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.
The 95-year-old building located in the Tongariro National Park closed its doors in February 2023 after seismic assessment found some of the hotel infrastructure no longer met safety standards.
Kirton’s petition seeks to urge to Government to “act quickly to save” the Chateau Tongariro Hotel and restore to “its former glory”.
He said doing so would allow the heritage building 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.
“Before its closure, it was a major economic driver, employing over 70 staff, attracting high-spending tourists, and contributing around $10 million annually to the local economy.”
Kirton said 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%, revitalising the Chateau is essential for unlocking regional tourism potential and restoring economic vibrancy.”
The significance of the Chateau extended beyond the economy to “deep” historical and cultural significance, he said.
“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.”
