Back-country hut users say the Department of Conservation needs to step up maintenance if it wants to increase charges. 

A proposal suggests charging people up to $57 a night to use many huts, as well as switching from a first-come-first-served system to a hotel-style booking system. 

Federated Mountain Clubs President Megan Dimozantos says the community has no issue with paying a modest charge for the facilities if the money goes back into the hut system. 

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