2024 0620 Response letter Prendergast OIA.pdf

20 June 2024
Stephen Prendergast
By email: [FYI request #26602 email]
Tēnā koe Stephen
Request for Official Information: Information on Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Administration
Thank you for your correspondence of 2 May 2024 requesting information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA). Following our request for clarification and refinement of the
request under s 15(1AA) of the OIA, on 22 May you confirmed your refined request under the
OIA to be for the following information, for the period of 1 August 2023 – 22 May 2024:
1. Formal advice provided by Te Arawhiti to Ministers since 1 August 2023 relating to Ruapehu Alpine
Lifts and all related matters.
2. Te Arawhiti comment on ministerial advice prepared by the Department of Conservation and the
Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment since 1 August 2023 relating to Ruapehu Alpine
Lifts and all related matters.
Response
We have considered your request under the OIA and have identified 26 documents either
partially or entirely within scope of your request. This letter attaches the first set of
documents within scope of your request, as in Table 1.
Under section 15A of the OIA, we are undertaking consultation necessary to make a decision
on the remainder of your request. We will provide our decision on the remaining documents,
listed in Table 2, no later than 4 July.
Where we have withheld documents in whole or information in part, the ground(s) on which
we have relied are set out in the table. We have considered, under section 9(1) of the OIA
whether the withholding of these documents or this information is outweighed by other
considerations which render it desirable, in the public interest, to make that information
available.
Te Arawhiti acknowledges that there is public interest in understanding the complex
environment and interests relating to the status of RAL. The information released

acknowledges that public interest. The information we have withheld primarily relates to
confidential and frank engagement between the Crown and iwi with interests in and around
Tongariro National Park. We have also withheld draft documents to maintain a forum for
officials to informally discuss and provide free and frank feedback on draft advice to Ministers.
However, we have provided a high-level overview of Te Arawhiti comments made as part of
the drafting process in Table 3.
Proactive release
When Te Arawhiti acknowledged receipt of your OIA request, we advised we may proactively
release your OIA response on our website. After considering our response to your request, we
can advise that it will be published no earlier than 20 working days from the date of this letter
at www.tearawhiti.govt.nz. Your personal and other identifying information will be removed.
If you have any concerns about the information in this response being published on our
website please contact us by emailing [email address] by 5.00pm
on 4 July.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about this process is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or phone
0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā

Hui Kahu
Regional Director

Table 1 – Documents provided under the Official Information Act 1982
Document
Extent of information  Reason for withholding/refusing
number
Date
Document description
provided
(refer to notes below table)
Page
1
31 August 2023
Report to Minister for Māori Crown Relations –
Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
1-3
Te Arawhiti (MfMCR) 54 – Weekly Status Report
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
Out of scope
2
7 September
Report to Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
4-11
2023
Negotiations (MfTOWN) 093 – Ruapehu Alpine
s 9(2)(ba)(i)
Lifts Ltd (In Liquidation) – Ngāti Tūwharetoa
s 9(2)(g)(i)
s 9(2)(j)
Out of scope
3
1 December
Te Arawhiti comment on draft DOC briefing 23-
Withheld in full
s 9(2)(g)(i)
-
2023
B-0466 – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Mt Ruapehu  Summary provided in
ski fields
table 3
4
7 December
Report to MfTOWN 138 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
12-14
2023
Out of scope
5
8 December
Te Arawhiti comment on draft MBIE briefing
Withheld in full
s 9(2)(g)(i)
-
2023
2324-1206 – Background information and
Summary provided in
commercial options for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
table 3
Limited (In Liquidation and Receivership (RAL))
6
13 December
Report to MfTOWN 145 – Weekly Status Report   Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
15-16
2023
Out of scope
3

Document
Extent of information  Reason for withholding/refusing
number
Date
Document description
provided
(refer to notes below table)
Page
7
24 January 2024  Te Arawhiti comment on draft MBIE Cabinet
Withheld in full
s 9(2)(g)(i)
-
paper – Decisions on the Future of Ruapehu
Summary provided in
Alpine Lifts Limited (In Liquidation and
table 3
Receivership) – post March 2024
8
25 January 2024  Report to MfTOWN 164 – Weekly Status Report   Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
17-19
Out of scope
9
9 February 2024  Report to MfTOWN 173 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
20-21
Out of scope
10
15 February
Te Arawhiti and Crown Law Office comment on  Withheld in full
s 9(2)(g)(i)
-
2024
draft MBIE Cabinet paper – Decisions on the
s 9(2)(h)
Summary provided in
Future of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (In
table 3
Liquidation and Receivership) – post March
2024
11
22 February
Report to MfTOWN 187 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
22-23
2024
Out of scope
12
26 February
Report to MfMCR 151 – Weekly Status Report
Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
24-25
2024
Out of scope
13
29 February
Report to MfTOWN 196 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
26-28
2024
s 9(2)(g)(i)
Out of scope
14
7 March 2024
Report to MfMCR 166 – Taupō visit with Ngāti
Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
29-30
Tūwharetoa representatives and entities, 15
Out of scope
March 2024
4

Document
Extent of information  Reason for withholding/refusing
number
Date
Document description
provided
(refer to notes below table)
Page
15
28 February
Report to MfTOWN 200 – Tongariro National
Withheld in full
s 9(2)(a)
31-38
2024
Park: Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Cabinet paper –
s 9(2)(b)(ii)
Summary provided in
Cab100 5 March
s 9(2)(ba)(i)
table 3
s 9(2)(g)(i)
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
s 18(d)
Out of scope
16
7 March 2024
Report to MfTOWN 207 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(ba)(i)
39-40
s 9(2)(g)(i)
Out of scope
17
14 March 2024
Report to MfTOWN 218 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
41-42
Out of scope
18
21 March 2024
Report to MfTOWN 221 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
43-44
Out of scope
19
4 April 2024
Report to MfTOWN 239 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
45-47
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
s 9(2)(g)(i)
Out of scope
20
11 April 2024
Report to MfTOWN 246 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
48-49
Out of scope
21
2 May 2024
Report to MfTOWN 265 – Weekly Status Report  Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
50-51
s 9(2)(g)(i)
Out of scope
22
6-10 May 2024
Report to MfMCR 214 – Weekly Status Report
Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
52-53
Out of scope
5

Document
Extent of information  Reason for withholding/refusing
number
Date
Document description
provided
(refer to notes below table)
Page
23
20-24 May 2024  Report to MfMCR 226 – Weekly Status Report
Parts withheld
s 9(2)(a)
54-55
s 9(2)(g)(i)
s 9(2)(h)
Out of scope

Reasons for withholding under section 9 of the Official Information Act 19821
s 9(2)(a) – protect the privacy of natural persons, including the deceased.
s 9(2)(f) – maintain the constitutional conventions which protect:
s 9(2)(b) – protect information that would:
(i)  – communications by or with the Sovereign or their representative; or
(i)  – disclose a trade secret;
(ii)  – collective and individual ministerial responsibility; or
(ii)  – unreasonably prejudice commercial position of subject.
(iii) – the political neutrality of officials; or
s 9(2)(ba) – protect information where making it available would:
(iv) – the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers and Crown officials.
(i)  – prejudice the supply of similar information; or
s 9(2)(g) – maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through:
(ii)  – likely otherwise damage the public interest.
(i)  – the free and frank expression of opinions;
s 9(2)(c) – prejudice to measures protecting health or safety of the public.
(ii)  – the protection from improper pressure or harassment.
s 9(2)(d) – prejudice to substantial economic interests of New Zealand.
s 9(2)(h) – maintain legal professional privilege.
s 9(2)(e) – prejudice to measures that prevent or mitigate material loss to members  s 9(2)(i) – enable the Crown holding the information to carry out commercial
of the public.
activities.
s 9(2)(j) – negotiations sensitive.
s 9(2)(k) – prevent the disclosure of information for improper gain or advantage.
Reasons for refusing information under section 18 of the Official Information Act 1982i
s 18(a) – good reasons by virtue of s 6, 7 or 9 of the Act:
s 18(e) – the information requested does not exist, or cannot be found:
s 18(b) – the department or Minister or organisation neither confirms nor denies the  s 18(f) – the information cannot be made available without substantial collation or
existence or non-existence of the information:
research:
s 18(c) – making the information available would –

1 Please see the Official Information Act 1982 for full version of sections 9 and 18 of the Act.
6

(i)  – be contrary to a specified enactment; or
s 18(g) – the information is not held by the department or Minister of the Crown or
(ii)  – constitute contempt of court or the House of Representatives:
organisation, and the person dealing with the request has no grounds for believing
that it is:
s 18(d) – the information is, or will soon be, publicly available:
(i)  – held by another department, Minister of the Crown or organisation, or
s 18(da) – the request is made by a defendant or person acting on behalf of a
by a local authority; or
defendant and is –
(ii)  – connected more closely with the functions of another department or
(i)  – information that could be sought under the Criminal Disclosures Act
Minister of the Crown or organisation or local authority:
2008; or
s 18(h) – the request is frivolous or vexatious or the information requested is trivial.
(ii)  – information that could be sought under that Act and that has been
disclosed or withheld under that Act:

7

Table 2 – Decision to be provided by 4 July 2024
Document
number
Date
Document description
24
7 September 2023
Report to MfTOWN 103 – Tongariro National Park: 11 September hui
25
28 September 2023 Report to MfMCR and MfTOWN 76/120 – Te Arawhiti comment on the MBIE Cabinet paper: Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Limited (In Liquidation) (RAL) – options for government support
26
26 January 2024
Report to MfTOWN, Minister of Conservation and Minister of Regional Development – Joint Ministers Meeting on
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Mt Ruapehu
27
14 February 2024
Emails, MBIE and Te Arawhiti – consultation on draft MBIE Cabinet paper – Decisions on the Future of Ruapehu
Alpine Lifts Limited (In Liquidation and Receivership) – post March 2024
28
28 February 2024
Emails, Te Arawhiti and MBIE, regarding draft MBIE Cabinet paper – Decisions on the Future of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Limited (In Liquidation and Receivership) – post March 2024
29
28 February 2024
Emails, Te Arawhiti, Crown Law Office and MBIE, regarding draft MBIE Cabinet paper – Decisions on the Future of
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (In Liquidation and Receivership) – post March 2024
8

Table 3 – Summary of documents withheld
Document
number
Date
Document description
High level summary of substantive Te Arawhiti comments
5
1 December
Te Arawhiti comment on draft DOC
-
Clarification of portfolio responsibilities for Minister of Treaty of Waitangi
2023
briefing 23-B-0466 – Ruapehu Alpine
Negotiations and Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti.
Lifts and Mt Ruapehu ski fields
-
Suggested adding text to note Te Arawhiti’s role in supporting
engagement with iwi and hapū.
-
Clarified text relating to Treaty settlement processes.
-
Suggested amendments to text summarising iwi and hapū letters about
RAL.
-
Suggested clarification regarding the role of Te Pou Tupua as
representative entity of Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River).
-
Suggested amendments to note that a shorter concession term would
enable the concession to be revisited closer to the conclusion of the
Tongariro National Park negotiations.
7
8 December
Te Arawhiti comment on draft MBIE
-
Clarification of portfolio responsibilities for Minister of Treaty of Waitangi
2023
briefing 2324-1206 – Background
Negotiations and Minister for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti.
information and commercial options for
-
Suggested expanding and clarifying discussion of iwi/hapū views that had
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (In
been shared with the Crown.
Liquidation and Receivership (RAL))
-
Suggested clarification of text relating to sale of Whakapapa ski field.
-
Suggested adding text noting steps being considered by DOC to address
concerns of iwi/hapū in relation to concessions.
-
Suggested inclusion of background text relating to the Crown’s
commitment to negotiate redress over Tongariro National Park.
-
Suggested text noting that RAL processes may have an effect on future
negotiations for redress over Tongariro National Park.
9

Document
number
Date
Document description
High level summary of substantive Te Arawhiti comments
9
24 January
Te Arawhiti comment on draft MBIE
-
Provided background text on Treaty settlement processes and Tongariro
2024
Cabinet paper – Decisions on the Future
National Park negotiations.
of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (In
-
Suggested clarifying distinction between iwi/hapū views on the ski areas
Liquidation and Receivership) – post
and their views on the future Tongariro National Park negotiations.
March 2024
-
Suggested clarifying when and how iwi/hapū views were expressed and
ensuring the Cabinet captured the most recent views expressed, for
example through the recent Tūroa ski area concession process.
-
Suggested amendments to note potential effects on future Tongariro
National Park negotiations and the importance of continuing engagement
with iwi/hapū.
14
15 February
Te Arawhiti and Crown Law Office
-
Responded to queries directed to Te Arawhiti by the Crown Law Office
2024
comment on draft MBIE Cabinet paper –
during their review of the draft Cabinet paper.
Decisions on the Future of Ruapehu
Alpine Lifts Limited (In Liquidation and
Receivership) – post March 2024

10

Document 01
IN-CONFIDENCE
Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti
Subject: MCR Weekly Report for the period 04 - 08 September 2023
Date
31 August 2023
File reference
MCR-02-01
Priority
Low
Report Number
2023/2024 - 54
Action sought
Minister for Māori Crown
Note the Weekly Report
08 September 2023
Relations: Te Arawhiti
(Hon Kelvin Davis)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Phone
1st
Contact
s9(2)(a)
Kelly Dunn
Deputy Chief Executive – Partnerships
Victor Goldsmith  Director – Te Kāhui Hīkina
Marian Smith
Director – Te Kāhui Whakamana
Kurt McLauchlan  Director – Strategy and Policy
Pages 4-17 withheld out of scope
1
Page 1 of 55

Page 2 of 55

Page 3 of 55

Document 02
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd (In liquidation) – Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Date
7 September 2023
Priority: High
Report No.
2023/2024 - 093
File ref: CLA-N687-OF-02
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of
Note that Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu has written to
By 8 September
Waitangi Negotiations
you and the Minister for Regional Development,
2023
raising concerns about the process to find a
commercial operator for the Mt Ruapehu ski fields;
and
Note that Te Arawhiti considers that any decisions
taken by the government in relation to commercial
activity on Mt Ruapehu, need to be cognisant of the
commitments made in the 2018 Deed of Settlement
with Ngāti Tūwharetoa, the pending Tongariro
National Park negotiations; and an enduring Māori
Crown relationship with Ngāti Tūwharetoa and other
iwi who have interests in the area.
Agree to forward this briefing to the Ministers for
Regional Development, Māori Crown Relations and
Conservation.
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
s9(2)(a) Name
Position
Phone
1st Contact
Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
✓
Joana Johnston
Chief Advisor
Page 4 of 55

Document 02
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd (In liquidation) – Ngāti
Tūwharetoa
Purpose
1.
The purpose of this briefing is to provide you with:
a.
a summary of the concerns Ngāti Tūwharetoa have raised in relation to the process to
find  a  commercial  operator  for  the  Mt  Ruapehu  ski  fields,  and  relevant  background
information; and
b.
provide Te Arawhiti advice, as requested by the Minister for Regional Development, on
decisions Ministers may make in relation to a commercial operator, in the context of the
concerns raised by Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Background
2.
In June, Te Arawhiti supported MBIE and the Department of Conservation (DoC) at a number of
targeted  engagement  hui  with  iwi  and  hapū  with  interests  in  Mt  Ruapehu,  following  a
breakdown in Māori-Crown relationships over the Mt Ruapehu ski fields.
3.
The  purpose  of  the  engagement  programme  was  to  hear  and  understand  iwi  and  hapū
perspectives on the government’s plan to select an operator(s) for the Mt Ruapehu ski fields,
when Ruapehu Alpine Lifts went into liquidation.
4.
s9(2)(ba)(i)
s9(2)(j)
5.
On 8 June, DoC received an email from Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu, in which he outlined his
overarching frustration with the processes surrounding RAL in voluntary administration and the
lack of attention the Crown had paid to the integral relationship between Ngāti Tūwharetoa and
their tupuna maunga.
s9(2)(j)
s9(2)(ba)(i)
6.
On 20 June, a hui was held with Te Ariki, Tā Tumu Te Heuheu and
s9(2)(a)
Lil Anderson - Tumu Whakarae of the Office of Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti and Damian
Coutts from the Department of Conservation attended on behalf of the government.  At the
hui, Te Ariki:
s9(2)(ba)(i)
a.
2
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Document 02
c.
s9(2)(j)
s9(2)(ba)(i)
d.
Recent concerns raised by Ngāti Tuwharetoa
8.
On 31 August, Te Ariki, Tā Tumu Te Heuheu wrote to you and the Minister for Regional
Development, advising that Ngāti Tūwharetoa
s9(2)(j)
s9(2)(ba)(i)

Out of
scope
3
Page 6 of 55

Document 02
Out of scope

Out of

scope
The DoC Concession
20.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa have strongly held concerns about the scale and intensity of skiing operations
and  their  sustainability,  including  mitigating  pollution  effects  and  risks,  long  term  financial
arrangements  for  the  enduring  sustainability  of  infrastructure  and  other  usage  and  access
arrangements for any future concessions.
s9(2)(j)
s9(2)(ba)(i)
21.
It is important to note that other iwi also share the concerns raised by Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and
also have an expectation that they will have a key role in the process.
22.
The letter importantly notes that “…Ngāti Tūwharetoa is supportive of long-term sustainable
commercial  activities  that  contribute  to  regional  economic  development  and  will  proactively
support  investment  accordingly.
s9(2)(j)
s9(2)(ba)(i)
4
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Document 02
23.
No applications for new ski field concessions have been lodged at this point in time, however,
the Minister of Conservation or her delegate are obliged to consider any that are received.
24.
In making a decision to grant or decline the application, the decision-maker must give
consideration to the views of all relevant iwi to give effect the principles of the Treaty of
Waitangi as per Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987.
25.
It is important to note, no iwi has right of veto over the application in this process for which the
Crown is the decision-maker.
s9(2)(j)

s9(2)(j)
31.
s9(2)(g)(i)
5
Page 8 of 55

Document 02

s9(2)(g)(i)

Te Arawhiti view
32. Ngāti Tūwharetoa have outlined their concerns with the commercial process the Crown has
run in relation to the future of ski field operations on Mt Ruapehu a number of times.  These
concerns have now been raised in emails, in meetings and in letters to Ministers and in part
relate to commitments made through the 2018 Deed of Settlement between the Crown and
Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
33. The profound significance of the maunga is formally acknowledged by the Crown in the 2018
Settlement and is the Crown’s commitment to entering into negotiations over the Tongariro
National Park.  Specifically, the Crown has acknowledged that when the peaks of the maunga
were offered to the Crown, Ngāti Tūwharetoa sought to create a shared responsibility with the
Crown to protect and preserve the mountains for Ngāti Tūwharetoa, for other iwi, and for all
New Zealanders.
34. In offering the peeks of the maunga to the Crown, the intention of Ngāti Tūwharetoa was to
enter  into  a  partnership  with  the  Queen,  and  not  to  make  an  unconditional  gift  –  however
legal  ownership  of  the  mountains  was  vested  solely  in  the  Crown  and  it  has  not  always
honoured its reciprocal obligations.
s9(2)(g)(i) 35.
6
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Document 02
Out of scope

An enduring relationship between Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the Crown
42.
In  the  interests  of  an  enduring  relationship  between  Ngāti  Tūwharetoa  and  the  Crown,  it  is
important that a final decision in relation to commercial operations on Mt Ruapehu is based on
a way forward that:
a.
is a good faith attempt to address the concerns Ngāti Tūwharetoa has raised;
b.
does  not  compromise  the  commitments  made  by  the  Crown  in  the  2018  Deed  of
Settlement;
c.
s9(2)(j)
d.
Allows for a positive, enduring relationship between Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the Crown.
43.
It is also important to note that the Crown has also made commitments to other iwi (including
through  their  Deeds  of  Settlement)  to  grow  and  maintain  enduring  relationships  based  on
mutual trust and respect.  These also need to be acknowledged and recognised through the
decision making process.
s9(2)(j)

45.
s9(2)(g)(i)
7
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Page 11 of 55

Page 12 of 55

Page 13 of 55

Page 14 of 55

Document 06
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
13 December 2023
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 145
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 21 December 2023
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae

Warren Fraser
Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy, Policy and Legal
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai
Moana
Pages 2-4, 6-8 withheld out of scope
1
Page 15 of 55

Document 06
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
14. We continue to work alongside the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
(who leads the commercial aspects to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL)) and the Department of
Conservation (who lead the concessions process) as they brief their respective Ministers. Should
a joint Ministerial hui eventuate before Christmas (as proposed in both pieces of advice), we will
work with those agencies to prepare joint advice. We understand that MBIE is stil proposing that
Cabinet consider some financial aspects to RAL either late this year or early next year. It will be
important for the three key RAL Ministers (Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Conservation and
Regional Economic Development) to have an agreed position in respect of RAL prior to Cabinet
consideration.
5
Page 16 of 55

Document 08
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
25 January 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 164
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 1 February 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
✓
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai
Moana
Pages 3-6, 8-10 withheld out of scope
1
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Document 08
Key matters this week
1.
The key matters for this week are:
Out of scope
1.4.  On  31  January  the  Minister  of  Conservation,  Minister  for  Regional  Development  and
Minister of Finance will meet to discuss next steps regarding Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. You have
been  invited  to  the  hui.  We  are  working  with  the  Department  of  Conservation  to  brief
Ministers for that meeting.
Recommendations
2.
It is recommended that you:
2.1.  note the updates provided in this Weekly Status Report.
Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
NOTED
Hon Paul Goldsmith
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Date:
/
  / 2024
2
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Document 08
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
27. On 31 January the Minister of Conservation, Minister for Regional Development and Minister of
Finance will meet to discuss next steps regarding Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. We are working with the
Department of Conservation to brief Ministers prior to that meeting, including in relation to the
Crown’s commitments regarding Treaty negotiations over Tongariro National Park.
28. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, currently in receivership, operates the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields in
Tongariro National Park. Cabinet has agreed in-principle support for Pure Tūroa Limited’s bid to
operate the Tūroa ski field. On 18 December 2023 the Department of Conservation began public
consultation on Pure Tūroa Limited’s application for a concession to operate Tūroa ski field. The
submission period will end on 9 February.
29. MBIE’s assessment is that there are no viable bids for Whakapapa ski field after a bid from
Whakapapa Holdings Limited was withdrawn in late December.
Out of scope
7
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Document 12
Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti
Weekly Status Report
Date:
26 February – 1 March 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 151
Action sought
Minister for Māori Crown
Note the Weekly Status Report
By: 29 February 2023
Relations: Te Arawhiti
(Hon Tama Potaka)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae

Sheridan Smith
Deputy Chief Executive – Partnerships (Acting)
Pages 2, 4-8 withheld out of scope
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Document 12
Updates
Strategic issues
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
3. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is preparing a Cabinet paper for the
Minister of Regional Development to take to Cabinet Economic Policy Committee on 6 March
regarding next steps for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (in liquidation and receivership). The paper proposes
to continue support for the sale of Tūroa ski field assets to Pure Tūroa Limited and to fund the
receivers to run the 2024 ski season at Whakapapa ski field while transitional arrangements are
put in place. We have provided feedback on the draft Cabinet paper as it relates to the Tongariro
National Park negotiations and the broader Māori Crown relationship.
Page 25 of 55

Document 13
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
29 February 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 196
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 7 March 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae

Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai
Moana
Pages 2-4, 7-9 out of scope
1
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Document 13
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
16. The Cabinet paper Ruapehu Alpine Lifts: Decisions to continue support for RAL post-March 2024
wil now be considered by the Cabinet Economic Policy Committee on 6 March and Cabinet on 11
March. The paper seeks Cabinet decisions on the future of the two ski-fields (Whakapapa and
Tūroa). We have provided feedback to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) on the Cabinet paper to ensure that the link between Cabinet decisions on Ruapehu Alpine
5
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Document 13
Lifts (RAL) and the future collective Tongariro National Park (TNP) negotiation uses more open
language and does not bind the parties to a specific outcome. We have also sought to highlight
the importance of engaging with iwi throughout the Crown’s decision-making to not further
unsettle relationships in the region.
17. On 29 February we will provide you with advice and draft talking points to support the discussion
at Cabinet. The discussion at Cabinet is relevant to the Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations portfolio
due to the Crown’s overdue commitment to negotiate redress over TNP and the need to preserve
relationships with the iwi collective in advance of those negotiations commencing.
18. We understand that MBIE are intending to engage with iwi prior to Cabinet consideration to
inform them of the forthcoming process and providing a commitment to engage once Cabinet has
given a direction on the future of the ski-fields.
Patutokotoko – reconciliation agreement
19. Due to dissatisfaction with the Crown’s engagement  in respect of RAL in 2023, the Crown
committed to explore a discrete outside-of-settlement reconciliation process with the hapū of
Patutokotoko.  Patutokotoko  are  a  shared  hapū  between the four Whanganui large natural
groupings,  including  Te  Korowai  o  Wainuiārua  and  Ngāti  Rangi.
s9(2)(g)(i)
20.
Out of scope
6
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Document 14
In confidence
Backpocket information
Portfolio: Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti
Out of scope
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
43. In 2023, the Crown, led by officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment,
engaged with iwi with interests in the TNP on the liquidation processes of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
(RAL). Poor or late engagement in relation to RAL harmed relationships between the Crown and
iwi, including Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
44. One outcome of the RAL process was that the Crown and iwi agreed to recommence col ective
negotiations over TNP. Te Arawhiti are now waiting to hear from iwi regarding timeframes,
approach and process and will begin negotiations once iwi with interests in TNP are ready to do
so.
Out of scope
11
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Document 16
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
7 March 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 207
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 14 March 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai

Moana
Pages 2-4, 6-7 out of scope
1
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Document 16
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL)
14. On 5 March the Cabinet 100-day Plan Committee considered the Ruapehu Alpine Lifts: Decisions
to continue support for RAL post-March 2024 Cabinet paper. We have provided you advice and
draft talking points to support the discussion at Cabinet on 11 March.
15. We understand MBIE intends to inform iwi of the forthcoming RAL processes and commit to
engage with them once Cabinet gives a direction on the future of the ski-fields, but this may not
happen before the Cabinet meeting on 11 March. We have highlighted the importance for the
Crown taking a co-ordinated approach to engage with iwi so that they are informed on current
and future government decision-making
s9(2)(g)(i)
Out of scope
Page 40 of 55

Document 17
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
14 March 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 218
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 21 March 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
s9(2)(a) Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai

Moana
Pages 2-4, 6-7 out of scope
1
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Document 18
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
21 March 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 221
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 28 March 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai

Moana
1
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Document 18
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL)
11. On 13 March Cabinet’s decisions regarding Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) were announced. We
understand that the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment contacted al groups with
interests in the national park prior to the public announcement. There has been little commentary
in the media from iwi (except from the chair of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua who has outlined that
there was “no consultation with iwi/Māori”). We are working with MBIE and DOC regarding next
steps for Whakapapa ski-field, including iwi engagement.
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Document 19
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
4 April 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 239
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report
By: 11 April 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai

Moana
Pages 2-3, 6-7 out of scope
1
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Document 19
8. Patutokotoko have consistently raised concerns about the commercial use of the family name
‘Turoa’ in relation to Pure Turoa Limited’s purchase of Turoa ski-field and the associated
concession to operate within Tongariro National Park. We understand the Minister of
Conservation is due to decide on the Turoa ski-field concession by 5 April.
s9(2)(g)(i) 9.
s9(2)(f)(iv)
Out of
scope
5
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Document 20
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
11 April 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 246
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report
By: 18 April 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai

Moana
Pages 2-5, 7-8 out of scope
1
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Document 20
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
16. On 6 April the Minister of Conservation (MOC) announced that a ten-year concession has been
granted to Pure Turoa Limited for the operation of Turoa ski area. We will monitor iwi responses
and provide updates to you on any matters that relate to Tongariro National Park negotiations.
Out of
scope
6
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Document 21
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Weekly Status Report
Date:
2 May 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 265
Action sought
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Note the Weekly Status Report
By: 9 May 2024
Negotiations
(Hon Paul Goldsmith)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Tui Marsh
Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Reconciliation and Takutai

Moana
Pages 2-4, 6-10 out of scope
1
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Document 21
Out of scope
Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
8. Draft letters to representatives of iwi with interests in Tongariro National Park will be provided to
you and the Minister of Conservation for consideration and signature in the week of 6 May. The
letters propose a meeting between joint Ministers and iwi representatives in early May to discuss:
Out of scope
8.1.  commercial processes for the sale of Whakapapa ski area assets
8.2.  future concessions processes for operation of Whakapapa ski area in the national park; and
Out of scope
8.3.
9. Separately, senior officials from the  Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment,
Department of Conservation, and Te Arawhiti wil  meet with iwi representatives who were
involved  in  the  Tūroa  ski  area  concession  process.  The  purpose  of  this  meeting  is  to  discuss
‘lessons learned’, maintain relationships with iwi as we prepare for Tongariro National Park
s9(2)(g)(i)
negotiations,
Out of
scope
5
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Document 22
Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti
Weekly Status Report
Date:
6 – 10 May 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 214
Action sought
Minister for Māori Crown
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 10 May 2024
Relations: Te Arawhiti
(Hon Tama Potaka)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
s9(2)(a) Lil Anderson
Tumu Whakarae
Sheridan Smith
Deputy Chief Executive – Partnerships (Acting)
ü
Pages 2-3, 5-12 out of scope
1
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Document 22
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts – iwi engagement
10. Draft letters to representatives of iwi with interests in Tongariro National Park will be provided to
you  (as Minister of Conservation)  and  the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations for
consideration and signature in the week of 6 May. The letters propose a meeting between joint
Ministers and iwi representatives in early May to discuss:
a. commercial processes for the sale of Whakapapa ski area assets and Chateau Tongariro;
b. future concessions processes for operation of Whakapapa ski area in the national park; and
c. next steps for the Tongariro National Park negotiations.
11. Separately, senior officials from the  Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment,  the
Department of Conservation, and Te Arawhiti wil  meet with iwi representatives who were
involved in the Tūroa ski area concession process. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss ‘lessons
learned’, maintain relationships with iwi as we prepare for Tongariro National Park negotiations,
s9(2)(g)(i)
Out of scope
4
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Document 23
Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti
Weekly Status Report
Date:
20 – 24 May 2024
Priority:
Low
Report No.
2023/2024 – 226
Action sought
Minister for Māori Crown
Note the Weekly Status Report.
By: 24 May 2024
Relations: Te Arawhiti
(Hon Tama Potaka)
Contact for phone discussion (if required)
Name
Position
Mobile
1st Contact
Kel y Dunn
Acting Tumu Whakarae
Sheridan Smith
Deputy Chief Executive – Partnerships (Acting)
✓
Pages 2-4, 6-14 out of scope
1
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Document 23

Out of scope
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts – iwi engagement
25. On 10 May 2024, we joined senior officials from DOC to meet with Ngā Tangata Tiaki (the
Whanganui River post-settlement governance entity) and representatives of Ngāti Hāua, the hapū
of Patutokotoko, Ngāti Rangi and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. The purpose of the hui was to discuss
iwi concerns about the Tūroa ski area concession process in March. DOC officials conceded that,
in June last year, the Crown committed to engage differently with iwi with interests in Tongariro
National Park in relation to the processes around Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, but this had not occurred.
26. Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) officials were invited to the hui but
declined to attend
s9(2)(h)
s9(2)(g)(i)
We will continue to work with DOC and MBIE as the commercial
and concessions processes around Whakapapa ski area move forward.
Out of scope
5
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