The Government has agreed to provide up to $5 million to the liquidators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to ensure the mountain’s 2023 ski season can go ahead, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced yesterday.
This will allow time for liquidators to decide on the purchaser or purchasers of the business and its assets.
The watershed meeting of RAL creditors on Tuesday last week failed to see either of the proposals to take over the business succeed, ending in a stalemate. RAL was put into liquidation by the High Court in Auckland the next day and the government has been working through the next steps.
“We’ve always been committed to finding a way to ensure the ski season on Mount Ruapehu goes ahead this year. Cabinet’s decision today has solidified that,” Allan says.
“Ruapehu is a very significant part of the economy in the central North Island, accounting for around a tenth of regional GDP, or $100 million per year. The season going ahead will save hundreds of jobs and support local tourism, the regional economy and the community, while a long-term solution is found.”
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton said he warmly welcomes the announcement that the Government will provide up to $5 million to the liquidators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to ensure the mountain’s 2023 ski season can go ahead.
“This decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to secure the future of skiing on Mt Ruapehu and its contribution to the regional economy,” he says.
Allan says the loan will provide “workers on the mountain with job security and ensure businesses dependent on activities on and around the mountain have the certainty they need for the season ahead”.
“The liquidator is able to operate under the existing concessions,” she says.
“The Crown has also received a further expression of interest following the watershed meeting, to take over the ski operations on the mountain. This proposal from Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu on behalf of Tūwharetoa is in addition to the expressions of interest received from Whakapapa Holdings and Pure Tūroa before the watershed meeting.
“The final decision in relation to the sale is made by the liquidator,” says Allan.
“The news that there is a new proposal from Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu on behalf of Tūwharetoa to take over the ski operations on the mountain is welcomed,” says Weston.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Government and Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan for recognizing the crucial role that the Ruapehu ski industry plays in the central North Island’s economy.
This announcement will come as a tremendous relief to the Ruapehu communities with the ski industry contributing approximately one-tenth of the regional GDP, amounting to $100 million per year.”
“The Government is now considering the three bids for Government support and I have asked MBIE to engage with the bidders to determine the best outcome for RAL’s creditors, the Crown, the local economy and community,” says Allan.
“The government remains committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the region for many future ski seasons.”
