April 28, 2023
Ruapehu iwi wants say on ski fields
Ruapehu iwi Ngāti Rangi says it needs to have a say in the future of the ski fields.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s regional economic development unit Kanoa is reviewing four bids to buy the assets of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which ran the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields.
The company went into voluntary administration last year owing millions of dollars.
Voluntary administrator John Fisk from PWC says while the deal is going through his firm could operate the skifield this season, but it needs a government underwrite.
Ngāti Rangi chair Whetu Moataane says the Kahui Maunga is the source of Ngāti Rangi and its well-being.
He says the crisis is an historic opportunity for respect to be restored in the relationship with the iwi.
Ngati Rangi is keen to be involved in the decision-making about the bid, and it is also clear that any transfer of the concession from the Department of Conservation needs to be negotiated with it first.