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Central North Island iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa has confirmed it is in the bidding to buy Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which went into liquidation last month owing creditors $45 million.
Last month, iwi with affiliation to the maunga wrote to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins demanding officials consult with them before signing off new operators for the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields.
Last week, Paramount Chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu told members of his iwi that due diligence was now underway on the iwi bid and would take four to six weeks.
“This information will directly inform how Tūwharetoa approaches a commercial purchase,” Sir Tumu said.
“Astute risk assessment with a view to what is truly at stake, commercially, but more important, culturally imperative, in the immediate pathway forward.
“I have also been in discussion with whanaunga iwi who are connected to the maunga to signal my intent and at this early phase of the undertaking enjoy their support. Ensuring that we are connected on key kaupapa will be important as we start to consider the wider issue of the outstanding maunga settlement and his enduring care.”
The whanaunga iwi include Ngāti Rangi, which shares affiliations with Ngāti Tūwharetoa to the mountains within Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.
The book value of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is estimated to be more than $50 million.
