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Waiotauru Hut Update

The old Waiotauru Hut has been well past its use-by date for many years. It has long been threatened with removal if no-one would step up and take ownership of it.

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The Akatarawa Recreational Access Committee (ARAC) has had a long relationship with the Waiotauru Valley and has held management agreements for the road for over 20 years.

As such it was only a short step for ARAC to review the future of the Hut and look at adopting it.

Sadly, it quickly became apparent that the Hut was really beyond saving and the only practical solution would be a brand new hut.

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Negotiations with the Department of Conservation (DOC) began, as did the review of possible designs. Originally, ARAC favoured a steel-frame structure, but following many attempts to find a manufacturer willing to undertake such a small project, that was abandoned in favour of a more traditional structure.

So after a major delay, consents were obtained from DOC, Building Permission lodged and finally funding from the Back Country Trust meaning construction could begin.

Under a new Memorandum of Understanding between DOC and ARAC. Whilst the building was located on DOC administered lands, the Hut would nonetheless be owned by ARAC. This was under the stipulation that it was available for public use and could never be locked.

The Hut is not totally finished as yet, requiring the exterior to be painted, but is already proving popular with all manner of users from Hunters, Trampers and Motorised Recreational users.

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Plans are afoot to build a barbeque outside using concrete blocks that ARAC has available. A stove is in the process of being installed and firewood will be gathered and made available on a regular basis.

ARAC Fuelcard Has Arrived

ARAC Members can now apply for an ARAC Fuelcard with additional benefits we have negotiated on your behalf.

These cards open up access to Truckstops where prices are usually significantly below retail. Save up to 10c off retail pump prices, or even more by taking advantage of Truckstops.

Full details – just follow this link

Current News

WordPress site is progressing.

News:
1. Waiotauru Hut is more or less complete. The fireplace is probably the last addition to be done.
2. Takapari Road is in the news again, with DOC split 50/50 on keeping the road open and/or demolishing the hut
3. Akatarawa Forest is in pretty good shape at present
4. Wellington City Council are reviewing the Outer Green Belt Management Plan
5. Aaorangi Crossing is sort of closed for winter although bikes, quads, horses and walkers still have access.

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Welcome to ARAC’s New Website

Welcome to our brand spanking new Website.

Lots of effort has been put in to try bring everything up to modern standards, but if you feel we are missing some features or you have any suggestions for change or improvment, drop us a line via the Contact Us page here

Meanwhile, do enjoy your meander through our posts and articles, as well as freely downloading any of the assets available.