A petition against a new hotel in Tekapo has gained almost 1,000 signatures.
The petition, started by Dr Natalia Zuleta, raises concerns about child safety. The proposed 112-room hotel, which has been granted consent by the Mackenzie District Council, will be constructed on a plot of land adjacent to a community recreational reserve and Lake Tekapo Primary School. It will also be opposite a kindergarten, playgroup, and Community Hall.
"We believe this application should have been publicly notified in the first instance where submissions could have been heard with consideration given the risks it poses to the Tekapo community and in particular our children," the petition reads.
"We believe this development will have a huge impact on the safety of our children. Recognition must be given to the fact that the timing of hotel guests checking in and out coincides with the beginning and end of school and kindergarten."
The petition has gained 977 signatures at the time of writing.
