Media Release from DoC (18 April 2005)
A cosy new Roaring Stag lodge to look forward to
Construction of a cosy new 12 bunk Roaring Stag lodge in the Tararua Forest Park begins today.
The existing Roaring Stag lodge, located just below Ruapae Forks in the Tararua Forest Park, will be demolished with the new structure to be built just in front of it. It is expected to be completed by June 20.
Helicopters will be used to fly in building materials and visitors are asked to exercise caution when in the vicinity of the lodge during this time.
The new lodge is a standard 12 bunk hut with a two metre deck around two sides of the building. It will have running water, a woodburner and will be fully insulated.
The lodge was designed by architect Pynenburg & Collins and project manager Tony Macklin believes that it will blend comfortably into the natural environment.
“The new lodge will be 7.8m x 4.8m with a treated plywood exterior in a natural stain and the roof and windows will be in pioneer red. The pioneer red colour is similar to the colour of rata flowers that are commonly seen in the area. Also being fully insulated and with a wood burner, it should be pretty cosy in winter.?
He said the lodge?s location could be cold and damp in winter and the roof on the existing lodge was completely rotten throughout.
“The option of replacing the existing roof was checked out but it was agreed that building a new lodge was a better overall option from a cost/benefit perspective.?
The total cost of the new lodge is $140,000 which includes demolishing the existing building, all materials and labour, equipment flown to the site, compliance and inspection reports and other associated administration costs. This is a joint project between Wellington Branch New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association and the Department of Conservation.
The lodge will be constructed by Evan Mardell from Wellington Residential Building Limited. The team of builders will live on site in the existing hut until the project is completed and tent sites will be available for use below the hut during this time. The department apologises for any inconvenience the building work may cause.
The original Roaring Stag Lodge was built in 1962 by the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association and the site was located by Harvey Morrow.
