New Zealand Cabinet backs twin bids to operate Ruapehu Alpine Lifts

The New Zealand Government has agreed to support Whakapapa Holdings and Pure Tūroa to take over ski operations at the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields on Mount Ruapehu.

With former operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) having entered administration last year, the decision will see the North Island mountain split into two skifields with one business running each.

Four bidders had been vying for the contracts to take over the ski fields, New Zealand Minister of Regional Development Kiri Allan said the Government support would mean previous debt owed to Kānoa and the Department of Conservation would be written off, including contingency for the removal of redundant infrastructure.

Speaking yesterday, Minister Allan advised “work has been ongoing to find a solution to allow activities on Ruapehu to continue, following Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited being placed in voluntary administration last year at the request of its directors.

“Cabinet has (now) agreed to provide support for these companies to purchase the former RAL assets and business, so they can take on the assets and begin operations. Cabinet has also agreed that Kānoa, the Department of Conservation and Te Arawhiti will work closely with iwi and hapū to ensure their interests and relationships with Ruapehu are addressed and they are comfortable with the process and outcome.”

Advising that the Government’s focus had been on ensuring jobs in the region would be secured to allow the ski season to go ahead this year, Minister Allan added “both Whakapapa Holdings and Pure Tūroa will offer future benefits for life pass holders (with) the ideal outcome (being) that the ski fields can open this winter. The Government has been working hard to ensure this can happen.”

Image: Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa Skifield. Credit: Tourism New Zealand.