Who are we looking for?
We are looking for reliable, guest focused, positive and enthusiastic employees who understand what it means to trust one another and create a sense of belonging and connection. Some would say that working at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu is not for the faint hearted, having some of the most gnarly terrain in Aotearoa, New Zealand – looking out for your whānau is key.
As a large tourism operator, we offer approximately 60 different job descriptions within the organization, ranging from permanent full-time to seasonal positions. Despite the varied skills and personalities these jobs require, all our employees share certain attributes, including:
- A willingness to collaborate with others and provide a unique, generous, and caring welcome to all manuhiri (visitors).
- A readiness to work as part of a team and share your passion for the place with others.
- A professional attitude towards work, striving for excellence in all that you do.
- A commitment to the Tiaki Promise (Care for New Zealand) and the Te Ao Māori (Māori world view).
- A personal responsibility for your actions and supporting others.
Whether you are still in school, a tertiary student, or someone looking for a career change, we welcome applications from anyone who is motivated and enjoys a challenge.
What’s in it for you?
Apart from having loads of fun and making friends for life, working at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, enables you to receive some discounted and free stuff while employed here!
- A complimentary season pass for skiing and/or snowboarding, and access to day pass discounts for friends and family.
- Free beginner and intermediate group lessons. Don’t have equipment? You’ll receive discounts on that too.
- Exclusive food and beverage, and retail discounts for use in Whakapapa’s cafes and store.
- Guaranteed base hours for all full-time and part-time staff.
- Priority access and discounts to our on-mountain medical centre services.
Aside from the discounts and perks of being one of the whānau, your wellbeing while you are with us is a priority. We have a range of wellbeing resources including an employee care program, an in-house social worker, team activities, and learning opportunities that contribute to the experience of working at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, and making it a positive experience.
We also have reciprocal arrangements with other businesses external to Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, that provide discounts to our team.
Can I make more than one application?
Yes, but we prefer that you initially apply for the one role that you are most interested in and/or that best suits your skill set. Our team works closely together, which means that if you’re unsuccessful for your preference or have skills that could be useful elsewhere, we automatically look at other opportunities for you.
Can I change my preferences once I have made my application?
Yes, but as there are many applications floating around at our peak employment times, this may cause some delays. Applications are sorted to the relevant hiring managers once you have applied. If you change your preferred role preference, the system will not recognize this, and you will be allocated to the area that you originally applied for. This could work against you, slow down the review process, and cause confusion for the hiring managers. So be careful when choosing the department and position. If in doubt, email us at hr@mtruapehu.com.
Why can’t I see the job I wish to apply for?
We don’t always have vacancies in every department. With a high percentage of returning staff each year, some teams might return in full, and we have no need to advertise.
How are interviews conducted?
All applicants are interviewed as part of our recruitment process. Generally, these are face-to-face, as we really want to meet you in person. However, each hiring manager may also offer interviews online. Delivering inspiring and unique experiences for our guests (manuhiri) is what we’re all about, so meeting you in person gives you the best chance to highlight how you can play a part in achieving this. If you are currently in NZ, you may be asked to attend one of our face-to-face interview weekends in late April.
NB: Some roles do not offer online interviews, and face-to-face interviews are compulsory.
When will I find out if I’m successful?
All successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible after their interview by phone or email (note interviews will be happening from March through to early May). Final offers of employment and employment agreements to sign and return will be emailed. Most positions will have a start date between mid-June and early July.
Due to the various start dates for roles, you may not hear from us right away. This is sometimes because we’re taking a look at your second choice or trying to find the best spot for you. We endeavour to get in touch with everyone as soon as possible, but this can take time. Thanks in advance for your patience.
What if I’m overseas?
We welcome applications from overseas; however, applicants should secure the right to work in New Zealand and will need to have a valid work visa. In most cases, this may be a working holiday visa. A declaration must be signed stating applicants are eligible to work in New Zealand for the duration of their contract. However, if your visa expires before the end of the season, please apply, ensuring that the expiry date is noted in your application.
If you do not have a valid working visa for New Zealand, we may not be able to support these unless it is one of our highly skilled roles such as Snowsports Instructor, Safety Services (Patrol), or Groomer Drivers. At present, we are working on the option of supporting these for the 2024 season. We will endeavor to notify successful applicants based overseas by the end of April. This will allow enough time for us to send you an Employment Agreement and for you to organize your work visa before a start date in mid-June to early July. You must apply for your work visa prior to your arrival in New Zealand and receive your work visa before starting work.
Note: Australian citizens are legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visas
Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service website for further information on visas for New Zealand.
Haven’t worked at Mt Ruapehu?
If you have not previously worked for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited, your employment is subject to an initial 90-day trial period commencing on the first day you start work. All employees will be treated fairly and in good faith.
Is drug & alcohol testing required?
Our team’s safety and well-being are important to us at Mt Ruapehu. Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for some roles, and all employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.
If you have concerns about our policy and process, please don’t hesitate to ask for a copy of our Drug & Alcohol Policy – we prefer applicants to be fully informed before they apply.
Are there other checks like Police Vetting required?
There are some positions within the team that are likely to involve working with children (e.g., Ski and Ride School and Medical Centre). For these positions, we require individuals to undergo ‘Police Vetting’. You will be sent a declaration form as part of the recruitment process if this applies to you.
For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at hr@mtruapehu.com.
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
We do not require staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19; however, we do encourage staff to maintain up-to-date vaccinations. Our teams come in contact with our guests, and there are many, throughout the day, and vaccinations are just one way to protect the safety and well-being of everyone.
Will I need a New Zealand Bank Account?
Yes, you do. We also suggest that all employees try to arrange their New Zealand bank accounts before coming to work at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, and as soon as you arrive in New Zealand. The major cities are normally the best place to get them, but we also have a few locally based facilities. Kiwibank is the only bank located in Ohakune.
Please note you will need a bank account prior to applying for your IRD number. If you have previously worked or lived overseas, you will need to provide the bank with details of your tax number and/or identification numbers for the relevant countries.
What is an IRD Number and where can I get one from?
Your Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number is your tax file number. You’ll need this number in order to get paid. So, it’s pretty important! You can apply for your IRD number online once you have your bank account details. Please visit www.ird.govt.nz for further details.
Where is Whakapapa Ski Area?
Mt Ruapehu is situated within the dual-world heritage Tongariro National Park in the center of New Zealand’s North Island. Whakapapa Ski Area is located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand.
Located in the Central Plateau, Mt Ruapehu is an easy drive from the nation’s main centres of Auckland and Wellington, and tourist hotspots such as Taupō, Rotorua, and Tauranga.
How do I get to National Park or Ohakune?
If you don’t have access to a car, bus and train services stop in Ohakune and National Park, traveling from both Auckland and Wellington. Refer to www.intercity.co.nz (bus) and www.kiwirail.co.nz (train) for timetable information. Train services can be limited depending on the time of year.
What uniform will I get?
All staff are supplied with a uniform to suit the requirements of their particular job. Because we work in an alpine environment, we suggest all staff bring a pair of appropriate shoes for being outside and in the elements. This includes indoor staff who may be asked to help outdoors and will need to walk around the ski areas. Staff will need to supply their own under layers, such as thermal underwear and socks. We have Icebreaker items available at a discounted price. Ski and Snowboard Instructors, Ski Patrollers, and Trail Safety Crew/Terrain Park Crew must also supply their own ski/board equipment. Allowances are paid in addition to wages to contribute towards the extra cost of these items. Uniforms are supplied for the duration of employment only and must be returned when employment ceases.
What happens if I have an accident? Accident Cover (ACC)
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) currently administers New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme, which provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors to New Zealand. In return, people do not have the right to sue for personal injury, other than for exemplary damages.
We do recommend, however, that you take out personal property insurance from your country of residence. For more information, go to the ACC Website.
What hours of work can I expect?
Most positions start at the end of June and/or beginning of July with an initial finish date of mid-October. These dates are very much dependent on snow levels, however, and there are instances where employment will continue into late October/early November or finish earlier than planned.
Hours of work can vary depending on snow levels, weather, department, and business demand. Sometimes this means you might get short notice of the requirement to work or when we are closed, but we try our best to let you know as soon as possible. School Holidays and weekends are our busiest periods, so be prepared to work hard when the hours are available and take time to enjoy the maunga when we’re a little quieter.
We pay fortnightly, so we suggest that you bring enough money with you to get through the first month.
Is there staff training & development?
In order for all staff to perform their roles to the fullest potential and meet the needs and expectations of the company and guests, every employee will participate in an induction and a training program at the start of their employment. The program includes in-depth training on company policies, guest service, mountain awareness, health and safety, and specific skills required for each role.
How will I get to work?
For staff working at Whakapapa, free transport is provided for all staff on duty. It runs from National Park, through Whakapapa Village to the base of the Whakapapa ski area.
You are allowed to ride the off-peak buses on your days off if there is room. A charge may be applied on days off during peak periods.
How will I find out what’s happening and other information about my employment?
Once you’ve been offered a role with us and accepted, you will be able to access our Staff Hub Pipelines. Pipelines contains a range of information about working with us as well as local information that includes accommodation, transport, and much more. We also send out a staff E-News once a fortnight during the season to provide updates with what’s happening. Staff policies can also be found on Pipelines and should be read prior to starting employment.
Where will I live? – Accommodation
Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu has limited Staff accommodation located in the Whakapapa Village for Whakapapa staff. Details on how to access potential accommodation on offer around Ohakune, Rangataua, National Park, Raurimu, or Whakapapa Village will be provided to successful applicants via our staff-only website. We try to connect as many of our team with available accommodation in the region and these will be on Pipelines (staff website).
To have a look at the different accommodation options available, check out these links:
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited Update
Whakapapa and Tūroa Ski Areas on Mt Ruapehu are operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (in Receivership and in Liquidation).
On October 27, 2023, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited was put into receivership with Brendon Gibson and Neale Jackson appointed as Receivers. The receivers are trading the Company in receivership and are working on transferring the ownership of the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas to new operators subject to, among other things, new concessions being granted by the Department of Conservation.
On 18 December, DOC announced the public notification of Pure Tūroa Limited’s concession application to operate the Tūroa ski area.