From te Whare Paremata:

Green Party Co-Leader, Marama Davidson says she fully supports the wishes of Iwi and mana whenua to protect their Tūpuna Maunga by purchasing Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) business and its assets .

RAL went into liquidation last week but a $5 million Government handout guarantees the mountain’s 2023 ski season can go ahead.

Te Rangatira ō Tūwharetoa ko Te Ariki Tumu Te Heuheu, says he is compelled on behalf of the Iwi to lodge an expression of interest with the Crown.

“Our obligation to his (Ruapehu) care at the core of my being and at the being of my people. My role and my most important mahi is to restore and protect the sanctity of our Maunga.” says Te Ariki Tumu Te Heuheu.

“I have heard the voices of Iwi and mana whenua of that rohe, whose first and foremost priority is the wellbeing of the Maunga.” says Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson.

“So looking at our industries as a whole and whether we are protecting the Maunga and its eco-systems, that’s where mana whenua have landed.” says Davidson.

The proposal from Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu on behalf of Tūwharetoa is in addition to the expressions of interest received from Whakapapa Holdings and Pure Tūroa.

“The final decision in relation to the sale is made by the liquidator PwC New Zealand.

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