From: "Keith Blayney" <k.blayney@bitworks.co.nz>

To: "Editor The Daily News" <Editor@dailynews.co.nz>

Subject: Letter to Editor

Date: Sunday, January 21, 2001 01:13

Gondola Support

Dear Sir,

The gondola to Fantham's Peak has more possible benefits to Taranaki than outlined by Pat Steer (Saturday Forum).

Rangitoto Flat has potential as an exciting skifield with a much better season than Manganui. A skifield would need more substantial shelter, catering and viewing facilities which would add to the attraction of a gondola ride at any time of the year. In addition, these top facilities may be able to support relay systems to open coastal Taranaki to radio, TV and cellular services (at least in good weather!).

The gondola would need to have the capacity to carry suitable waste or supply containers to ensure the area remains unpolluted. Maintaining environmental and physical safety would not only be primary requirements from DoC, but essential if an operator wanted long term profits. The boost for tourism would be immense and should ensure investment by regional and local councils, companies and individuals.

Dr Keith Blayney
PO Box 447
Hawera
(06) 2785189 or 025 445 135
K.Blayney@bitworks.co.nz