The National Park Village business community has welcomed Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL)
being granted a new license to operate Mt Ruapehu's Tūroa Ski Area.
"The license renewal will now allow RAL to go ahead with much needed upgrading of
facilities at Turoa - New Zealand's second largest ski area," says Murray Wilson, chairperson of the National Park Villages Business Association.
The Association, which represents businesses in National Park Village, Whakapapa Village,
Raurimu and Erua, was pleased to support Ruapehu Alpine Lifts through the submission
process, says Wilson.
"The new licence will provide further confidence to local businesses for on-going
development to meet visitor demand in both summer and winter, as well as the employment opportunities which will in turn support their communities."
In a statement announcing the licence renewal, RAL chief executive Ross Copland called
the agreement between RAL, Ngāti Rangi, Uenuku and the Department of Conservation
historic.