12 Oct 2022

Ruapehu Alpine Lift governance 'appalling': shareholders

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 12 October 2022

A group of Ruapehu shareholders and life pass holders says appalling governance by the board of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is to blame for the company going into voluntary administration.

RAL which runs the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields on the mountain, has put itself into voluntary administration as it tries to figure out whether it can survive.

It blames the pandemic, coupled with this winter's terrible ski season. The news has left local businesses and residents reeling.

Sam Clarkson is a spokesperson for the Ruapehu shareholders and Life Pass Holders group, and owner of the Skotel at the foot of Whakapapa ski field.

He says the board of RAL have made a series of poor decisions and have pursued a corporate approach, which has put the mountain and region in jeopardy.

Kathryn also talks with John Fisk - of PwC, one of two appointed as the voluntary administrators and Leigh Berry, who runs Ruapehu Mountain Lodge.

Skiers on a chairlift at Turoa ski field.

Photo: RNZ