PHOTO: PAUL CHARMAN
Following 93 years as a high-class alpine tourist destination, the Singapore-based owners of the Chateau Tongariro, KAH New Zealand, shut the hotel without fanfare on Sunday.
The Owhango-National Park Community Board chairperson, Anthony Gurr, said he had been looking forward to taking a last look around the building but a friend called him on Sunday morning to say the doors had already been locked, without any sign of a ceremony taking place.
“While it would have been nice to spend another afternoon in there, this was not to be.
“I know many other locals who spent time around the building but were unable to go inside; a great shame as they had brought friends and family to the Chateau for a unique experience,” Anthony said.
“I would like to think that there is still hope for the Chateau to get a new lease on life with a different investor. It is a heritage site and has some stunning artworks inside, including the large pink and white terraces painting, which will need to be maintained.
“DOC will now have the large task of sorting out the building and seeing if there is an alternative investor or company interested in the site.
“Could this be the start of a new lease on life with a refit, earthquake strengthening and eventual re-opening? Only time will tell.
“My hope is that the staff at the Chateau can, if they wish to stay in the area, find alternative employment opportunities under any of the excellent Ruapehu businesses in the area.
“Having lived in Whakapapa Village, the feeling of whānau within the village itself was always strong and I hope that the staff can regain that in National Park, Ohakune, or Taumarunui,” Anthony added.
The chateau’s last day also passed without comment from its new owners, the Ministry of Conservation.
Labour’s recently appointed Minister of Conservation, Willow-Jean Prime, declined to comment on reports that the building needed earthquake strengthening.
Instead, Willow-Jean referred us to DOC’s media department, but they could add no new information. (It is understood the engineering report on site stability, which was jointly funded by KAH and Heritage New Zealand, has yet to be peer reviewed).
National’s spokesperson on Conservation Barbara Kuriger said the public had a right to more details on the status of the building, such as the extent and cost of any earthquake strengthening it may require.
