DISCUSSIONS AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE
 

1. The  structure  of  the  Commission  on  Cave  Tourism  and Management,  as the auspice under which this and previous conferences have been held, was discussed.  It was suggested by the Convenor that this needs review in the light of the growing involvement from New Zealand.  It was agreed that

(a) there should be a thorough review,  culminating in a decision at the next conference,

(b) the conference should maintain its broad focus upon both national and state level karst land management issues and local level cave management issues, and

(c) a discussion paper will be prepared for the next issue of the Newsletter and circulated to all concerned.

2. The next conference will be based in Central New South Wales and organised on a mobile basis with the themes of: 
 
-the management of small tourist cave operations 
- management of wild cave areas 
-advertising and promotion opportunities.

Andrew Spate (convenor),  Adrian Carey, Robert Crews, Mick Chalker and others will be responsible for organisation.

3. That  this  conference  strongly  supports  the  preliminary proposals for development of the Ruakuri Cave as presented to the conference, and further commends, in conjunction with this development,  the preparation of a  long-term strategy for Aranui Cave and the Ruakuri Cave and Bush Scenic Reserve.

4. That this conference supports the development of the proposed Waitomo Caves Walkway.

5. That this conference recognises commercial adventure caving as an appropriate use or caves in both the public and private domain.   This  clearly  can  provide  a  proper  and  safe introduction to cave use and conservation.  The approach of John Ash in the Waitomo area is commended for its flair and sensitivity to the cave environment.

6. That this conference recognises and commends the value of the New Zealand  Speleological  Society's Karst  Index  in cave conservation, management, research, exploration, public safety and tourism.

7. That this conference endorses in principle the draft policy for  cave and karst management  in areas managed by the Department of Lands and Survey and the New Zealand Forest Service, as discussed by the conference.

8. That  this  conference  commends  the  concept  of  long-term integrated planning for the better management of the karst resources of the total Waitomo region.

9. The Conference recorded its thanks to David William's and the Tourist Hotel Corporation as Conference Organisers and to all those who assisted, including officers of the NZ Department of Lands  and  Survey  and  the  NZ  Forest  Service,  the  NZ Speleological  Society,  and  in  particular,  the  Waitomo community,  including the District Council and the Waitomo Museum Society.