PHOTO: Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is calling on the public to support a parliamentary petition for urgent government action to save the Chateau Tongariro Hotel. (Source: Ruapehu District Council)
Mayor Weston Kirton Calls for Public Support to Save Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton is calling on the public to support a parliamentary petition for urgent Government action to save the “iconic and cherished” Chateau Tongariro Hotel.
END OF AN ERA: Mount Ruapehu Chateau Tongariro Hotel permanently closes
Closure Due to Safety Concerns
The 95-year-old building, located in the Tongariro National Park, closed its doors in February 2023 after a seismic assessment found that some of the hotel’s infrastructure no longer met safety standards.
Urgent Government Action Needed
Kirton’s petition seeks to urge the Government to “act quickly to save” the Chateau Tongariro Hotel and restore it to “its former glory.”
Cultural and Economic Importance
He emphasized that restoring the heritage building would allow it to serve as a “vital centrepiece of cultural heritage, economic prosperity, and tourism excellence in the Ruapehu District and throughout New Zealand.”
“The Chateau is more than a historic landmark in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park; it embodies cultural significance and economic vitality crucial to the Ruapehu District and New Zealand.”
Economic Impact of the Closure
Before its closure, the Chateau was a major economic driver, employing over 70 staff, attracting high-spending tourists, and contributing around $10 million annually to the local economy. Kirton noted that the closure “severely” impacted the district’s tourism and post-Covid recovery.
“With international visitor spending in Ruapehu still at only 57% of pre-pandemic levels, compared to the national average of 81%, revitalizing the Chateau is essential for unlocking regional tourism potential and restoring economic vibrancy.”
Deep Historical and Cultural Significance
The significance of the Chateau extends beyond the economy to its “deep” historical and cultural importance. Kirton stated, “Saving the Chateau Tongariro Hotel is not just about preserving its storied past; it’s about ensuring a vibrant future where it continues to shine as a beacon of cultural heritage, tourism excellence, and community pride.”
SOURCE: 1NEWS