As part of The Taupō District Council 10-Year Plan, council members are proposing to stop delivering services at the rock climbing wall at the Taupō Events Centre. They believe that there is an opportunity for these services to be provided by commercial operators and removing it also reduces the impact that these services have on the efficient and effective use of the courts at the Taupō Events Centre.

Currently, there is no specific interest from any commercial operator to provide a rock climbing facility in Taupō and council’s prioritising of court-based sports is bias and denies those involved in rock climbing (or thinking of starting) a safe venue to practice a sport that promotes physical, physiological and social benefits.

The proposed closure of the rock wall will mean the absence of an immediate facility that can cater to the needs of the climbing community of Taupō; comprising of local and visiting adults, youth and children. Rock climbing is fast gaining popularity and it is essential that council members realise the importance of providing an all-weather facility to the vibrant and diverse groups of people who enjoy it. Sport champions have to get their start from somewhere and who’s to say the rock wall won’t be the training ground for future Bevan Dochertys, Ben Townleys and Jed Mildons of the climbing world.

Come on Taupo District Council, do us right, keep the rock wall open!