Nearly 400 jobs could be axed in the proposed move announced yesterday by Ngai Tahu Holdings chief executive Mike Pohio and Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere (chairwoman) Lisa Tumahai.
Ngai Tahu Tourism owns a raft of other businesses in the region including Dart River Adventures, based in Glenorchy, and Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Vantage Helicopters and the Franz Josef Hot Pools on the West Coast.
A consultation would be reviewed in May but until then all tourism businesses were suspended.
Shotover Jet business manager Jolanda Cave declined to comment when contacted by the Otago Daily Times.
Ngai Tahu media spokeswoman Jo Gilbert said no-one was available for an interview and no comment would be made while consultation continued.
The joint statement, released on Ngai Tahu’s website, said the decision was reached after "robust analysis and discussions".
"With heavy hearts, we share with you our intention to close our tourism businesses for the time being," it said.
"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."
The Otago Daily Times understands the decision affects 384 staff.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said no tourism operators were immune to the economic impact of Covid-19 — from key players like Ngai Tahu, to those operated by "mum and dad".
"Tough decisions are being made, and none are being taken lightly.
"In the end, companies ... have to assess their own situations and make the best decisions possible for their own future and sadly in this case, that means job losses."
He pointed to the wage subsidy scheme and new tax measures helping businesses.
The Ministry of Social Development’s website shows both local arms of the business claimed subsidy.
As of Wednesday, Shotover Jet Ltd had received $295,243.20 for 42 staff members and Dart River Safaris $316,332.00 for 45 staff members.
It also showed 14 trustees of the Ngai Tahu Tourism Trust were paid $98,414.40 during the same period.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult described it as a personal blow.
He owned Shotover Jet from 1986 until 2001, before selling it to its current owner.
Mr Boult was briefed on the situation earlier this week, and while disappointed, understood why it had happened.
"They are like any other tourism business in town at the present time that has zero revenue and need to react to their particular circumstances.
"So, while it is immensely disappointing, it is understandable," Mr Boult said.
"I spent 16 years of blood, sweat and tears building the business and in this particular instance I do feel it personally as well."
The Greymouth Star reported the Ngai Tahu Tourism chief executive could be one of those to lose his job, and just 25 people would be retained to maintain all businesses.
Another major Queenstown tourism operator was also reviewing its staffing, but no permanent staff had been made redundant yet, RNZ reported.
Real Journeys said it was planning for redundancies, but would not action them until after the wage subsidy scheme ended.
