National

Ruapehu business owner wants skifield bailouts to end

07:10 am on 14 March 2024

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A Ruapehu business owner wants taxpayer funded bailouts for the mountain's ski-fields to stop and says the government must start listening to experts not officials.

The coalition is providing $7 million to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought - and $3 million in equity and loan funding to help Pure Tūroa Limited buy the Tūroa ski-field.

It's the fifth rescue package in 18 months and comes with a warning - it's the last.

Here's political reporter Giles Dexter.