# Mayor calls for political commitment to restore Chateau Tongariro Hotel

> Ruapehu Mayor urges government to commit to restoring Chateau Tongariro Hotel before centenary.
- Title: Mayor calls for political commitment to restore Chateau…
- Summary: Ruapehu Mayor urges government to commit to restoring Chateau Tongariro Hotel before centenary. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton calls for political commitment to…
- Keywords: chateau tongariro hotel, ruapehu, weston kirton, save the chateau petition, whakapapa village, doc, iwi, politics, news, Mayor, calls, political
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/regional/1696993/mayor-calls-for-political-commitment-to-restore-the-chateau-tongariro-hotel
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-03T00:40:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chateau tongariro hotel, ruapehu, weston kirton, save the chateau petition, whakapapa village, doc, iwi, politics, news
## Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says reports that demolition remains an option will upset thousands who support saving the Category 1 heritage-listed landmark.
## Centenary timeline
The Chateau will mark its centenary in three years, having remained on the national agenda due to strong public connection.
## Public petition
The Save the Chateau Parliamentary Petition attracted more than 16,000 signatures from across New Zealand and overseas in less than three months.
## Iwi preferences
Recent documents show iwi groups prefer demolition, but a lease for the land could create a pathway with an interested investor and iwi agreement.
## Economic benefits
Reopening the Chateau could generate $56 million in regional economic benefits over 60 years, expressed in net present value.
## Government support
The Manawatū-Whanganui Mayoral Forum has written to the prime minister supporting full restoration and revitalisation of Whakapapa Village.
## Centenary call to action
With its centenary approaching, Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton calls for political commitment to restoration and a pathway with investor and iwi.
## Key takeaway

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton calls for political commitment to restore Chateau Tongariro Hotel before its centenary, citing economic benefits and heritage value.