Hotel back from brink

ALL HANDS ON DECK: Wellington businessman Ariel Metekingi, centre, and family members Tamihana Brown, left, and Phillip Metekingi take a break from restoring the former THC Tokaanu. PHOTO/DEE WILSON

Moves are under way to restore a former Tokaanu landmark - THC Tokaanu Hotel - to its former glory.

While it's a daunting task, the Wellington businessman who saw beyond the hotel's derelict state is well into the transformation process.

Ariel Metekingi says all going well, he plans to re-open the hotel and around 12 to 15 rooms in time for the winter ski season.

The hotel, 5km from Turangi, was built in the early 1960s as part of a chain of Government-owned tourist hotels in popular destinations. In its heyday the 29-room hotel was known as a first-class stop over with top-quality accommodation, restaurant and bar facilities and a large thermal pool in the centre of the complex.

The hotel went into private ownership in the early 1990s and was leased to successive owners but closed its doors about six years ago, falling victim to vandals and looters.

Mr Metekingi, who owns and operates accommodation outlets in Porirua, says previous efforts have been made to get the hotel running again but the extent of the work proved a major deterrent, with estimates of $1 million to $3 million.

He said in a "moment of madness" he decided to accept the challenge after being approached to take up a management lease and restore the hotel.

"We said yes, and sometimes I don't know why for the life of me because it is a huge project.

"We came in with a realistic view and although it was in a sad condition, when you take it on you can see beyond that."

He said a large family of 11 children - most of whom are in trades - swung the decision, and everyone was pulling together to make it happen with working bees most weekends.

"There's a job for all them and the 20 grandchildren and extended family and we're utilising everyone's expertise.

"It's a family deal and a bit of a labour of love - slave labour - and we just say come and visit and bring a shovel!"

Although most of the hotel's fittings were trashed and copper piping had been stolen, the building is sound.

"THC did a good job and the bones of the hotel are unreal.

"Basically we are gutting the rooms, re-wiring, re-carpeting, re-everything."

The first phase involves renovation of 12 to 15 rooms and the reception area.

The pool is also being re-commissioned.

The biggest issue has been getting power restored due to a historic unpaid power bill from when the hotel was closed. Mr Metekingi hopes to resolve this soon, which will aid the timetable.

He said everyone from local identities to people from around New Zealand seem to have a history with the hotel and have either stayed there or known people who worked there.

"A group of professionals who meet every year and used to stay at the hotel say they'll be coming back when it re-opens." He said the objective was to restore the hotel's "wow" factor for locals and visitors alike.