Whakapapa
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DOC submissions closed
A total of 529 submissions were received, with an overwhelming 89% in support of WHL’s application - a resounding endorsement of Whakapapa’s future under WHL ownership. We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to share their views and support.

Whakapapa has been in operation since 1953. It is part of the fabric of our country, and contributes greatly to the local region both socially and economically.

The last three years have been difficult for Whakapapa and its future has looked unsure.

By nature of its infrastructure, Whakapapa needs to be kept in operation, otherwise the environmental, cultural, and recreational consequences will be severe.

Good thing, things are looking up for 2025.

A future for Whakapapa

The new year brings new hope to the continued operation of Whakapapa, with a new private entity - Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) - in the final stages of purchasing Whakapapa.

WHL has been an interested and motivated bidder for Whakapapa from the start, and has engaged with iwi, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and other key parties in preparing its bid.

The New Zealand Government, specifically Kānoa, has pledged to support WHL in its endeavour to purchase Whakapapa ahead of the 2025 winter season.

A condition of the purchase of Whakapapa is the need to obtain a concession to operate from DOC. WHL has submitted its application to DOC and public submissions both in support and opposition were heard from 17-19 February.

DOC Concession

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) oversees public conservation lands and waters and manages concessions as a part of its role. Concessions are official authorisations (permits, leases, or licenses) allowing individuals, companies, or organisations, to carry out specific activities on conservation land. These activities must align with the protection and sustainable management of New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage.

Application process

DOC publicly notified WHL's concession application in late 2024. This notification marked the beginning of a public submission period where DOC invited public feedback on the application, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process. A total of 529 submissions were received, with an overwhelming 89% in support of WHL’s application - a resounding endorsement of Whakapapa’s future under WHL ownership. A public hearing was held 17-19 February.

WHL's Application

WHL’s full concession application can be found on the DOC website, while a summary of the key points can be found below. In its concession application, WHL demonstrates a clear commitment to enhancing both recreational opportunities and environmental conservation in the region. All existing lifts – including the western lifts – are in the scope of WHL’s operation.

Submission key points

Whakapapa Holdings

Since its inception in 2022, WHL has championed the potential of Whakapapa and been passionate about maintaining the value it brings to the region and its communities.

WHL has spent considerable time working through the capability and experience needed to best support the future of Whakapapa. It has put together a team of three directions - as below - with over 75 years combined leadership experience in the ski and tourism industry.

The team has a deep understanding of Whakapapa, of the rohe (region), and has a plan to enhance recreational opportunities surrounding Whakapapa while preserving natural and cultural values.

The knowledge and capability of WHL sits alongside the expertise of the existing senior management team and the wider Whakapapa team who have a combined 350 years of experience.

Directors

Dave Mazey

Dave is a part of the infrastructure at Whakapapa, having been involved in its operations for over 30 years, including as General Manager of Whakapapa and then as CEO of RAL once it also acquired Tūroa Ski Area. Dave brings considerable first hand knowledge of the complexities of operating on the North Island's highest peak and within the Tongariro National Park, along with long-standing relationships with local iwi, DOC, and local businesses, which he continues to prioritise as a part of his efforts with WHL.

Bridget Legnavsky

Bridget is known for her significant contribution to the New Zealand tourism industry. She served as Chief Experience Officer for RealNZ and as General Manager of both Cardrona and Treble Cone Ski Areas. She is currently the president and CEO of Sugar Bowl Resort in the Lake Tahoe region of California. For Bridget, her vision for WHL and Whakapapa is “all about preservation and regeneration. To ensure such a magnificent place can be preserved and continue to thrive for all people, for ever".

Tom Elworthy

Tom has considerable operational knowledge and experience in the New Zealand ski industry having spent 15 years in operations across Tūroa, Cardrona, and Treble Cone, and 21 years supplying snowmaking and grooming equipment to the industry. Tom also has vast experience in investing in sustainable and profitable opportunities within New Zealand as part of a private equity and venture capital organisation. Tom is committed to seeing Whakapapa continue so that the next generation of Kiwis can also share the experience.

About Whakapapa

Whakapapa is currently owned and operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), established in 1953. In winter, from June to October, we operate a world class ski area. In summer, from December to April, we offer a summer sightseeing operation, heroing the iconic Sky Waka gondola.

Each year we welcome up to 250,000 manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa. Many of our manuhiri have a life-long connection to Whakapapa, some third or fourth generation. Others are brand new to the alpine environment. In winter, Whakapapa is for most New Zealanders their first experience on snow.

Whakapapa operates within the Dual World Heritage, Tongariro National Park, acknowledged for its Māori cultural and spiritual associations, as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Our business and infrastructure are built around the natural landscape.

Our history

Whakapapa was born thousands of years ago, when the Ngā Tohu Pinnacles range rose up out of the earth and formed the dramatic backdrop against which thousands of people have lived, worked, and played ever since. There has been skiing and adventuring on Whakapapa for well over a hundred years, with a first chairlift installed in the 1950s. All made possible by the gift of the land by paramount chief Horonuku Te Heuheu to New Zealanders in 1887.

Our Values

The values of manaakitanga (for people), kaitiakitanga (for place), and kotahitanga (together as one) underpin everything we do at Whakapapa. Each year we welcome up to 250,000 manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa. Many of our manuhiri have a life-long connection to Whakapapa, some third or fourth generation. Embedded in us is a strong sense of leaving things better than we found them, so they are here for the next generation to enjoy.

UNESCO status

The Tongariro National Park, home to Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngāuruhoe, and Mt Tongariro, holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and cultural significance. It was the first site in the world to receive this dual recognition, reflecting its extraordinary volcanic landscapes and deep cultural importance to Māori. As important as our recreational pursuits is our commitment to upholding Whakapapa's cultural, ecological, and landscape values.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (“the Company") was placed into liquidation on 21 June 2023 with John Fisk and Richard Nacey of PwC appointed as Joint Liquidators. Brendon Gibson and Neale Jackson were appointed joint and several receivers and managers of substantially all the assets and undertaking of the Company on 27 October 2023 pursuant to a General Security Deed dated 12 April 2007. This means that the Company is concurrently in liquidation and in receivership. The Receivers are now in control of the business and are working with the Liquidators to achieve a seamless transition of operations with minimal disruption.