'Heritage building': Ruapehu mayor voices concerns over Chateau Tongariro's future

Ruapehu's mayor doesn't think iwi should have veto power over Chateau Tongariro's future.

The historic mansion and surrounding buildings closed in 2023 in a state of disrepair, after seismic assessments, with DOC since spending millions on its maintenance.

A briefing to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka outlines iwi concerns on commercial and Treaty grounds - with a preference for demolishing the building. 

Mayor Weston Kirton says the building's loved by many and has enormous cultural value.

"The Government are the ones that are running this country, and they have to respect a whole lot of factors, including the community, around this."

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