Property sale debated

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 385, 7 May 1991, Page 3

Property sale debated

If the council is made an offer for the purchase of one of its properties, should it then tender the property. That issue was discussed at the Waimarino Community Board meeting last week. Before the board were two offers to buy council properties near the Ruatiti Domain. One of the offers, for the house near the domain as well as nearby land, was made several months ago, and the other, for two blocks of land in the same area, was made a short time ago. A neighbouring

landowner has objected to the sale of the blocks, saying they were not aware the blocks were for sale and that as the present occupier, they should have first option. "Surely it would have been an act of courtesy to offer the land to Kopia Station," said the objectors in a letter to the council. After much discussion the board recommended that the council call for tenders for the house and two of the blocks, but defer the sale of the third block as it includes a large area of virgin native bush. The future of this block should be investigated, considering possible reserve status for part of it.

Winston Oliver said either the properties should be put up for tender or a full valuation report be sought. If following a valuation report the offers proved to be fair then they could be sold. Cr Doug Bennett said first to be considered was if the properties should be sold, and then if the offers were acceptable. Mr Oliver said he would like the present occupiers of the house in question to be given fair consideration if the properties are tendered, given that they have done a large amount of work to tidy up the property.