Skifields in the Queenstown lakes have had to navigate a lack of snow, a closed border and the bursting of the transtasman bubble although recent snowfall meant their fortunes were looking up, until Tuesday night.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said it was a case of Murphy’s Law for the company’s two Queenstown skifields, both of which have received a large amount of snow in the past few days.
‘‘We’ve got the best conditions of the season, and we get a snap lockdown,’’Mr Anderson said.
‘‘But we understand the reasons for it, and want to do all we can to support the country in getting through this.’’
He said the welfare of staff was the company’s biggest concern, particularly if the lockdown was prolonged.
Contracted workers have a minimum number of hours they are paid for, and anyone rostered to work during the lockdown is getting some form of support.
The company was waiting for more detail on the wage subsidy and other forms of business support from the government, so it could provide staff with more certainty, he said.
Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley said it was a disappointing situation to be in.
‘‘We’re really gutted to be here in lockdown again. We’ve just had a lot of new snow.’’
We know we have to play our part — it’s part of this Covid world we now live in.’’
She said management was in constant communication with staff during an uncertain time for everyone involved.
The skifield has employed mainly locals and other Kiwis from further afield but also had a large number of international staff.
Ms Hedley would be keeping an eye on government updates and responding as required.
‘‘We’ll be looking at those updates —just take it as it comes and work it out.
‘‘We’ll be looking forward to welcoming everybody back when we are out of Level 4 and 3 and it’s safe to do so.’’
Snow Farm NZ general manager Sam Lee was unavailable for comment.
- By Guy Williams and Shannon Thomson
