Outdoor Pursuits Centre (Tongariro National Park, N.Z.)

Date: 20 Oct 1998

From: Tongariro Forest oral history project

By: Smith, Kevin David, 1953-

Reference: OHInt-0425/8

Description: Kevin Smith was born in Taumarunui in 1953. Describes going to Owhango Primary School and Taumarunui High School. Mentions his father, Bluey Smith, worked as a bushman and bush boss for Dominion Timber Company from the 1920s to the 1950s. Recalls exploring the forest as a child, working there with his father and deer hunting as a teenager. Talks about his early interest in conservation as the result of a road being built through Ohinetonga Reserve. Describes studying botany and then forestry at university, beginning his PhD on the West Coast and deciding to campaign to protect the native forest instead of finishing his thesis. Describes living in Harihari for fourteen years and working for Native Forests Action Council with Gerry McSweeney and Guy Salmon. Discusses damage to the Tongariro Forest. Mentions goats, other pests and the creation of poor farmland by the Department of Lands and Survey in the southern part of the forest. Comments on the use of red beech for fence posts. Describes writing an ecological report for Forest and Bird. Talks about community support for saving the Tongariro Forest and involvement from the Outdoor Pursuits Centre and Mangatepopo School. Comments on unique forest communities and mentions Waimarino Plateau. Explains the difference in attitude between communities in south Westland and Owhango in terms of their local forests. Discusses the start of the Tokaanu Power Scheme and the destruction of the headwaters of the Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers. Mentions damage to the blue duck and the wider ecosystem. Discusses mountain biking and the need for wider recreational use in the Forest. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2962. Black and white colour photo of Kevin Smith Search dates: 1998

Date: 8 Oct 1998 - 08 Oct 1998

From: Tongariro Forest oral history project

By: Green, Paul Montague, 1944-

Reference: OHInt-0425/5

Description: Paul Green was born in Wellington in 1944. Describes education at Te Aro Primary School and Wellington College. Talks about his love of tramping and climbing and climbing in New Zealand and South America. Recalls his first day as a ranger at Ohakune. Describes working for Lands and Survey and becoming senior ranger at Whakapapa. Discusses the turning of wetlands into farmland by the Department of Lands and Survey. Comments on the beginning of involvement in managing Tongariro Forest in 1987 when boundaries were drawn. Recalls the political pressure to have the Department of Conservation (DOC) established in 1987 and the political goals in creating the Department. Talks about controlling pinus contorta and goats. Describes the land administered by DOC from Whakapapa and later from Turangi as the Tongariro Taupo Conservancy. Gives a history of Whakapapa Village. Comments on the importance of pest control, possum control by 1080 poison and trapping and efforts to increase the presence of the brown kiwi in the Tongariro Forest. Gives a history of huts in the Forest and discusses the need to balance the conflict between conservation and tourism. Discusses the cessation of trips to the Ruapehu crater lake. Mentions local iwi. Recalls the beginnings of the Outdoor Pursuit Centre and its growth. Describes involvement with Search and Rescue. Discusses the development of a Conservation Management Strategy and a Treaty of Waitangi claim against it by Ngati Tuwharetoa. Explains DOC involvement in efforts to reduce the amount of water ECNZ diverted from the Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers. Describes recreation and conservation issues in the campaign. Comments on the relationship between DOC and ECNZ. Comments on changes in the Forest in two decades and mentions highlights including the release of kiwi in the Forest and going through the Mangatepopo Gorge. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) OHA-2959. 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Colour photo of Paul Green

Date: 27 May 1999

From: Tongariro Forest oral history project

By: Dingle, Graeme, 1945-

Reference: OHInt-0425/3

Description: Graeme Dingle was born in Gisborne in 1945. Describes attending Hutt Valley High School, doing an apprenticeship as a sign writer and silk screener and then going overseas mountain climbing. Discusses developing his interest in outdoor education and being motivated to start the Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) for youth. Describes finding the site for the OPC at Tawhitikuri. Mentions support from Duncan McIntyre, Minister of Lands, and political approval for the Centre in 1972. Talks about plans that the Justice Department and Forest Service had for the site. Comments on friction with the Forest Service. Discusses time preparing the site which had been used by the Italian tunnel drilling company Codelfa Cogefa. Mentions their treatment of the forest and shooting of native birds. Comments that the OPC helped make Tongariro Forest an important recreation area. Describes damage to the Tawhitikuri River by the power scheme. Recalls discovering the Mangatepopo Gorge with Captain Hugh Oakley Brown from the New Zealand Army. Discusses the Okupata Caves. Comments on the reduction in numbers of kiwi and blue duck. Explains why he left the Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Describes working for Bill Hall of Hallmark and Woolrest. Mentions mentors Murray Jones and Ed Hillary. Discusses differences between OPC and Project K. Compares children in the 1970s and 1990s and gives details of his philosophy on life. Comments on forest regeneration over a twenty five year period. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Colour photo of Graeme Dingle

Date: 10 Sep 1998

From: Tongariro Forest oral history project

By: Chapple, Keith Robert, 1943-

Reference: OHInt-0425/1

Description: Keith Chapple was born in London in 1943. Describes how his parents were killed during World War II and he grew up in Surrey. Mentions his university qualification in political science and philosophy, involvement in the anti-nuclear campaign and CND, moving to New Zealand in 1967 and various jobs. Recalls moving from Auckland to Kakahi and his first involvement in New Zealand in a conservation battle with a group, Friends of the River of Kakahi Society (FORKS) in 1981. Describes the community of Kakahi when it had several timber mills. Comments on milling in the Tongariro Forest when he arrived in the area. Describes a visit by Gerry McSweeney and Kevin Smith from Forest and Bird surveying the forest and a public meeting in 1983 planning the campaign to save the Tongariro Forest. Mentions widespread and diverse support from deer hunters, fishermen, walker and water supply advocates and the formation of the Tongariro Forest Park Promotion Committee with its aim of forming a forest park. Mentions the promotion of recreational activities and use of the Forest by the Outdoor Pursuit(s) Centre Discusses the moratorium placed on logging in 1983 and the role of Jim Bolger. Comments on the reaction of Lands and Survey and the Forest Service. Recalls Koro Wetere signing an application to log 600 hectares in the Ketetahi Block. Describes how this sparked a snap debate in Parliament and Prime Minister David Lange asked Mr Wetere to overturn the decision. Comments that the park is still not gazetted as a Forest Park. Mentions disappointment in DOC. Discusses the ecological diversity of the Tongariro Forest, the decline of the kiwi and the strategy for the Save the Kiwi campaign. Describes becoming President of Forest and Bird and his paid work which pays for his environmental work. Comments on his use of conflict resolution. Mentions the Kaimanawa horse issue. Comments on the government of Jenny Shipley, beech logging, Tony Ryall and the intention to sell Timberlands. Discusses the battle to have more water released into the Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers and diverse groups involved in the Whanganui River Flows Campaign. Mentions Federated Farmers, Rotary, Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, Fish and Game, the Maruia Society and recreationalists. Comments on the differing approach by Maori. Describes the case against Electricorp, the Electricorp loss, their taking of the case to the Planning Tribunal and the High Court where it failed. Mentions that Electricorp CEO Rod Deane wanted to take the case to the Privy Council. Comments on the stress caused by the case. Explains his motivation in being a conservationist. Discusses environmental activism and the information and communication explosion in the 1980s and 1990s. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) OHA-2955. 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Colour photograph of Keith Chapple

Date: 13 Nov 1998

From: Tongariro Forest oral history project

By: Glennie, Ian Cedric William, 1937-2002

Reference: OHInt-0425/4

Description: Ian Glennie was born in Gisborne in 1937. Mentions his parents Archibald and Mabel Glennie. Recalls moving to Kakahi and then Taumaranui, where he was educated. Describes being an apprentice electrician before becoming interested in native forests and becoming a Junior Forest Labourer. Recalls working with Austin Kirk who had been in the 28 (Maori) Battalion. Describes the process of appraising trees so that every merchantable tree was measured. Mentions the Dominion Timber Company, Taurewa Sawmill, Kopu's Mill and the Tongariro Timber Company. Discusses bush sense and bush skills including food preparation and hunting. Discusses working with assisted immigrants, including `ten pound Poms' and Dutchmen, and their learning of local rules. Describes becoming a forest foreman for the Forest Service. Lists merchantable tree species. Describes his working tools. Comments on the logging of pristine matai on the eastern shore of Lake Taupo. Recalls his job as Appraisal Officer, shifting to Wellington to become Forest Ranger, moving to Reefton and teaching at the training school, the closure of the training school and becoming Officer in Charge at Whareama Tinui, Karioi and Waimahea (Kaingaroa). Comments on urban life and life in Reefton. Mentions his wife Elsie May and their two sons. Comments on the difference between logging native and exotic forest. Describes becoming District Ranger at Turangi, the discussion about Tongariro as a state forest park and the involvement of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Discusses forest fires, hunters clearing land for deer and fire fighting techniques. Recalls becoming Principal Forest Ranger at Head Office and then District Ranger at Gisborne. Describes the East Coast Forestry Project to stop erosion, increase diversity and provide employment. Discusses becoming Assistant conservator of operations at Palmerston North and his reaction to the stopping of logging in the Tongariro Forest. Discusses land use arguments, the Forest Service and Lands and Survey. Discusses the privatisation of the New Zealand Forest Service and its effects. Talks about becoming manager of the Hawkes Bay area until its sale to Carter Holt Harvey. Describes working for Landcorp in Rotorua and becoming a lifestyle farmer in Taumaranui. Comments on visiting indigenous forest at Pureora Forest Park. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2958. Colour photo of Ian Glennie

Date: 1986

By: Outdoor Pursuits Centre (Tongariro National Park, N.Z.)

Reference: Eph-B-RECREATION-1986-01

Description: Booklet listing courses available through the Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Tawhitikuri (southwest of Turangi): mountain course, rock courses, river courses, special skills seminars, general activities courses. There are photographs of staff members and of courses members involved in these activities. The back cover shows an advertisement for BNZ bank, featuring a photograph of Ian Fraser. Quantity: 1 album(s). Physical Description: Booklet of 32 pages, 297 x 210 mm.

Date: 1990-1999

Reference: Eph-D-RECREATION-1990s

Description: Includes: 1990: Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand. The adventure starts here! Learn while having fun! Come and share the experience [1990] (2 copies) 1991: Hillary Commission. We want YOU to lead us outdoors. For the complete information package on outdoor education training opportunities, contact ... [1991] 1993: Walking --- it's a step in the right direction. Hannahs National Walk Week, 13-21 March [1993] Wellington the event full capital. Events '93 - July / September [1993] Wellington the event full capital. Events '93 - October / December [1993] Wellington City Council. Summer City '95. Events calendar [1995] (2 copies) New Zealand Recreation Association. Leisure training 1995/96 [and] Leisure training 1996 (2 copies) 1996: Summer City 96. Let's go Wellington; be part of it! [1996] (2 copies) Global Tribe; the art of living. Extreme Cafe, 44 Cuba Street. Illustration Jeremy Bennett; design Stephen Lynch. [1996] 1998: Wellington City Council. Summer City. Cookie Bear Picnic at the Botanic Garden. 24 January 1998 (2 posters of differing colours) 1999: Wellington City Council. Summer City 1999. Free entertainment programmes at your library. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Screenprints and offset prints, sizes varying around 420 x 297 mm.

Date: 1988 - 01 Jan 1988

By: Straker, Jo, active 1988

Reference: OHColl-0234/1

Description: Jo Straker, Director of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Tongariro National Park, talks to Pip Lynch on women involved in mountaineering, canoeing, tramping and other such activities. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Tongariro Interviewer(s) - Pip Lynch Venue - Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Tongariro National Park Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002136-002137 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 1982 - 1985

Reference: Eph-A-RECREATION-1982/1985

Description: Includes publications and stickers of the New Zealand Council for Recreation and Sport Also includes: 1982: Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand (Turangi). Pamphlet (2 copies) Victoria University Recreation Centre. Spring into summer; a community recreation programme. [1982] (2 copies) 1983: Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust. [Pamphlet. 1983] Summer City comes up-coast to present "Eyeball Eyeball". QEII Park Paekakariki, 4-6 Feb [1983]. Pink flyer Summer City 1983. Her comes the sun! Pamphlet Wellington City Council .Summer rec-centricity; recreation skills, coaching schools for school-aged people [1983]. 1984: Summer City '84 [Pamphlet](2 copies) Gnomes Magical Elusive Moon Celebration. Cambell [sic] Park, Paekakariki, July 7th [1984] Ministry of Recreation and Sport. A missing link?; recreation advisors in local authorities Victoria University Recreation Centre. Spring into summer; a community recreation programme. 1984 1985: Summer City presents Sumaj; a magic and dance spectacular with Megan Hanley, dancer and choreographer & Timothy Woon, magician. Featuring music by Primitive Art Group and Spines. Botanic Gardens Dell, 3, 6, 8, 19, 13 14 january [1984]. Flyer only 1985: NZ Council for Recreation and Sport. Sponsorship ... a two way deal [Pamphlet] Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Offset prints and photolithographs, sizes varying up to 240 mm.