Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has welcomed the Government’s overhaul of the earthquake-prone building system, saying it could be a big win for the famous Chateau Tongariro hotel.
The 96-year-old building was closed in February 2023 because of its earthquake risk, leavinga big hole in the local economy.
It was transferred to the Department of Conservation (DoC), because it sits on conservation land. The department was working on advice to Cabinet about its future.
Under the Government’s proposals, buildings under three storeys and in towns with under 10,000 people would no longer need strengthening, remediation or warning notices – and could be removed from the earthquake-prone register after having the facade secured.
Kirton said the Government’s proposals were practical, realistic and potentially a huge win for both the Chateau and Ruapehu’s small towns.
“These proposed changes introduce a much fairer balance between the costs of strengthening work and the actual risks that earthquake-prone buildings pose.
“They will help make remediation work more affordable, economic and achievable, which is exactly what our communities need.”
Kirton said Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk had indicated that a targeted retrofit approach on projects like the Chateau could reduce strengthening costs by around 20% on average.
“It will significantly lower the financial risks for potential investors.”
The Chateau closed at the beginning of 2023. Photo / Jimmy Ellingham, RNZ
Kirton said the Chateau was a treasured part of the area’s heritage, and had been a vital contributor to its economy.
“We need rules that support its restoration and future, rather than stand in the way.”
He said talks were being held with a New Zealand-based investor and hoped the change in earthquake strengthening rules would help get the project over the line.
However, the earthquake strengthening rules weren’t the only challenge potential investors in the chateau faced.
Kirton said the hotel sat on conservation land, and another barrier was how long a lease arrangement could take place for under the DoC estate.
He said that to get the Chateau back to its former glory significant investment was needed, and that required long-term investment.
He said talks with local iwi hapū and the Department of Conservation to see “whether or not there’s a way forward for an investor to actually invest that amount of money”.
