Ruapehu District Council Mayor, Weston Kirton, has welcomed the Government’s response to his written submission in support of Council’s petition to save the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, but says he would like to see a greater commitment to securing the future of the iconic building.
“I’m pleased the Government has confirmed a transparent, time-bound process to engage with iwi and investors about restoring and operating the Chateau as a hotel again,” Mayor Kirton said.
“That commitment matters, and it reflects what the community, iwi, and the tourism sector have been calling for.”
However, Mayor Kirton said it was concerning that demolition or decommissioning remain options, despite strong and credible interest from proven investor-developers.
“This is a $100 million-plus restoration project with enormous economic upside — new jobs, training and specialist skills, regional growth, iwi partnership, and the protection of one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage buildings. With that level of opportunity, demolition should not be treated as a fallback position.”
The Mayor also questioned the Government’s statement that it was not proposing changes to policy or lease settings under current conservation legislation.
“That position feels premature given the current review of the National Parks Act 1980 and the Conservation Act 1987 as part of a broader reform of how public conservation land is governed, managed and used,” he said.
“Government has publicly signalled that conservation law reform is about enabling more appropriate economic activity on public conservation land — including making it easier to obtain concessions for tourism and infrastructure, reducing unnecessary red tape, and supporting jobs and growth in the regions.
“The Chateau is exactly the type of project the Government says it wants: heritage protection, iwi partnership, regional economic development, and tourism growth — all in one. In that context, changes to policy and lease setting should not be ruled out before the process has even been completed.”
Mayor Kirton said if Government is determined to work within existing legislation, it should be prepared to be a long-term financial partner in the project.
“The Crown is already carrying significant holding costs. Co-investment — as Government has done with other major heritage restorations — would demonstrate real commitment and help unlock private investment.”
He said the message from Ruapehu, the tourism sector, and the thousands of petition signatories was clear: “This is a project of national significance with regional benefits that extend far beyond Ruapehu”.
“Restoration of the Chateau would be a major win demonstrating leadership in heritage protection, effective partnership with iwi, while unlocking regional economic growth and employment.”
