Latest news with #Kirton
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Ruapehu Snow Economy Back In Action
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism, said Mayor Kirton. Its fantastic to see Whakapapa and Troa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has joined Peak FM host Jesse Archer for a live broadcast from the Top of the Bruce at Whakapapa ski field to celebrate the local snow industry and the importance of economic development in the region. Mayor Kirton reflected on the journey to secure government funding that enabled the continued operation of both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL). 'The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It's fantastic to see Whakapapa and Tūroa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success.' Mayor Kirton said he was hopeful for a few more snowfalls to help extend the season and encouraged people to visit the maunga and enjoy all the experiences Ruapehu has to offer – on and off the slopes. He also stressed the need to keep building on the economic momentum generated by the ski areas. 'Council is committed to working with government and others to complete our cycle and hiking trail networks which are turning Ruapehu into a true year-round destination while providing much-needed economic resilience.' Mayor Kirton also reminded listeners to sign the petition calling on government support to restore the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel. 'If you haven't signed our online Parliamentary Petition please do so and help restore this iconic building to its former glory as both a heritage treasure and major contributor to the regional economy. The survey can be found on Council's website Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue also joined the show, saying he felt 'beyond stoked' to see the ski field its stride after a few years of uncertainty. 'Around 300,000 people visit Whakapapa every year, and they're not just coming for the snow – they're also exploring the whole region. That's great news for local businesses.' Mr Donoghue said the school holidays had been a major success, with around 30,000 people enjoying snow play, skiing, sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola, and even taking their first steps in the alpine environment. This weekend we're looking forward to opening* the Delta Chair and with fine weather forecast it's shaping up to be a fantastic few days on the maunga.' *NOTE: Turoa ski field is also opening up its upper mountain facilities this weekend.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Ruapehu Snow Economy Back In Action
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has joined Peak FM host Jesse Archer for a live broadcast from the Top of the Bruce at Whakapapa ski field to celebrate the local snow industry and the importance of economic development in the region. Mayor Kirton reflected on the journey to secure government funding that enabled the continued operation of both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL). 'The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It's fantastic to see Whakapapa and Tūroa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success.' Mayor Kirton said he was hopeful for a few more snowfalls to help extend the season and encouraged people to visit the maunga and enjoy all the experiences Ruapehu has to offer – on and off the slopes. He also stressed the need to keep building on the economic momentum generated by the ski areas. 'Council is committed to working with government and others to complete our cycle and hiking trail networks which are turning Ruapehu into a true year-round destination while providing much-needed economic resilience.' Mayor Kirton also reminded listeners to sign the petition calling on government support to restore the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel. 'If you haven't signed our online Parliamentary Petition please do so and help restore this iconic building to its former glory as both a heritage treasure and major contributor to the regional economy. The survey can be found on Council's website Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue also joined the show, saying he felt 'beyond stoked' to see the ski field its stride after a few years of uncertainty. 'Around 300,000 people visit Whakapapa every year, and they're not just coming for the snow - they're also exploring the whole region. That's great news for local businesses.' Mr Donoghue said the school holidays had been a major success, with around 30,000 people enjoying snow play, skiing, sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola, and even taking their first steps in the alpine environment. This weekend we're looking forward to opening* the Delta Chair and with fine weather forecast it's shaping up to be a fantastic few days on the maunga.'
Edmonton Journal
19-06-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Varcoe: 'It produced' – G7 leaders make 148 commitments at Kananaskis summit
Article content He noted that the agreements on wildfires and quantum computing were new and significant for the group. Carney also announced Canada would impose further sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, targeting Moscow's 'shadow fleet and energy revenues.' 'It produced a significant performance with meaningful advances across all of its security, economy, technology and democracy priorities,' Kirton said Wednesday. 'If you look at substance, the fact that every one (of the statements) was agreed by everybody, of course, is a major achievement this year, given the unique difficulties members anticipated — and have had in the past — with Donald Trump.' While Trump left early, he met Carney wearing a pin showing paired U.S. and Canadian flags and talked positively about their discussions. For Canada's prime minister, it was also essential to see progress on the trade front with the United States, added Kirton. 'He needed to show Canadians that the tariff war was not going to get worse, and that it would get better very soon,' he said. 'The 30-day deadline suggests to the steel workers of Sault Ste. Marie, or the aluminum workers in Quebec, that if we can just hang on for the next 30 days, we'll be much better off.' Chris Varcoe is a Calgary Herald columnist.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Scoop
Matariki Celebrated With Opening Of New Te Hangāruru Cycle Trail
Ruapehu has marked Matariki by celebrating the opening of a spectacular new section of its cycle trail network – the first stage of Te Hangāruru, part of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. Starting near the iconic Smash Palace car wreckers in Horopito, the 9km southern section of Te Hangāruru links with the popular Old Coach Road trail, which in turn connects to the 11.4km Te Ara Mangawhero trail running between Ōhakune and Tūroa skifield. Winding through regenerating native bush, past waterfalls and historic tramways, and toward the site of the future Pōkākā alpine ecosanctuary, Te Hangāruru offers a breathtaking ride that adds to the story-rich Mountains to Sea network. The full trail spans dual World Heritage landscapes, alpine streams, volcanic plateaus, native forest, historic viaducts, and the Whanganui River. Over 50 excited riders of all ages waited patiently for the opening ceremony to conclude before setting off to be the first to experience the new trail section. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said the opening of Te Hangāruru marked a major milestone in Council's vision for a world-class eco-tourism network of cycling and hiking trails. 'Te Hangāruru is a vital addition to our visitor offering and a boost for the local economy,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It strengthens Ruapehu's growing reputation as a destination for nature-based adventure and cultural experiences. 'While today is a celebration, we're also looking ahead. Completing the full Mountains to Sea journey is essential to unlock the full economic, cultural, and social benefits this network promises. With over 56,000 journeys already being made each year between Ōhakune and Whanganui, we're eager to continue working with Government, Whanganui District Council, our iwi partners, and others to bring the full vision to life.' The development of Te Hangāruru further strengthens Ruapehu's position as a hub for sustainable tourism, offering visitors connected experiences across some of Aotearoa's most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Top expert calls for the inclusion of India in G7, says it will make it more reflective of the current state of world
Calgary, Alberta: One of the world's leading experts on the G7 has called for India to be included in the global group to make it more reflective of the current state of the world. Professor John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group which was formed in 1987, said, 'We do need India. I publicly said and wrote, it should be a full member in this club of major market democracies.' He said he has held that view since 2005, but it was even more 'obvious now' given that India has developed critical capabilities in sectors that the G7 is engaged with. 'India is at centre of priorities of the summit on the whole,' he felt. 'It's one of the world's most resilient democracies,' he added. The G7 Research Group was formed prior to Canada hosting the summit in 1988 in Toronto and Kirton has been present at the global events, and is currently in Banff, the resort in the Canadian Rockies adjoining Kananaskis where the leaders will meet. He said that the final list of outreach partners, including India, for the summit this year was 'really a G7 plus, and in a major way, a purely democratic G20, without China or Russia'. He described as 'admirable' Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to invite his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the summit for the outreach session on June 17. 'It shows the ambition of the host with partners from the most powerful democratic countries, from the global north and the global south,' Professor Kirton noted. The G7 outreach session is scheduled for Tuesday and will begin with a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. All partners nations will participate in a session on energy security. 'Discussions with outreach partners will focus on the future of energy security, including diversification, technology, infrastructure and investment, to ensure access and affordability in a changing world,' the official agenda stated. In fact, Carney kicked off his bilateral meetings on the margins of the G7 on Sunday in Calgary with the leaders of two outreach nations, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will host the G20 summit later this year.
