October at Whakapapa ski field, Mt Ruapehu, 2023. Photo: Supplied/ Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
The Mayor of Ruapehu says he's relieved a new owner has been given the all clear to run the Whakapapa ski field.
The previous owner went into receivership in 2022, putting the ski field's future in jeopardy until yesterday when the Department of Conservation accepted a private bid from Whakapapa Holding to operate the ski field for the next 10 years.
"It's been going on for some time and we've gone through hell and back in terms of the previous (ad)ministration folding and going through the liquidation and receivership issues," Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton said
"It gives some relief to the community, some certainty for the next season which is just about upon us. There's a lot of businesses that will be excited there's more certainty over the next 10 years."
He said Ruapehu's ski fields were vital to the district's economy.
"The ski fields have been the jewel in the crown, it's always been an important part of our economy for two reasons: One is the skiers that enjoy the ski fields, but also the accomodation and businesses that run around it," he said.
"We're delighted we're up and running again, we work hard to get a balance and have activity year round but skiing is a key component of our toolbox and we build our infrastructure and towns around the ski fields."
Kirton said he feared nobody would come forward to operate the ski field.
"It was not certain we would get any bidders to spend the money and be party to this type of industry which is quite risky at times. Plus of course the concessions, which involve iwi relationships and issues around the Department of Conservation area," he said.
"But obviously it's all come together, and the Minister has given us a big tick. So we're really fortunate that happened."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
