The Ruapehu District could be in for an economic boom with new skifield ownership. 

The Department of Conservation's approved a 10 year concession for Whakapapa Holdings to operate the Whakapapa side of Mount Ruapehu. 

An agreement for the Turoa side was struck last year, following a lengthy bidding war, with numerous Government bailouts. 

Mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking it’s a critical milestone in securing the future of skiing in Mount Ruapehu. 

He says it gives confidence to the wider tourism sector, and provides a huge amount of income to the community and region – to the tune of around $100 million. 

LISTEN ABOVE