Ski field boss hopes for snowball effect
Whakapapa Holdings Ltd has plans to “regrow” the popularity of snow sports after finally obtaining a concession to operate the ski field on Mt Ruapehu.
By Dan Hutchinson
The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, last week granted WHL a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.
The concession gives WHL the ability to operate the ski field and use six buildings in Whakapapa village for staff accommodation and a water pipeline easement.
WHL chief executive Travis Donaghue said it gave staff, surrounding communities, clubs and snow sports enthusiasts some certainty.
He said most staff live throughout Tongariro National Park villages, like Waimarino, National Park, and further afield, such as Ōwhango, Raurimu, Tūrangi.
“This news and this certainty for all of those villages is just brilliant.
“Our permanent team have all been here a really long time. They live in the community, so their neighbour, the local shop, they've all been asking for some years now, what's happening? What's happening with Whakapapa? And for them to be able to finally answer that is a great relief and of great excitement.”
He said they should be able to start selling season passes next week and had initiatives underway to grow the sport, including free passes for under-10’s.
“The other big focus for us is just regrowing the sport in general. So again, school programs, learn to ski, really looking to amplify and double down on what we can do there and kickstart a really good next generation of snow sports.”
DOC says it will closely monitor the ski field activity to ensure everything is running smoothly.
“I know how important the area is for all New Zealanders, especially the iwi and hapū who whakapapa to the maunga,” Penny says.
“Giving the rights to use such valuable public conservation land is something I considered carefully, taking into account the feedback through the concession process, including from iwi engagement, public notification and hearings.
“We understand it’s been a long road to get here and want to thank everyone for their patience,” Penny says.
The previous ski field concession held by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) will be surrendered to allow the new WHL concession to come into effect.
In a post on its Facebook page WHL Director Tom Elworthy said it was the moment the team has been working toward for two and a half years.
“The concession doesn’t just represent progress — it marks a new starting point. It gives us the certainty we’ve been missing, and everything flows from here. Whakapapa has a future — and it starts now.”
The concession approval enables WHL to complete the final steps toward ownership. The transaction process is well underway and expected to conclude shortly.
Cam Robertson, Director of neighbouring ski field operator Pure Tūroa said the news was a win for the wider snow sports community, local businesses and the tourism sector.
“We share a mutual commitment to the future of skiing and snowboarding on Mt Ruapehu.”
Travis said all the maintenance was up to date and they had been carrying on over the off-season on the basis that they would be able to operate.
They would open some parts of the field on May 30, for sightseeing, the Sky Waka, sledding in Happy Valley and snow play.
There was also new snow making equipment arriving to complement the equipment they already have.