Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is calling for a firm political commitment to restore the historic Chateau Tongariro Hotel, warning that reports demolition remains an option will concern thousands of people who have backed efforts to save the landmark.
The Category 1 heritage-listed Chateau will mark its centenary in three years. Kirton says the building has become part of New Zealand’s shared history, with more than 16,000 people signing the Save the Chateau Parliamentary Petition in less than three months.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Mayoral Forum has also backed full restoration of the Chateau and revitalisation of Whakapapa Village, calling for central Government commitment to securing its future.
Kirton says a Department of Conservation ministerial briefing estimated reopening the Chateau could deliver around $56 million in regional economic benefits over 60 years, expressed in net present value, alongside employment and other benefits for the region.
He says a proposal process has also identified an investor-developer with the financial capacity and experience to undertake restoration, potentially providing a pathway that preserves the heritage building while avoiding significant Crown expenditure.
The Mayor says restoration should also be progressed alongside iwi aspirations and Treaty partnership, bringing together heritage protection, cultural aspirations and regional economic development.
With the Chateau previously providing around 30 percent of Ruapehu’s commercial visitor beds, Kirton says its continued closure is costing the region visitor spending, jobs and business opportunities.
He is now calling for a clear pathway involving Government, iwi and the prospective investor to restore the Chateau and revitalise Whakapapa Village ahead of the landmark’s 100th anniversary.
#ChateauTongariro #SaveTheChateau #Ruapehu #Whakapapa #Tongariro #HeritageNZ #TourismNZ #RegionalDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #Iwi #TreatyPartnership #ManawatuWhanganui #Aotearoa #WaateaNews #RadioWaatea
