New images have been released which show the major damage done to a chairlift on Mount Ruapehu's Turoa Skifield after a controlled avalanche went wrong on Monday morning.
One image shows the base of the chairlift pole bent at a near right angle due to the force of the avalanche.
A statement released by Accento today says: "Work is now underway fabricating a new tower to replace the damaged one."
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts said earlier that routine control measures involve intentionally triggering avalanches when the snow builds up too much in unstable areas.
The damaged chairlift tower needs replacing and will be inoperable for at least one week.
However, there is the possibility a new haul rope will be needed to be imported from Europe, that would take months.
No-one was in the area or injured at the time of the avalanche.
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