26 September 2025
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0019326-Eric Ferguson
Eric Ferguson
Email: [FYI request #31974 email]
Tēnā koe Eric Ferguson
Thank you for your email of 11 August 2025 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
I request the following information:
1. Conflict of interest and related-party declarations from 1 January 2022 to now
• Copies of any conflict-of-interest registers, related-party declarations, or 
relationship disclosures made by MBIE staff (including but not limited to Robert 
Pigou and Josh Hercus) that relate to:
i. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL)
ii. Whakapapa Holdings
iii. Pure Tūroa Holdings and any of its subsidiaries or related entities
iv. The operation or management of the Whakapapa or Tūroa ski areas on 
Mount Ruapehu
v. Copies of any documentation recording recusals, stand-downs, or 
reallocation of work for these officials due to conflicts of interest relating 
to RAL, PTL, Whakapapa, or Tūroa operations.
2. Hospitality or gifts
• Copies of any entries in MBIE’s gift/hospitality registers that record hospitality, 
gifts, or other benefits provided by RAL, PTL, Whakapapa Ski Area, Tūroa Ski Area, 
or any associated entities/individuals to MBIE staff, from 1 January 2022 to 
now.  If available, please include:
i. The date the hospitality/gift was received
ii. A description of the hospitality/gift
iii. The MBIE recipient
iv. The declared value
Question One:
In accordance with MBIE’s Code of Conduct, all MBIE staff must disclose any actual, perceived, or 
potential conflict of interest. All declarations of interest are managed in line with our Declarations of 
Interest Policy and Procedures. These documents are attached for your reference.
Two individuals made declarations of interest relating to the areas identified in your request. As required 
under MBIE Policy, a management plan was put in place for these declarations, and the individuals were 
excluded from work and/or decision-making related to the declarations. I am withholding any further 

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information about these declarations under section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to protect the privacy of natural 
persons, and section 9(2)(ba)(i) of the Act, to protect information which is subject to an obligation of 
confidence. I do not consider that the withholding of this information is outweighed by public interest 
considerations in making the information available. However, I can confirm that neither individual works 
within Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit within MBIE. 
Question Two:
In accordance with MBIE’s Gifts, Hospitality and Entertainment policy, all accepted gifts, hospitality or 
entertainment from third parties with a value of $50 or more must be declared in MBIE’s online event 
reporting tool, Camms. Where offers of gifts, hospitality or entertainment from third parties with a value 
of $50 or more are declined, staff are also strongly encouraged to declare these in Camms. I attach the 
relevant policy and procedures for your reference.
Please find below information contained within MBIE’s gift register in scope of your request:
Date Reported: 
31-May-22
Gift Description: 
Gift voucher from Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) for a Family All Mountain Lift Pass (2 adults plus 2 
Youths) I will raffle this amongst the KRDU staff and donate the proceeds of the raffle to a charity.
Circumstances: 
Attendance at Annual shareholders and stakeholders’ annual dinner in Ohakune on Friday May 27th. All 
attendees received a complementary voucher. 
Declaration Owner: Robert Pigou
Outcome: Accepted
Closure Note: 
Noted, that raffled and funds raised given to charity
The estimated value of the gift was $299.00.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance, 
please contact [email address].
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information 
about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 
602.
Nāku noa, nā
Adam Wood
Acting Chief Legal Officer
Legal, Ethics and Privacy

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