Latest news with #RuapehuAlpineLifts
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Ruapehu Snow Economy Back In Action
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has joined Peak FM host Jesse Archer for a live broadcast from the Top of the Bruce at Whakapapa ski field to celebrate the local snow industry and the importance of economic development in the region. Mayor Kirton reflected on the journey to secure government funding that enabled the continued operation of both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL). 'The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It's fantastic to see Whakapapa and Tūroa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success.' Mayor Kirton said he was hopeful for a few more snowfalls to help extend the season and encouraged people to visit the maunga and enjoy all the experiences Ruapehu has to offer – on and off the slopes. He also stressed the need to keep building on the economic momentum generated by the ski areas. 'Council is committed to working with government and others to complete our cycle and hiking trail networks which are turning Ruapehu into a true year-round destination while providing much-needed economic resilience.' Mayor Kirton also reminded listeners to sign the petition calling on government support to restore the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel. 'If you haven't signed our online Parliamentary Petition please do so and help restore this iconic building to its former glory as both a heritage treasure and major contributor to the regional economy. The survey can be found on Council's website Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue also joined the show, saying he felt 'beyond stoked' to see the ski field its stride after a few years of uncertainty. 'Around 300,000 people visit Whakapapa every year, and they're not just coming for the snow - they're also exploring the whole region. That's great news for local businesses.' Mr Donoghue said the school holidays had been a major success, with around 30,000 people enjoying snow play, skiing, sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola, and even taking their first steps in the alpine environment. This weekend we're looking forward to opening* the Delta Chair and with fine weather forecast it's shaping up to be a fantastic few days on the maunga.'
RNZ News
20-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Mount Ruapehu ski season officially opens this long weekend
Whakapapa ski field, Mt Ruapehu, 2023. Photo: Supplied/ Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Thousands of skiers, snowboarders and sightseers will head up Mount Ruapehu this long weekend, with both skifields now officially open. This will be Whakapapa's first season under new operator Whakapapa Holdings , and chief executive Travis Donoghue said 10,000 people were expected to take advantage of good weather and early snow. "For us, June is a bonus... particularly with Matariki weekend. Folks tend to start thinking of a winter way, so really start to come out in large numbers from today onwards." Meanwhile, Tūroa Ski Area was expecting more than 2000 visitors over the long weekend. Tūroa is also now being run by a new company, Pure Tūroa , after Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which oversaw both skifields, went into insolvency in 2022. Both Whakapapapa Holdings and Pure Tūroa have been granted 10-year Department of Conservation (DOC) concession to run their respective skifields. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Spinoff
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Spinoff
Who really owns the maunga? The unfinished business of Mount Ruapehu
The collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has exposed a deeper tension at the heart of the maunga – who truly holds authority over its future: ski operators, the Crown or the iwi who consider it an ancestor? More than just a ski field, Mount Ruapehu is a living tūpuna. To iwi like Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Hāua and others who whakapapa to the central plateau, the maunga is a sacred taonga, gifted under a tuku arrangement in 1886 – not to give it away, but to create a partnership. A partnership that, over 130 years later, still hasn't been honoured. Now, the maunga is at the heart of a bitter and drawn-out struggle – one involving bankruptcy, broken promises, government bailouts, Treaty breaches, and a future for the ski fields that hangs on contested ground. So… what happened? In 2022, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) – the not-for-profit that had run Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields for decades – collapsed under the weight of Covid lockdowns, poor snow seasons, ballooning debt and a $14m gondola project that never paid off. At the time, RAL owed over $40m to creditors – much of it to the Crown. In response, the government stepped in with bailout after bailout – around $50m since 2018 – buying time to find new operators for the two ski fields. The rescue attempts were dubbed by regional development minister Shane Jones as 'the last chance saloon'. Now, both fields have been carved up and handed to new owners: Tūroa to tourism outfit Pure Tūroa, and Whakapapa to Whakapapa Holdings Ltd (WHL), a new company led by former RAL boss David Mazey. Both were granted 10-year concessions by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to operate within Tongariro National Park – far short of the 60-year maximum term. Why? Because the deeper story is about more than just snow sports – it's about unresolved Treaty settlements and the rangatiratanga of mana whenua. What do local iwi think about it all? For local iwi, Ruapehu is not just a mountain – it's an ancestor. That worldview is fundamental to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Hāua, and Te Korowai o Te Wainuiārua. It's why iwi have long challenged how the maunga is used – not only for environmental reasons, but because they say they were never truly part of the decision-making process. In 1886, Horonuku Te Heuheu IV of Ngāti Tūwharetoa initiated a tuku – a conditional transfer of the mountain peaks to the Crown – with the expectation of joint guardianship. However, that vision of partnership was never realised. In 2013, the Waitangi Tribunal confirmed the tuku was misinterpreted as a 'gift'. So when the government started selling off the ski field leases, iwi were, once again, left on the sidelines. Ariki Sir Tumu Te Heuheu of Ngāti Tūwharetoa didn't mince words in his April 2025 letter to the prime minister: 'The government's tactics of creating division between Ngāti Tūwharetoa entities as well as inappropriate disruption between us and our whanaunga iwi is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.' He said the spirit of the tuku remained unfulfilled and he's not alone in that critique. Ngāti Rangi, via its trust Ngā Waihua o Paerangi, called for a rethink of ski field activity altogether, pointing to the sacredness of the Whangaehu River catchment, which begins on the maunga. Ngāti Hāua, on the other hand, has focused on partnership and negotiated directly with local councils, striking a relationship agreement with Ruapehu District Council that emphasises a Tiriti-based, face-to-face approach to decision-making. Where does the government sit now? With the Crown having now exited direct involvement in operating the ski fields, iwi leaders argue that it's walking away from its obligations – including the massive remediation bill that will fall to taxpayers if ski operations collapse again. DOC's own books show a potential $88m liability if the maunga must be returned to its natural state. Basically, the maunga would need to be restored to its pristine condition, free of any ski infrastructure. In effect, the Crown has offloaded the business risk – but not its moral or Treaty responsibilities. Minister of conservation Tama Potaka has said the 10-year concessions are 'short enough to allow Treaty negotiations to play out.' However, iwi want more than a delay tactic – they want actual, binding, enduring partnership in managing the maunga. What's next for iwi? Well, it depends on which iwi you're talking about. Ngāti Tūwharetoa has signalled it will not support further development without renewed partnership talks. They are demanding direct dialogue with the prime minister. Legal counsel for the iwi has detailed multiple breaches of the Crown's statutory and Treaty obligations to DOC, advising they will take these matters before the courts. Ngāti Rangi continues to oppose ski operations on cultural and environmental grounds, while focusing on upholding environmental protections and kaitiakitanga. Ngāti Hāua is pushing for greater input into concession terms and environmental safeguards. In a proactive approach, a collective of four iwi – Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Rangi and Te Korowai o Te Wainuiārua – had proposed taking over the management of RAL to have a more active role in the guardianship of the maunga. This reflects a desire for iwi-led management that aligns with their cultural values and responsibilities – similar to what's been established in places like Te Urewera or Whanganui River. What's clear is that any long-term solution for Ruapehu must reckon with iwi rights, not just ski field economics. And what about the skiers? Thousands of life pass holders were left out in the cold after RAL's liquidation. Pure Tūroa has tried to win them back with discounted season passes. Whakapapa Holdings has announced free passes for kids under 10. However, while ski businesses hustle to rebuild customer trust, the real question remains: who gets to decide the future of the maunga? This is Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ On Air.
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
‘Critical milestone': Mayor rallies support for ski field comeback
Whakapapa ski field at Mt Ruapehu. Photo: Supplied/ Ruapehu Alpine Lifts The Ruapehu mayor is urging unity over the government's new Ruapehu ski field lease. Weston Kirton is calling on "all stakeholders" to back Whakapapa Holdings Ltd as the new operator of the troubled Whakapapa ski field on the northern side of Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island. The decision has brought fresh hope for the region's tourism industry, he said. But tensions linger among iwi as the Crown pushes ahead with the deal. The Department of Conservation this week granted a 10-year concession allowing Whakapapa Holdings Ltd (WHL) to run the ski field and use Whakapapa village buildings for accommodation. In October 2022, ski company Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) went into insolvency, leaving uncertainty over the future of Whakapapa amid concerns the ski field was not commercially sustainable. The government committed to a series of bailouts - a reported $50 million of public funds - to keep the ski field going. Tūroa ski slopes on the southern side of the mountain are being run by new company, Pure Tūroa, also under a 10-year Doc concession. Kirton welcomed the Whakapapa decision, describing it as a critical milestone in securing the future of skiing on Mt Ruapehu. "This is a hugely significant step that provides much-needed certainty for our communities, our businesses and the thousands of people who rely on the mountain for employment and recreation. "It gives confidence to the Ruapehu tourism sector, underpins regional economic stability and sends a clear signal that skiing at Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu has a future." The mayor said the concession allowed WHL to go ahead with preparations for the 2025 season, bringing fresh momentum and investment to the area. "It's now time for all stakeholders to come together behind this solution and give Whakapapa Holdings the best chance for success. "By collaborating and embracing a shared vision, we can ensure the long-term success of the Mt Ruapehu snow industry and secure a thriving future for this cherished place and the communities that surround it." Kirton said Ruapehu District Council had worked tirelessly to support a solution that ensured continued access to the mountain while protecting the values and aspirations of the wider community. "Our goal has always been to see a long-term, viable future for the Ruapehu ski industry and its $100m-plus contribution to the national and regional economy," he said. 'Retreat from the maunga' However, central North Island iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa told the government it was time to discuss the Crown's "retreat from the maunga". Newsroom reported the iwi would not support new concessions or development until that discussion happened. According to Newsroom, paramount chief Ariki Sir Tumu Te Heuheu had written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Finance Minister Nicola Willis, saying his people had been treated as "a mere afterthought". The letter, ahead of Doc's concession announcement yesterday said the coalition government had neglected opportunities for partnership and collaboration and sought to create division among local iwi. "The government's tactics of creating division between Ngāti Tūwharetoa entities as well as inappropriate disruption between us and our whanaunga iwi is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Te Heuheu wrote. - By Moana Ellis Local Democracy Reporter
RNZ News
02-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
'Critical Milestone': Ruapehu mayor rallies support for Whakapapa comeback
Whakapapa ski field, Mt Ruapehu. Photo: Supplied/ Ruapehu Alpine Lifts The Ruapehu mayor is urging unity over the government's new Ruapehu ski field lease. Mayor Weston Kirton is calling on "all stakeholders" to back Whakapapa Holdings Limited as the new operator of the troubled Whakapapa ski field on the northern side of Mt Ruapehu. He said the decision has brought fresh hope for the region's tourism industry. But tensions linger among iwi as the Crown pushes ahead with the deal. The Department of Conservation this week granted a 10-year concession allowing Whakapapa Holdings Ltd (WHL) to run the ski field and use Whakapapa village buildings for accommodation. In October 2022, ski company Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) went into insolvency, leaving uncertainty over the future of Whakapapa amid concerns the ski field was not commercially sustainable. The government committed to a series of bailouts - a reported $50 million of public funds - to keep the ski field going. Tūroa ski slopes on the southern side of the mountain are being run by new company Pure Tūroa, also under a 10-year DOC concession. The Ruapehu mayor welcomed the Whakapapa decision, describing it as a critical milestone in securing the future of skiing on Mt Ruapehu. "This is a hugely significant step that provides much-needed certainty for our communities, our businesses and the thousands of people who rely on the mountain for employment and recreation," Kirton said. "It gives confidence to the Ruapehu tourism sector, underpins regional economic stability and sends a clear signal that skiing at Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu has a future." Kirton said the concession allowed WHL to go ahead with preparations for the 2025 season, bringing fresh momentum and investment to the area. "It's now time for all stakeholders to come together behind this solution and give Whakapapa Holdings the best chance for success," Kirton said. "By collaborating and embracing a shared vision, we can ensure the long-term success of the Mt Ruapehu snow industry and secure a thriving future for this cherished place and the communities that surround it." Kirton said Ruapehu District Council had worked tirelessly to support a solution that ensured continued access to the mountain while protecting the values and aspirations of the wider community. "Our goal has always been to see a long-term, viable future for the Ruapehu ski industry and its $100m-plus contribution to the national and regional economy," he said. However, central North Island iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa told the government it was time to discuss the Crown's "retreat from the maunga". Newsroom reported the iwi would not support new concessions or development until that discussion happened. According to Newsroom, paramount chief Ariki Sir Tumu Te Heuheu had written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, Paul Goldsmith and Nicola Willis, saying his people had been treated as "a mere afterthought". The letter, ahead of DOC's concession announcement on Wednesday, said the government had neglected opportunities for partnership and collaboration and sought to create division among local iwi. "The government's tactics of creating division between Ngāti Tūwharetoa entities as well as inappropriate disruption between us and our whanaunga iwi is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Te Heuheu wrote. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
