The future of the Mt Ruapehu ski fields is still shaky despite a number of high-level meetings aimed at saving it.
It's unclear whether the Government will help bail out the operation and a meeting of stakeholders has been told liquidation may be the only option.
"We have a few issues around the liquidation comment that was made at the meeting and we want to make sure it doesn't happen because that's so devastating for the whole community," Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton told Newshub.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) went into voluntary administration after three tough years of COVID-19 and minimal snowfall - which left it with $45 million in debt.
At a meeting, this week with administrators, stakeholders were faced with the confronting state of play as $9 million is needed to tide the sector over until the next ski season in July.
Additionally $15 to $20 million is needed to set up a new operation.
The alternative would be to shut down the ski field to the costly tune of $80 to $100 million
"We feel there's only one obvious choice which is to put some money to save Ruapehu because the cost of the alternative to the taxpayer is vastly higher," Skotel owner Sam Clarkson said.
The Government and ANZ bank has already provided short-term relief with a $4 million rescue package which will last RAL until December.
It is unclear if it'll reach into its pockets for the additional $9 million needed until next July.
Newshub obtained a slideshow shown to stakeholders which stated Cabinet decided on November 28, not to provide further funding beyond December and administrators are back to the drawing board -with liquidation being the only option.
Despite this, the Ministry of Business and Innovation said Cabinet continues to consider the situation.
"We're working with Central Government over the proposal and hopefully, we'll get some resolution, not just for the new company but to see the ski fields are sustainable in the future," Kirton said.
The ski fields contribute $100 million to the local economy and locals fear shutting them down would destroy their livelihoods.
