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HAVE YOUR SAY – IT’S IMPORTANT -WHL Calls for Submissions on Its Application to Lease and License Whakapapa

Public submissions are currently open for Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited (WHL)’s application to lease and license Whakapapa for a ten-year period. This marks the latest milestone in WHL’s efforts to take ownership of Whakapapa, following the New Zealand Government’s pledge to support the purchase in December 2024.

Submissions can be made on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website until 11:59 PM, Friday, 7 February 2025. A guide on how to submit is available here.

Local Hui Engages Stakeholders

This week, WHL held its first local hui with key stakeholders and community groups, including regional tourism operators, local businesses, and the Ruapehu Mountain Clubs Association. The hui provided an opportunity for WHL directors to share their vision for Whakapapa and demonstrate their collaborative approach.

“We will go further and get there faster through open discussion and hui,” WHL acknowledged during the event.

WHL’s Vision and Leadership

Since its establishment in 2022, WHL has been dedicated to realizing Whakapapa’s potential while preserving its value for the region and its communities.

“There needs to be a solution—one that strengthens the current situation for the region, particularly for those who rely on accommodation, jobs, and businesses in the area,” the company stated.

The WHL leadership team comprises three directors—Dave Mazey, Tom Elworthy, and Bridget Legnavsky—bringing together over 75 years of experience in New Zealand’s ski and tourism industry. This expertise is further complemented by Whakapapa’s senior management team, who collectively have over 350 years of experience at the ski area.

Balancing Short- and Long-Term Goals

WHL has applied to DOC for a ten-year license term, to be reviewed after five years. “This term strikes a balance between providing short-term operational certainty while allowing flexibility to address long-term cultural, environmental, and governance planning,” the company stated.

In particular, this timeframe supports progress on the Wai 1130 Waitangi Tribunal claim regarding the Tongariro National Park.

Commitment to Sustainability and Recreation

WHL’s concession application highlights its dedication to enhancing recreational opportunities and environmental conservation in the region. In the short term, WHL plans to:

  • Repair and maintain existing infrastructure.
  • Upgrade snowmaking capabilities, including acquiring state-of-the-art snow guns.
  • Replace the aging groomer fleet.
  • Operate all existing lifts, including western lifts.

Long-term planning will be conducted collaboratively with tāngata whenua to align with cultural values and community needs. “Retaining the facilities and experiences that bring value to surrounding communities will require ongoing engagement with iwi,” WHL stated.

Once these discussions are completed and a shared understanding of cultural values is reached, an Indicative Development Plan will be finalized, and a longer-term license can be applied for. WHL emphasized that no large-scale investments will be made until this process is complete.

Have Your Say

WHL’s full concession application can be found on the DOC website. A summary of key points is available on the Whakapapa website. WHL encourages all interested parties to share their perspectives, whether in support or opposition.


About Whakapapa

Whakapapa is situated in New Zealand’s central North Island, spanning 550 hectares on the northern side of Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. It is easily accessible, being a three-hour drive from Hamilton, four hours from Wellington, and five hours from Auckland.

Since 1953, Whakapapa’s premier learner facility, Happy Valley, has introduced New Zealanders to snow sports. Advanced skiers and riders can enjoy natural bowls, wind lips, exhilarating chutes, and volcanic crater rims, descending from New Zealand’s highest lifted point at 2320 metres.

Whakapapa features:

  • Sky Waka Gondola: A wheelchair-accessible gondola that takes guests 1.8 km up the maunga to 2020 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.
  • Knoll Ridge Chalet: The country’s highest year-round eatery, housed in an award-winning architectural facility.
  • Snow Experiences: Family-friendly sledding zones and a snow experience area accessible with sightseeing passes.

For more information, visit whakapapa.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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