24/06/2023
We're waiting on the edge of our seats 🤞🤞🤞⛷️🏂☃️
Hi there everyone, Pure Tūroa and Whakapapa Holdings are still working hard to save our season!
Check out the latest official statement from the Whakapapa Holdings team,
Send out some positive vibes to them and let's hope they can get it done to save the jobs and livelihoods of all the mountain staff and everyone in the region that are relying on the winter tourism.
Good luck Dave and the team we hope you get it done for everyone!
Whakapapa Holdings Ltd Update
Whakapapa Holdings Ltd deal to acquire Whakapapa ski field has been delayed rather than halted, after failing to gain sufficient support at the creditors’ meeting on Tuesday.
We were of course disappointed that the vote for option B (sale of Whakapapa and Turoa to WHL and PTL respectively) was narrowly defeated, leading to the current liquidation process and the extended uncertainty this has caused for all stakeholders, in particular the committed staff and local communities who depend on the winter season getting under way as soon as practicable to provide security of jobs and income. A positive vote for option B by some RSSA members, rather than the protest vote (their words) lodged, would have enabled a more streamlined transaction and greater certainty for staff.
There has been much made of a lack of consultation throughout this process, much of it factually incorrect. WHL staff, shareholders and directors have been in discussion with many stakeholders including Iwi, DoC and other Central Plateau affected parties since late 2022, remain so today and will continue to be in the future. Has it been perfect and reached everyone? No. Are we committed to ensuring our doors are always open for discussion? Absolutely.
We acknowledge that obtaining factual information during a process such as this can be challenging and frustrating however that doesn’t mean that spreading misinformation is the next best thing. We ask parties that have been doing so to please stop, for the sake of the community and the divisions it is causing.
We remain committed to concluding a deal as soon as practicable.
The terms of the deal offered to the creditors meeting will be the basis for talks with the liquidator. This includes 2023 seasons passes at $599 and Life Pass renewal for $1850 for pre-2019 passes and $599 for 2019 release passes.
We will continue to work closely with Iwi and government to facilitate license arrangements in a timely and considerate manner.
Tom Elworthy
Director