For many years I never even had chains that fit my car in aus..... How many kiwis have 4wds and carry chains? I love pulling into a chain bay fitting chains in minutes and rolling out with people looking at how fast you fit your chains.
I have only had to fit chains twice in the last five years for skiing NZSKI pass two years, Cardrona two years and TC 1 year, usually get 30 days a year (Is a requirement to carry chains on days they are asking 2WD to fit them)
My point still stands, Ruapehu is where people who have never seen snow go to see snow. Just like Buller and people from melbourne. Im referring to the fact that the punters at buller are usually people who are going there to see snow for the first time.. there is a reason why you have to get a taxi or a permit to drive around the buller village and thats because most people cant drive for shit in snow