The former boss of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, Dave Mazey, is planning to bid for the Whakapapa Ski-field in central North Island. The ski-field was not included in a deal earlier this year that allowed Pure Tūroa Limited to run the Tūroa ski-field for 10 years. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, the previous owners of both ski-fields, went into voluntary administration.
Mazey wants to ensure Whakapapa’s survival and believes its long-term future is crucial for the local communities and the ski market. He previously attempted to buy the ski-field but withdrew due to concerns about its viability.
To buy Whakapapa, a concession or licence is needed to operate on the mountain. This concession is limited to a 10-year term, although the Conservation Act allows a maximum term of 60 years.
Mazey also highlighted that any new owner would have to take on a large debt related to the construction of the Sky Waka Gondola in 2018-19. Despite this, he believes it’s a commercially viable business.
However, he said it would not be possible to honour the ‘life passes’ for the Whakapapa ski-field. He suggested there might be a discounted scheme for a fixed period, similar to what Pure Tūroa Limited offered in Tūroa.
Auckland businessman John Sandford and other New Zealand businesses, as well as Ngāti Hikairo, are also reportedly interested in Whakapapa.
