Ngāi Tahu Tourism, who owns Shotover Jet, is proposing to close all its tourism businesses, which would result in more than 300 redundancies.
A joint online statement, from Mike Pohio – Chief Executive and Lisa Tumahai said it was a "difficult decision.’’
"Therefore, after robust analysis and discussions and with heavy hearts, we share with you our intention to close our Tourism businesses for the time being.
"This difficult decision has also resulted in a proposal to significantly downsize our Ngai Tahu Tourism workforce, with more than 300 kaimahi at all levels potentially losing their jobs as a result.’’
A final decision would be made in May after a period of consultation.
Shotover Jet Business Manager Jolanda Cave declined to comment when contacted by the Otago Daily Times.
Media spokesperson Jo Gilbert said no-one from the organisation was available for interview and said no comment would be made while consultation continued.
Ngai Tahu also operates Dart River Adventures, based in Glenorchy. Other operations include Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Vantage Helicopters and the Franz Josef Hotpools on the West Coast.
Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker said the news was "heart-breaking".
“As one of our large employers here in Queenstown, to see staff lose their jobs is distressing for all involved.
“My heart goes out to all of the people involved, who like so many in our community are now facing even more uncertain times, with no income, " Mr Walker said
Mr Walker said two out three people in Queenstown worked in the tourism sector and if there was not more Government support given soon, it was going to get "far worse before it gets better".
More large scale redundancies would come.
"It’s why more needs to be done to support our businesses, so we can support our people in staying in work and getting through this tough time.
"I’ve spoken with dozens of businesses whose futures are all uncertain and unless they receive some support they will have to close their doors.
"It is trying times throughout New Zealand but Queenstown is by far the worst affected area.”
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Comments
Tourism is not going to be savable, at least not at levels above what it was in the mid 80s. Due to the actions of the US and UK governments it is going to be years before travellers from those countries can enter NZ without a 2 week quarantine, ditto to China and Europe. Australia may hold its nerve and get clean and therefore be OK, but that is months away yet.
Until a viable and effective vaccine is in mass use globally international travel for pleasure is over. Those tourist business that have not prepared for this, and that can not adapt quickly will have to be left to the mercy of the market. A global pandemic with impacts like this is not something that could not be anticipated, so stop acting surprised.
And 9 out of 10 of those workers are here on work visas. So send them home at the expense of there last employer.
All these tourism operations have been plundering our resources, time for them to pay the piper.
Ngai Tahu to my knowledge is a Charitable Organization, therefore they do not pay any company tax.It is great they employ so many people but they have a distinct advantage over any other company in the same industry.Considering the amount of money they must have made ,l hope they have the decency to look after their staff financially.