I think we can chalk up our third little win. After the Tongariro Skulduggery plot involved the rapid redevelopment of Turangi tourist facilities hastened by avoiding the usual interference and delays caused by the RMA regulations, the Government decided to scrap it about a year later.

Two other predictions in the book have also come true. After the chair-woman of the Turangi Community Board resigned in frustration last month, she stated to the Weekender newspaper reporter that the board was a waste of time as it had not achieved anything – as previously claimed in the Tongariro Skulduggery tale. Just as remarkable, she suggested a better solution would be the appointment of a single full-time person – also as suggested in the plot!

But perhaps the other prediction in the book was the most exciting for Turangi. An important tourist project in the “Turangi Treaty” (aka TRM’s wish list) is to extend the Tongariro River Trail. After the Turangi Community Board Chair-woman had formally advised that they were not interested in pursuing the Tongariro River Trail extensions, the Taupo Council Transport Strategy recommended it should become a priority project. i.e. Taupo Council wisely preferred the Tongariro Skulduggery forecast more than their own Community Board’s recommendation. No wonder she resigned.

You really should “invest” in Tongariro Skulduggery as all profits are for river projects such as tourist notice boards along the Tongariro River Trail, to explain the unique history of the river pools, etc. Only available at Tongariro River Motel for $39 or posted at $45.

To indicate what Turangi needs to compete with, below are photos from tourist information boards and signage on three other bike trails we completed over the summer – The Timber Trail, Coast to Coast up north and the W(h?)anganui River trail.