngā mihi,
George
From: Cal um Learmonth s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 19 February 2026 9:03 am
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Subject: RE: No fica on of Search dog training - Whakapapa February 19th, 20th
Morning George,
A heads up I wil have Sky up the mountain today and tomorrow training, (Thursday 19th, Friday 20th ).
Cheers
Cal um
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:04 AM
To: Cal um Learmonth s9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: No fica on of Search dog training - Whakapapa February 12th
Thanks Callum, noted.
Ngā mihi,
George
Get Outlook for Android
From: Cal um Learmonth s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 8:06:06 AM
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Subject: RE: No fica on of Search dog training - Whakapapa February 12th
Morning George,
A heads up we wil have Sky up the mountain today training, (Thursday February 12th ).
Cheers
Cal um
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Thursday, February 5, 2026 9:29 AM
To: Cal um Learmonth s9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: No fica on of Search dog training - Whakapapa February 5th and 6th
Thank you Callum. Confirming receipt of this notification, much appreciated.
George
Released under the Official Information Act
Get Outlook for Android
From: Cal um Learmonth s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, February 5, 2026 9:13:11 AM
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Subject: No fica on of Search dog training - Whakapapa February 5th and 6th
Hi George,
Hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year period and found some dry weather some place.
52
Just fol owing up from your communica on with Travis and Andy mid-December end of last year about dogs on the mountain over the summer months.
I wanted to give you a head up that Aly and I wil have Sky our Avalanche search dog up the mountain over the next two days, today Thursday 5th and
Friday the 6th, to get back into some overdue training.
If needed, you can contact me on s9(2)(a)
See you out and about.
Cheers
Cal um
Callum Learmonth
Safety Services Manager
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not
the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you
received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the
inconvenience. Thank you.
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not
the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you
received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the
inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
53
Item 23
Out of Scope
From: Travis Donoghue < s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 11:00 am
To: s9(2)(a)
Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Off the Grid filming
Morena,
Regarding filming at the ski area we’ve always proceeded without addi onal checks or permissions
where we are confident that Whakapapa opera ons are the primary subject of the piece. I was not
here for filming though so you would probably want confirma on from Phil in this instance.
Cheers,
Travis
From: s9(2)(a)
Sent: Monday, 16 February 2026 2:52 p.m.
To: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>; Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Off the Grid filming
Hi Libby, they filmed at the Boars Nest, and Blue Duck Station.
I see they also randomly went to the Taumarunui RSA!
Cheers
s9(2)
(a)
From: Libby O'Brien <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 16 February 2026 9:31 am
To: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Subject: Off the Grid filming
Kia ora korua
Released under the Official Information Act
Hope you’re both well and relatively dry. Cool to see a bit of snow on the maunga but
like most of us, I’m a bit over this stupid summer weather!
Travis, not sure if you’re back but you will have been aware we’ve had s9(2)(a) and
s9(2)(a) in the region recently doing a bit of filming. I understand they were doing some
54
filming at Whakapapa, but I’m keen to get in touch with their production team to find
out what other filming took place as they don’t have a concession.
I’d been in touch with s9(2)(a) about what they’d filmed at the ski field, but haven’t heard
anything yet. Essentially I’m just trying to avoid anything getting messy when the
footage airs and iwi (or others) realise this one hasn’t come through the system.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Libby
Libby O’Brien
Taumata Rautaki | Operations Manager – Tongariro
Department of Conservation
Tongariro National Park
Phone: s9(2)(a)
www.doc.govt.nz
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is
confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are
notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is
prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al
copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
55
Item 24
From: George Taylor
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 9:02 am
To: Andy Hoyle
Cc: s9(2)(a)
; Serena Taylor
Subject: Re: Dog training
Thanks Andy. Noted.
I let s9(2)(a) know yesterday but just a bit of adjustment for these notifications. From
here please notify Serena Taylor [email address] directly instead of myself.
Much appreciated,
George
Get Outlook for Android
From: Andy Hoyle s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 7:10:29 AM
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Cc: s9(2)(a)
Subject: Dog training
Hi George,
We wil have Echo up today for some more training for upcoming summer camp.
Cheers,
A
Andy Hoyle
GM Quality
Whakapapa Ski Area
s9(2)(a)
Released under the Official Information Act
56
Item 25
From: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 10:52 am
To: Mere Mokoraka
Cc: s9(2)(a)
; Fiona Wilson
Subject: RE: Catch Up - Welcome/Haere ra sign
Thanks Mere, just looking for a couple of signatures for the transport app. Hoping to get it away today.
And yes let me know ming for a sign catch up
Steve Manunui
General Manager Operations
+ s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
From: Mere Mokoraka <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 10:06 a.m.
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
; Fiona Wilson <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Catch Up - Welcome/Haere ra sign
Correction YM
Use the email address on the application form [email address]
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 9:05 am
To: Steve Manunui s9(2)(a)
Cc: Jarre Gauci s9(2)(a)
>; Fiona Wilson <[email address]>
Subject: Catch Up - Welcome/Haere ra sign
Kia ora YM
Released under the Official Information Act
Keen to have a chat about the Welcome/Haere rā sign in Carpark 9 – the one on the big rock
– so we can agree on its final location. I’l set up a meeting for us in a couple of weeks as I’m
away for most of next week.
Fiona mentioned you’re working on the One-Off Concession Application for Vil age Transport
and that it was nearly ready. Just checking in on progress. When it’s good to go, please email
57
it through to [email address]. Someone from the Statutory team wil be assigned to
process the application, once they receive it.
Ngā mihi, Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
M: + s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is
confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are
notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is
prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase al
copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.
Released under the Official Information Act
58
Item 26
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 8:28 am
Subject: RE: Burst gasket on the watermain located in the Vil as 1-5 carpark,
Ngauruhoe Terrace
Kia ora koutou,
Thank you for your patience and understanding during last night’s water shutdown, which was
required to complete essential remediation work.
Water supply was successful y reinstated at approximately 10.15 pm.
We also appreciate the diligence and responsiveness of Veolia, who acted quickly to ensure
the vil age did not run out of water and that services were restored as soon as possible.
Ngā mihi nui for your cooperation.
Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
M: + s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
From: Mere Mokoraka
Sent: Monday, 23 February 2026 6:44 pm
Subject: Burst gasket on the watermain located in the Vil as 1-5 carpark, Ngauruhoe Terrace
Kia ora koutou,
We are currently experiencing a significant loss of treated water from the Whakapapa Water
Supply reservoir due to a burst gasket on the watermain. The seal has failed, causing
reservoir levels to drop quickly, al owing water to flow rapidly onto the Ngauruhoe footpath
and roadside. It is likely that the gasket has reached the end of its operational life.
Released under the Official Information Act
Veolia wil be on site tonight between 8.30 pm and 9.00 pm to shut down the water supply
and undertake the required repairs. The remediation work is expected to take approximately
1–2 hours.
To help maintain essential services and reduce pressure on the system, we ask al
Whakapapa Vil age residents and businesses to conserve water immediately until repairs are
59
complete. This primarily involves the Skotel and WHL staff accommodation. Water
conservation strategies for your staff and visitors are attached for your use.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as Veolia works to restore normal water supply
as quickly as possible tonight, supported by us al as a smal alpine community.
I’m available by phone or text until the remedial works are completed.
Ngā mihi,
Mere
Mere Mokoraka
Programme Lead – Local Bodies | Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Rōpū ā-Rohe
Tongariro District | Te Rohe o Tongariro
M: + s9(2)(a)
Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Village | State Highway 48, Mount Ruapehu 3951
www.doc.govt.nz
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Released under the Official Information Act
60
Item 27
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 26 February 2026 2:24 pm
To: George Taylor
Cc: Damian Cou s; s9(2)(a)
Subject: Reconsidera on of redundant infrastructure - Schuss Haus and West
Ridge
Kia ora George,
With some me now elapsed since Whakapapa Holdings provided its ini al views on the buildings
that it required for its opera on of the ski area, our posi on has changed somewhat and we would
like to suggest that some buildings are considered for review for alterna ve treatment before they
progress too far into the redundant infrastructure program.
Internal learning and feedback from external stakeholders and our guests has led us to the fol owing
concepts that would s l al ow for progress of the maunga to a state of having only the necessary
infrastructure in the appropriate places.
1. West Ridge Kiosk and toilets. When evalua ng the scale of and access to the western terrain,
and comparing it to the eastern terrain and its facili es, an imbalance, or eastern bias, is
apparent. If possible we would consider the reloca on of the West Ridge kiosk building to a
loca on within the western area (but outside of the tuku) and maintain this building for guest
shelter and safety in inclement weather, and comfort and guest amenity in otherwise amenable
weather. Although this building has previously operated with a commercial food and beverage
offering this may not be the case in future use and instead we’d be priori sing the purposes
above, and might run it in the style of a ‘warming hut’ as seen in interna onal ski area
examples. Appropriate toilet facili es in the western area is another considera on, this
considera on does not strictly need to be ‘a ached’ to the concept of reloca ng the west ridge
kiosk (a separate loca on might be possible), but we would like to review the provision of
western toilet facili es to be responsible to both guest comfort and the environment, for
example it may be that a vaulted and contained winter only (removable) facility might be
possible in an appropriate loca on.
2. Schuss Hauss and Hut Flat toilets. We are interested in poten al y reopening the Schuss Haus in
a similar vein to the above principles, with a higher likelihood of it containing a commercial
food and beverage offering. Sufficient provision of indoor shelter for safety and enjoyment
remains constrained at Whakapapa and the Schuss Haus loca on is currently wel posi oned
due to a high volume of Whakapapa guest flow/traffic. WHL has also fielded feedback from the
hut flat clubs that guests are approaching them directly at their clubs in that area looking for
toilet facili es- this makes sense given the comments on flow and traffic and has convinced us
of the need to consider al toilet loca ons, especial y with the limited availability that is known
Released under the Official Information Act
at the base area.
Hopeful y the core concepts and the proposal of a review of the plans for these buildings is clear but
we would welcome the opportunity to discuss the possibili es at a me that suits.
Thanks very much,
61
Travis
Travis Donoghue
Chief Execu ve
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
Released under the Official Information Act
62
Out of Scope
From: Steve Manunui
Sent: Monday, 2 March 2026 11:29 am
To: Libby O'Brien
Cc: Damian Cou s
Subject: Re: Joint Venture Agreement
Morena.
This is an FYI and a copy of a JVA with the intent to operate transport between Whakapapa Vil age and
the Ski Area this winter. This has been sent off with a One-off applica on for a concession. When you
are free, I would love to go over the proposal.
Many thanks Steve
Steve Manunui
General Manager Opera ons
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+ s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
63
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64
Item 29
From: George Taylor
Sent: Monday, 9 March 2026 11:55 am
To: Travis Donoghue
Cc: Damian Cou s; s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Reconsidera on of redundant infrastructure - Schuss Haus and West Ridge
A achments: RE: RRIR Scope to work through with WHL
Kia ora Travis,
It was great to catch up with you and s9(2)(a) and clarify everything in person on Thursday. I appreciate the open discussion—it real y
helped solidify the best path forward. As we talked about, the ideal next step wil be for WHL to confirm its position and formal y
request a pre-application meeting. This wil serve as the right pre-cursor to the concession variation process and al ow us to address
any outstanding matters in a coordinated way.
One thing I didn’t get a chance to mention during our meeting is the importance of checking the scope of the current contracted
works. If WHL is considering removing any aspects from scope to use as part of ongoing ski field operations, I’d recommend that
these are bundled into the concession variation process as wel . It’s important that we identify any such items as soon as possible,
since contractors could be moving onto some of those sites in the near future.
Thanks again for the constructive conversation.
Ngā mihi,
George
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Monday, 2 March 2026 8:55 am
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Cc: Damian Cou s <dcou [email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Reconsidera on of redundant infrastructure - Schuss Haus and West Ridge
Thanks very much George.
Would Thursday, before 1:30pm, suit at al ?
From: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Sent: Friday, 27 February 2026 12:06 p.m.
To: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Cc: Damian Cou s <dcou [email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Subject: RE: Reconsidera on of redundant infrastructure - Schuss Haus and West Ridge
Kia ora Travis
Thank you for your message. Your explanation has clarified how WHL arrived at this position, especial y in light of the developments
fol owing the concession’s implementation and WHL assuming operations after RAL. Considering that a statutory process is likely
required, I wil consult with the Statutory and Community team for their guidance. In the meantime, I recommend we meet in person
early next week for a more in-depth discussion. I’m available any day except Wednesday, and would be happy to stop by while I’m
on site inspecting the ongoing works.
Ngā mihi,
George
George Taylor | Operations Manager, Ruapehu Projects
| Pou Matarautaki
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Tongariro National Park
M: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address] | www.doc.govt.nz
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
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Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
67
From: Travis Donoghue s9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, 26 February 2026 2:24 pm
To: George Taylor <g [email address]>
Cc: Damian Cou s <dcou [email address]>; s9(2)(a)
Subject: Reconsidera on of redundant infrastructure - Schuss Haus and West Ridge
Kia ora George,
With some me now elapsed since Whakapapa Holdings provided its ini al views on the buildings that it required for its opera on of the ski
area, our posi on has changed somewhat and we would like to suggest that some buildings are considered for review for alterna ve treatment
before they progress too far into the redundant infrastructure program.
Internal learning and feedback from external stakeholders and our guests has led us to the fol owing concepts that would s l al ow for progress
of the maunga to a state of having only the necessary infrastructure in the appropriate places.
1. West Ridge Kiosk and toilets. When evalua ng the scale of and access to the western terrain, and comparing it to the eastern terrain and
its facili es, an imbalance, or eastern bias, is apparent. If possible we would consider the reloca on of the West Ridge kiosk building to a
loca on within the western area (but outside of the tuku) and maintain this building for guest shelter and safety in inclement weather,
and comfort and guest amenity in otherwise amenable weather. Although this building has previously operated with a commercial food
and beverage offering this may not be the case in future use and instead we’d be priori sing the purposes above, and might run it in the
style of a ‘warming hut’ as seen in interna onal ski area examples. Appropriate toilet facili es in the western area is another
considera on, this considera on does not strictly need to be ‘a ached’ to the concept of reloca ng the west ridge kiosk (a separate
loca on might be possible), but we would like to review the provision of western toilet facili es to be responsible to both guest comfort
and the environment, for example it may be that a vaulted and contained winter only (removable) facility might be possible in an
appropriate loca on.
2. Schuss Hauss and Hut Flat toilets. We are interested in poten al y reopening the Schuss Haus in a similar vein to the above principles,
with a higher likelihood of it containing a commercial food and beverage offering. Sufficient provision of indoor shelter for safety and
enjoyment remains constrained at Whakapapa and the Schuss Haus loca on is currently wel posi oned due to a high volume of
Whakapapa guest flow/traffic. WHL has also fielded feedback from the hut flat clubs that guests are approaching them directly at their
clubs in that area looking for toilet facili es- this makes sense given the comments on flow and traffic and has convinced us of the need to
consider al toilet loca ons, especial y with the limited availability that is known at the base area.
Hopeful y the core concepts and the proposal of a review of the plans for these buildings is clear but we would welcome the opportunity to
discuss the possibili es at a me that suits.
Thanks very much,
Travis
Travis Donoghue
Released under the Official Information Act
Chief Execu ve
s9(2)(a)
www.whakapapa.com
68
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69
Item 31
From: George Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 3:14 pm
To: Travis Donoghue
Subject: DOC/WHL
Kia ora Travis,
I wanted to fol ow up and see if we could lock in a time for a chat with you and Libby regarding the transition of relationship and
portfolio. I’m hoping to find an hour that works wel with Libby’s schedule, so I’ve narrowed down a couple of options—would you be
available on Monday the 23rd between 0800 and 1030, or Tuesday the 24th between 1030 and 1200?
Let me know if either of these windows suits you, or if there’s another time that would work better.
Cheers,
George
George Taylor | Operations Manager, Ruapehu Projects
| Pou Matarautaki
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Tongariro National Park
M: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address] | www.doc.govt.nz
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
Ohakune
Whakapapa
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70
