Pure Tūroa wins right for ski field concession
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
The new Tūroa ski field operators have been announced and they’re locals with “skin in the game” who say they’re elated to take it on.
Ohakune-based Pure Tūroa Ltd (PTL) has won the right to operate the ski field for the next 10 years, ensuring one of Mt Ruapehu’s two commercial ski fields will be open for the foreseeable future.
The directors say they will hire more than 250 staff over winter, and word is the skifield news has delighted the community.
On the weekend, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the 10-year concession to operate the ski field after a four-month process run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) which included iwi engagement and consultation, and a public hearings process.
In December, the Waikato Times reported that PTL had applied to take over the concession for Tūroa ski field and planned to invest more than $30 million into the site, reduce the size of the operation, and limit visitor numbers.
Potaka said Ruapehu Alpine Lifts’ (RAL) receivers would continue to operate Whakapapa ski field after RAL went into voluntary administration in October 2022, and into liquidation on June 21, 2023.
In a statement, Pure Tūroa directors Cameron Robertson and Greg Hickman said they were “elated” their long-held vision had become reality.
“The milestone achievement welcomes in a new era for Tūroa ski field with work already underway to ensure the upcoming season is one to remember.”
They said their team had been working over summer on maintenance and lower lift upgrades, were soon to announce season pass deals, and would also be offering existing RAL life pass holders “heavily discounted” season passes.
'We are absolutely thrilled that we’re finally here and that we can start communicating with everyone about the upcoming season at Tūroa,” Robertson said.
“The past 18 months has been a challenging journey, navigating a complex RAL insolvency and Government environment surrounding the future of Ruapehu snow sports,” Hickman said.
“The concession is a positive and solid foundation that will deliver successful environmental and cultural outcomes long into the future.”
They said more than 250 staff would be hired over the winter months and their operation would support hundreds more with work in Ohakune, Raetihi and the surrounding region.
Potaka said this move means people can keep enjoying recreation in the “majestic” Tongariro National Park.
“The 10-year concession allows for outstanding Treaty settlement negotiations to unfold and gives greater protection to iwi and hapū interests and responsibilities, including the future park negotiations, whilst ensuring the continued operation of the ski-field,” he said.
He said PTL’s concession included provisions for DOC to carry out “enhanced monitoring” and a three-year review “to ensure the field is operating effectively and in a way that benefits everyone”.
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton said feedback from locals involved with Tūroa was they were delighted and “100% behind the decision”.
“The feeling so far is it’s welcome news and has settled some of the uncertainty around the ski fields in general.
“Ohakune locals are delighted with the new management structure, who are also locals and have skin in the game.”
Kirton said he was pleased the Government were willing to try something different by splitting up the ski fields and deciding on a more commercial model.
“Moaning and groaning from some who say they can do better is not helpful,” Kirton said.
“We think this deal ticks all the boxes.”
However, Kirton said locals would be keeping pressure on the Government to find a solution for Whakapapa.
“I do have concerns there … but the fact they have got the Tuūoa concession over the line means if it can be done on one side of the mountain, we feel the template could be used on the other side.”end cut