A mayor's petition calling on the Government to back the restoration of the Chateau Tongariro will be formally handed to Parliament today.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton will present the petition – signed by 15,469 people – to Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne on the steps of Parliament at midday, before it is lodged with the House.
The derelict Chateau has been closed for two years after it was deemed unsafe due to its earthquake risk.
Before its closure two years ago, the 96-year-old hotel employed between 70 and 100 people. (Source: Q and A)
Kirton said the strong response showed the depth of public feeling for one of New Zealand’s most iconic heritage buildings and its role in the national tourism economy.
"The level of public support shows how much the Chateau means to New Zealanders – as an architectural treasure, a cornerstone of our tourism story, and a vital driver of regional growth."
Before its closure, the Chateau generated about $10 million a year in direct economic benefit, provided dozens of local jobs, and made up a third of all high-end accommodation in the Ruapehu district, Kirton said.
Credible private investors were ready to restore the building and revitalise the wider Whakapapa Village, he said.
"This project will create employment and training pathways, attract higher-spending visitors, strengthen businesses throughout the central North Island, and celebrate our unique cultural heritage," he said.
"It aligns perfectly with Government goals for regional development, high-value tourism, and heritage preservation – and it may not require any taxpayer funding."
Kirton urged ministers to clear the way for the project.
"We now need clear leadership from Government to remove any regulatory or other barriers and provide a pathway for investors to move quickly.
"This is a low-risk, high-reward project that will safeguard an irreplaceable national treasure and deliver lasting benefits for Ruapehu and for all of Aotearoa."
After it closed, the building was transferred to the Department of Conservation, which owns the land the building sits on.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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