Ski slope immune to economic chill

Snowplanet is bucking the trend of job losses and redundancies by employing 35 new full- and part-time staff.

The snowdome in Silverdale has benefited from growing numbers of customers using the -5C indoor ski slope, and aimed to increase its staff to meet demand and improve service.

Spokeswoman Heather Reid said Snowplanet management was positive it would continue to grow.

"We're confident in Snowplanet's ability to ride through the recession.

"In the four years we have been in operation, Snowplanet has gone from being a concept to a top leisure activity currently attracting more than 150,000 people every year. We've become renowned for our unique destination and we want to be sure that our service ethic stays on par with this."

Snowplanet was overwhelmed with applications for the available positions. More than 1000 applicants were whittled down to a shortlist this week.

Ms Reid said Snowplanet aimed to employ local people to support the Rodney district and North Shore communities.

The ski slope was the only facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with the steepest indoor ski slope in the world.