Andrew
fyi-request-31099-
[email address]
06 June 2025
Tēnā koe Andrew
Thank you for your request to the Department of Conservation (DOC), received on 26 May
2025, regarding Pure Tūroa Limited (PTL) for the following:
1. “A copy of any concession variation, amendment, or approval granted by the
Department of Conservation that enables Pure Tūroa to undertake snowmaking
activities or operate snowmaking machinery prior to 1 June 2025.
2. Copies of any correspondence, approvals, discussions, or records of meetings between
the Department of Conservation and Pure Tūroa regarding snowmaking or snow play
operations for 2025.
According to the current concession terms, snowmaking is authorised only from 1 June
onwards.
However, public communications from Pure Tūroa have indicated plans to open for snow
play on 31 May. This raises questions about whether the Department has authorised any
variation or early start, and we are requesting any documents that confirm such
authorisation or discussion.”
We have considered your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the OIA).
Our Response
Your questions and our responses are listed below:
1. A copy of any concession variation, amendment, or approval granted by the Department of
Conservation that enables Pure Tūroa to undertake snowmaking activities or operate
snowmaking machinery prior to 1 June 2025.
In accordance with the concession granted to PTL for the operation of the Tūroa ski-field, PTL
has been approved to undertake snowmaking activities - including operating snowmaking
machinery - between 1 June and 30 November.
DOC has not received a concession variation or amendment from PTL for snowmaking activities
to be undertaken earlier than 1 June 2025. Subsequently, no approval has been granted by
DOC for snowmaking activities to occur prior to 1 June 2025. Your request is therefore refused
under 18(e) – the information does not exist.
2. Copies of any correspondence, approvals, discussions, or records of meetings between the
Department of Conservation and Pure Tūroa regarding snowmaking or snow play
operations for 2025.
According to the current concession terms, snowmaking is authorised only from 1 June
onwards.
As noted in response to Question 1, PTL is approved to undertake snowmaking activities during
the winter season, from 1 June to 30 November. There are no specific concession terms
regarding snow play operations and when this can take place.
As of 26 May 2025, there has been no correspondence, discussion, or meetings between DOC
and PTL regarding PTL undertaking snowmaking activities before 1 June 2025. Your request is
therefore refused under 18(e) – the information does not exist.
You are entitled to seek an investigation and review of my decision by writing to an
Ombudsman as provided by section 28(3) of the OIA.
Please note that this letter (with your personal details removed) may be published on DOC’s
website.
Nāku noa, nā
Stacey Wrenn
Chief Advisor Regulatory Modernisation
Department of Conservation
Te Papa Atawhai
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