Rotoaira plans supported by RDC

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 652, 3 September 1996, Page 9

Rotoaira plans supported by RDC

Support for a specialplanningzone to raake way for a $25 million tourist development atRotoairareceived unanimous support from the Ruapehu District Council at their meeting on Friday. The council was asked to consider a variation to their district plan to set up a special zone, the "Rotoaira Special Accommodation and Recreation Zoi\e", by Central Plateau Developments Ltd (CPDL). The company was represented at the meeting by members of the Isherwood family, shareholders in the company. Shane Isherwood explained that he and brothers Neville and Colin had been brought up in the area and that it was their ancestral lands. He said they bought it at auction, only to find out afterwards that they owned the land already. Their ancestral links were through the Tu wharetoa iwi. Luke Martin, from Martin McCaulay Morton Ltd, pointed out on behalf of CPDL that the development would be the only "formalised facilities for tourist accommodation or for recreation" between T okaanu and the Grand Chateau or National Park. The zone encompasses just over 20 hectares of land

north of State Highway 47, adjacent to the TokaanuRangipo intersection. As well as the development areas, the site would include reserves areas including an esplanade reserve either side of the trout stream which runs through the property. Mr Martin said CPDL was working with DoC to establish wetlands areas and riparian reserves. The proposal' s scope was outlined (see Bulletin, 27 August 1996) with Mr Martin explaining that a geologist's report was confident there was geothermal activity available on the site, suitable for spas. Mr Martin said the council could leave the zoning as it was and handle each phase through the resource consent process, but that they believed the zone change would be better as a co-ordinated approach. Support He said the proposal had the support of the owners of the surrounding Rotoaira Forest, and that an agreement had been made to discharge treated sewage into the forest. There was some discussion as to whether the development would affect existing tourist accommodation areas such as NationalPark. However,councillors who represent National Park, Warren Furner

and Stephen Mastrovich, supported the proposal saying it would complement the tourist industry in the whole district. Also discussed was the necessity for public input.

Counci 1 planner J ane Why te explained that the plan varation process which was recommended was similar to the development of the whole plan, but on a much smaller scale. She said the

vari ation would be publicly notified along with any affected property owners being notified, with submissions invited which in turn would be publicised, then a hearing held if necessary.

This process, which would take 6-8 months, would ensure public input into the change. Mr Martin said CPDL hoped to start work on a small scale in 12 months'

time, it the plan change was approved. He said the cohipany would come back to council "straight away" with the development plan if the zone change was approved.