Chateau conversation continues as public storm builds
More than $40,000 a week is being spent on keeping Chateau Tongariro in its unoccupied state. Photo: Jimmy Ellingham
Ruapehu's mayor has delivered a plea to politicians to save the famous Chateau Tongariro.
Weston Kirton handed over a petition on Tuesday, signed by more than 15,000 people and urging the government to reopen Chateau Tongariro as soon as possible.
The 96-year-old building was closed in February 2023 due to its earthquake risk, leaving a big hole in the local economy.
It was transferred to the Department of Conservation, because it sits on conservation land. The department was working on advice to Cabinet about its future.
"It's in disrepair and being maintained to some degree," Kirton said.
"It's quite damp inside, so they have to have the heating from time to time to go and dry out things. It's really needing some care and attention, and hopefully over time we'll be able to see that through some government initiative."
The department spends $2.1 million a year on its basic maintenance and security.
But, since Malaysian-owned operator Kah pulled out, after running the hotel for three decades, the once grand heritage building and its surrounds are looking unkempt.
"I think it's unfortunate that it's been left for so long without any roadmap about how we're going to see it become a new type of facility in the future," Kirton said.
"We don't know what that looks like, but we know that the government have a part to play to make sure that new investment comes into the chateau, and it's here forever."
He knew of developers interested in taking on the chateau and invest large sums for quake-strengthening work, but given the work needed a long lease was required.
Its development was part of wider plans for the area, including hot pools and a visitor centre, but the government needed to get the ball rolling, he says.
However, all options for its future remain on the table, including demolition.
"That's nonsense. If we're looking at pulling down heritage buildings in this country, then we're doomed.
"I think we've got an obligation on behalf of the community to see that this sort of facility is protected. It has a long history and for good reason we need to have these sorts of assets in the community."
It pumped about $10 million a year into the local economy and was a place of employment and training for locals, Kirton says.
Local support for chateau
With many of the surrounding buildings under the same licence as the chateau, Whakapapa village was a dead zone right now - except for Ma and Mel's Coffee Stand, which opened just over two years ago.
"I am the only place open, and my view is the chateau, and Mt Ruapehu-Whakapapa ski field next to that," Melanie Albert, the owner of the stand said.
She can't wait to see the chateau reopen.
"I think it's exciting if anything was available here. Summer is so busy for all our internationals [visitors].
"Everyone asks questions daily about the chateau. They ask if it's haunted... There's some dolls up there that keep moving."
All RNZ saw through the windows was stacked furniture, but Albert's point about its value was echoed by Whakapapa Holdings chief executive Dave Mazey.
The company runs the Whakapapa ski slopes on Mt Ruapehu.
"The chateau back in operation would have an amazingly positive effect on our 12-month operation at Whakapapa ski area.
"It's the only hotel of that quality, with that number of rooms, within a half-hour drive."
It had more than 100 rooms.
Mazey said Whakapapa Holdings was interested in running the chateau.
"We have lodged an expression of interest with the Department of Conservation, probably a year ago now when they were going through that process.
"We are waiting for them to just take it to a next stage. A key one for us is to get access to the building with consultants, engineers and project managers."
Kirton had looked inside - about a year ago, when walking through with an interested developer.
"What we did see, much to our surprise, was that it was basically in good condition. Yes, they need to keep it dry, for obvious reasons.
"It's basically as though someone left yesterday, and someone could actually come in here and get it up and running."
Department of Conservation deputy director-general for organisation support, Mike Tully, said the expression-of-interest process was completed in March.
It informed the advice being developed for the Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka and cabinet about the chateau's future.
There were five parties interested in running it, but the department couldn't say who they were.
"We have not yet consulted with iwi on any options, and consultation will need to occur before any option is progressed."
Potaka said he was waiting on that advice before a decision was made.