the history
of tauwira ski club

Tohunga Tauwira Whare Ski Club was incorporated in August 1955 with 15 members. The name, which translates as "Chief Builder of Houses", the closest Maori translation for 'architect' that could be found, was shortened in 1960 to Tauwira Ski Club.

Much of the lodge was pre-fabricated at the inaugural President's house in Pukerua Bay, laboriously transported to Mt Ruapehu in 1958 and erected on its present site in the heart of Iwikau Village. The lodge opening party was held on Queen's Birthday weekend 1958 and skiing was underway. The lodge then was a very primitive affair compared with today - no electricity, a coal range for heating and cooking, a chemical toilet situated a suitable (freezing) distance from the lodge, little flooring and one washroom for everyone. A Golden Kiwi grant in 1964 enabled the first extension to be completed, the floor laid and temporary showers installed. 1965 saw the installation of the septic tank & flush toilets.

In 1977, the club purchased property in Ohakune to safeguard against the time when lodges would have to be removed from the mountain, and members started enjoying the benefits of the newly opened Turoa Ski Field.

In the early 1980's, DOC required the club to increase its bunk capacity to 20 and so major extensions were underway again. These were completed in the mid-90's and today Tauwira is a comfortable, welcoming family club. Many of the present members are children and grandchildren of the original founding members and the growing number of other members has added to the rich diversity of the club. All have one thing in common - a love of the mountains and snow sports.

Tauwira welcomes new members who are keen to contribute to the development of the club and enable it to move forward for the benefit of future generations. If you are interested in joining this small but extremely friendly club, please click on the link below.

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