Whakapapa Holdings ‘delighted’ at Mount Ruapehu opportunity

June 14, 2023

Confirmed as the preferred bidder to operate the Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu, Whakapapa Holdings Ltd has issued a statement advising that it is “delighted” at the move.

With a decision on future operations of the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields on Mount Ruapehu expected next week, bids by Whakapapa Holdings and Pure Tūroa to take on the mountain’s two ski areas have been supported by the New Zealand Government.

Whakapapa Holdings Ltd, headed by former Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas’ Chief Executive Dave Mazey and the partners of New Zealand-based investment firm The South Island Office.

Mazey advised that the new company has significant relevant experience to take the business forward in a sustainable manner, ensuring long term viability with a combined 70 years’ experience in ski area operations and management, plus wide experience in project delivery and finance within the group.

He explained “Whakapapa Holdings was initially drawn to the opportunity from a knowledge of this business’ proud standing in the region and the country, by the strengths within the current team and the passion and commitment of the many wider stakeholders, especially iwi.

“This is critical to ensure Whakapapa can deliver an even greater range of benefits to the place, to the surrounding communities, and to the wider group of New Zealand users and stakeholders.”

The purchase price for the Whakapapa ski field and operations is $1, but Whakapapa Holdings is taking on what the Voluntary Administrators called “significant obligations of RAL (former operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited)”.

The Crown will own 25% of the shares in Whakapapa Holdings.

Mazey enjoyed a strong and supportive relationship for some years with many of the iwi whose rohe (territory) extends over the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. This would be extended with Whakapapa Holdings Ltd.

He acknowledged iwi support for the ongoing operation of, and implementation of necessary reinvestment at, Whakapapa Ski Area.

The company is also engaging with stakeholders locally and nationally, especially ski clubs and lifetime passholders who have strong interests in the ski area.

Under the Whakapapa Holdings’ offer, existing lifetime passholders will be able to reactivate their pass for Whakapapa ski area. For those who purchased their lifetime pass before 2018, this reactivation will cost $1850 with a split payment offer of $599 paid before winter 2023, and the balance paid in April 2024.

For those who purchased during 2019, this price will be $599 paid before winter 2023.

If the Whakapapa Holdings’ bid is successful, there will be a 2023 Whakapapa Season pass available, during a two week-long campaign to start shortly after the 20^th June confirmation meeting.

Mazey added “The ski areas on Mt Ruapehu are hugely important to the region, and indeed the whole country.”

Whakapapa is one of New Zealand's largest ski areas and boasts the country's premier beginner facility Happy Valley along with vast intermediate and advanced trails.

Mazey said Whakapapa Holdings intended to focus initially on delivery of a strong start to the 2023 winter season but will then move quickly to planning for summer operations and developments for summer 23/24.

Images: The Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu (top, credit: Shutterstock) and Dave Mazey (below, credit: Facebook).

13th June 2023 - New Zealand Cabinet backs twin bids to operate Ruapehu Alpine Lifts

8th June 2023 - New companies to operate Mt Ruapehu’s ski fields

3rd June 2023 - Data reveals highest snowfalls at Southern Hemisphere ski resorts

11th April 2023 - South Island’s Cardrona and Treble Cone ski areas to address capacity challenges

13th March 2023 - Wanaka ski field looks to fundraise for new base building

8th December 2022 - Citing climate change concerns IOC delays decision on host for 2030 Winter Olympics

25th October 2022 - Queenstown experiences best winter snow season in decades

15th October 2022 - New Zealand’s Ruapehu Alpine Lifts enters voluntary administration

7th October 2022 - Alpine resorts look back on a successful winter season

25th August 2022 - Coronet Peak marks 75 Years of Good Times

14th May 2022 - Department of Conservation proposes visitor limit on Tongariro Crossing

10th May 2022 - New Zealand’s ski fields preparing to open for the 2022 winter season

1st April 2022 - NZSki deploys quirky marketing campaign to showcase its three mountains

24th August 2021 - Lockdowns see closure of all ski resorts in Australia and New Zealand

6th July 2021 - Fine weather marks start of Winter Season at Mt Ruapehu

14th June 2021 - New Zealand Government needs to change visa requirements to ‘save’ nation’s ski industry

20th May 2021 - North Island’s Happy Valley ski area on track for Queen’s Birthday Weekend opening

23rd April 2021 - Former Nazi’s name removed from Mt Hutt ski attractions

1st December 2019 - Coronet Peak opens chairlifts for summer recreation

19th August 2019 - Research assesses merits of season passes for New Zealand’s ski fields

22nd July 2019 - New Zealand’s Mt Ruapehu ski season benefits from $25 million gondola lifts

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.