4 NOVEMBER 2016
From: Uenuku Charitable Trust, Raetihi
Uenuku trust in Tūroa ski field licence discussions
Uenuku Charitable Trust is in direct discussions with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) regarding the RAL application for a Tūroa ski field licence.
The Minister of Conservation has given notice of her intention to grant RAL a 60-year concession for the Tūroa ski field, comprising an initial 25-year term with one 10-year extension and five further extensions of five years each.
UCT has met with RAL to discuss, at a high level, the licence application and the iwi relationship with the maunga.
UCT chairman Aiden Gilbert said there were many issues to work through with RAL before UCT was able to support licence renewal other than in principle.
“In good faith UCT has agreed with RAL to negotiate these issues separately from the public notification process,” Mr Gilbert said.
Submissions to the Department of Conservation on the application by RAL for a Tūroa ski field licence concession close today (Friday) at 5pm.
The Tūroa ski field licence application follows the granting last year of a 60-year licence for the Whakapapa ski field, which was supported by Ngāti Tūwharetoa. RAL operates both the Tūroa and Whakapapa ski fields, both within the Tongariro National Park.