Hermitage Area Control To Remain With Park Board

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31142, 19 August 1966, Page 12

Hermitage Area Control To Remain With Park Board

'from Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, August 18.

There is no prospect that the Hermitage area will be taken from the jurisdiction of the Mount Cook National Park Board.

The Minister o f Lands (Mr Gerard) made this clear in Parliament today when Sir Basil Arthur (Opp., Timaru) asked him if he had considered the change “to enable the Tourist Hotel Corporation and private enterprise to develop the area to its full tourist potential unhindered.”

"Under no circumstances would I consider removing the Hermitage area from the jurisdiction of the Mount Cook National Park Board,” said Mr Gerard. “This is the focal point for

park visitors and it is essen- >■ tial for effective administration and the planning and *• development of park amenities, including provision for adequate accommodation. “The present system of control does allow for planned and orderly development of the full tourist potential of the area for the benefit of • the public in general.” Mr Gerard was also asked by Sir Basil Arthur if he was

aware of continuing widespread public opposition to the proposed alpine village at Glentanner, and the advantages of building it near the Hermitage, and would he take the necessary steps? “I am aware of the publicity which has been given to the views of some people who have opposed the location of a village to service Mount Cook National Park at Glentanner, but I am not aware of any widespread public opposition,” said Mr Gerard.

“It has been suggested that there would be advantages in having a village near the Hermitage but, as stated in

my department’s annual report, suitable building space near the Hermitage is strictly limited.

“Accordingly, the park board decided to seek a suitable site elsewhere for a village large enough to satisfy future accommodation needs and all ancillary services required. “Technical reports have Indicated that Glentanner offers the best alternative site and after inspection this has received the approval of the National Parks Authority. “The National Parks Act does not require amending in the circumstances,” said Mr Gerard.