As he reflects on a long career, West Coast DOC boss Mark Davies notes the impact of the darkest of days for the Department: the Cave Creek disaster. The Cave Creek disaster occurred on 28 April 1995 when a viewing platform in Paparoa National Park .
West Coasters 'love their environment' but the region can be smarter in attracting tourists for longer stays by utilising the outstanding natural environment, the retiring DOC boss for the region says. The DOC estate contributes 45% of the region's GDP .
It came less than a year after the Backcountry Trust undertook a major revamp of the hut, including a new coloursteel roof as one of their Jobs for Nature projects.