New Owners Opt To Save Mt Ruapehu Resorts
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In 2022, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), the operator of Whakapapa and Tūroa ski resorts, faced financial troubles amounting to $45 million due to a severe winter. Consequently, RAL filed for voluntary administration. To aid the situation, the New Zealand government provided $8 million in assistance. As a result, efforts have been underway to find new operators for the ski resorts.According to a report by Newshub, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) in New Zealand plans to seek approval from the Cabinet to recommend two new operators for the ski resorts. However, there are still several steps that need to be taken before these new owners are officially appointed.For Tūroa, the likely successful investor is Pure Tūroa, led by developers Cam Robertson and Greg Hickman. Meanwhile, for Whakapapa, the expected bidder is a private equity firm associated with New Zealand businessman Tom Elworthy and Dave Mazey, the former leader of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
