The Tekapo hotel build saga has continued as petitioners have proposed a land swap for the development.
Dr Natalie Zuleta, who organised a petition against a planned hotel over concerns for child safety, has submitted a land swap proposal to Mackenzie District Council. Zuleta has called for a public meeting with MDC to have the petitioners' questions answered.
"We feel a land swap is a win-win situation that safeguards the community and enables the developer to build in a more appropriate location without having to pursue lengthy legal battles that serve nobody," said Zuleta.
So far, the petition has been signed by 1105 people, with many of Tekapo's 300 residents supporting it. But Mackenzie Mayor Graham Smith recently spoke out in support of the build, saying, "Tekapo badly needs this accommodation and we’re working hard to get accommodation happening."
Graham Smith
The land was purchased by developer Anthony Tosswill from the council in 2014. Radisson Hotels announced its partnership with Tosswill for two hotels in Tekapo, including the proposed 112-room Park Inn by Radisson.
The site is near both a school and kindergarten, and residents have expressed concerns about the possible dangers imposed by extra traffic on local children.
