Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is calling for political commitment to restoring the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, saying reports that demolition remains an option will upset the thousands of people who have supported saving the Category 1 heritage-listed landmark.
“The prospect that one of New Zealand’s few defining architectural landmarks may still be pulled down, despite a path to restoration at no cost to taxpayers and with significant public and economic benefits, will deeply trouble many people.
In three years, the Chateau will mark its centenary. It has remained on the national agenda because so many people feel a personal connection to it; it is part of our shared story.”
Mayor Kirton said the Save the Chateau Parliamentary Petition attracted more than 16,000 signatures from across New Zealand and overseas in less than three months.
“Since the petition closed, I have continued to receive calls from people asking how they can help secure its future,” he said.
That support reflects the Chateau’s importance as a national heritage asset and its potential to create jobs, attract visitors and support the regional economy.”
The Manawatū-Whanganui Mayoral Forum has also written to the Prime Minister supporting full restoration of the Chateau and revitalisation of Whakapapa Village describing it as “the preferred and nationally beneficial outcome that warrants full commitment from central Government”.
Mayor Kirton said the Department of Conservation’s (DoC) own ministerial briefing reinforced the economic and heritage arguments, estimating that reopening the Chateau could generate $56 million in regional economic benefits over 60 years, expressed in net present value, alongside other regional benefits and job creation.
“DoC has undertaken a proposal process that identified a credible investor-developer with the financial capacity and experience to undertake the restoration. Since then, people have understandably been expecting an announcement confirming a new lease holder and a path to restoration,” he said.
“The briefing describes a new lease as offering the greatest economic impact while preserving the heritage asset, restoring village activity and potentially avoiding substantial Crown expenditure.
This is a strong case for action and aligns directly with Government’s goals of supporting regional development, jobs and growth.”
Mayor Kirton noted that restoration and iwi aspirations need not be mutually exclusive.
“There is an opportunity to work with iwi on a future that brings together heritage protection, Treaty partnership, cultural aspirations and economic development. A restored Chateau and revitalised village could demonstrate what that partnership can achieve for future generations.”
He said successive Governments had invested millions of dollars in ski fields, year-round attractions, visitor infrastructure and environmental restoration across Ruapehu and the wider region, including significant projects led by iwi and hapū.
“Restoring the Chateau and revitalising Whakapapa Village would help unlock the full value of those investments. The Chateau provided around 30 % of Ruapehu’s commercial visitor beds and its continued closure means the region is missing out on visitor spending, employment and business opportunities.
A thriving Chateau and village would encourage people to stay longer, explore more and support local businesses throughout the year, strengthening the return on public investment.
With its centenary approaching I am calling for a clear commitment to restoration and a pathway forward with the investor and iwi that gives this nationally significant building a future.”
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