The future of Mount Ruapehu's skifields remain up in the air.

The Tuwharetoa iwi group has abandoned its bid to take over the liquidated Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton says there are reports the iwi now plans to take legal action, if the sale isn't stopped.

He says it's a sad situation.

"They thought they were going to be bidding- then they come in out of left field and say that they're not going to support a new bidder to actually go ahead with this negotiation." 

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