THE Stratford Mountain House was taken over by new owners Ngati Ruanui Holdings Company on Friday last week.
Directors Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Mark Solomon and Taari Nicholas of Ngati Ruanui Holdings Company, an investment subsidiary of Te Runanga o NgatiRuanui, are pleased to have negotiated the purchase of the iconic alpine establishment.
Chairperson
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says buying the Mountain House provides Ngati Ruanui the opportunity to participate in the tourism and hospitality industry in Taranaki.
As part of its proposal to purchase the Mountain House, Ngati Ruanui plan to modernise parts of the facility. Once refurbished the complex will offer synergies to existing businesses.
"Servicing the local market will be a high priority," said Ms Ngarewa-Packer. "Economically the venture will contribute to the local community through employment and the purchase of local goods," she said.
Iwi have always had an intrinsic investment in Maunga Taranaki, both spiritually and culturally, says Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Chairperson, Ngapari Nui.
"To be fortunate enough to once again have a presence on the mountain and to operate the Mountain House as a viable business would mean a lot to the people of Ngati Ruanui, and the wider Taranaki region," said Mr Nui.
Ngati Ruanui plan to work closely with the Department of Conservation to highlight the mountains beauty and walking tracks, along with other tourist sites in the Taranaki region.
The mountain house was sold by Karl Reipen, who caused an upset earlier this year when he offered to give it away but later asked a substantial price for the building. There were 330 submissions to take over the building and Ngati Ruanui were chosen to purchase the business.
