The Tourism Minister has hopes of a long-term future for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

The Government has expanded its loan to the company by another $6 million, to give it more time to explore options, and open the ski fields next winter.

The company went into voluntary administration in October, with Covid exacerbating long-standing issues including bad snow years.

Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking people are keen to see the business continue to run.

He says after speaking to a number of key stakeholders yesterday, there's a willingness among them to make it work.

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