Taupō residents have described the redevelopment of the town's iconic Lakefront Hole-in-One Challenge as abhorrent and unnecessary, as well as an amazing opportunity to enhance Taupo's tourism offering.

The proposal, put forward by the commercial arm of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board - Taupō Moana Group Holdings (TMGH) - has polarised the district with local hapū, Waipāhīhī Marae, saying it had not been consulted by TMGH and only hearing about the project when it was publicly notified.

On Tuesday, the Taupō District Council's Reserves and Roading committee met to hear from around a dozen of the 178 individuals, businesses and organisations that had made submissions regarding the project.

If agreed to by council, stage one of the Hole-in-One redevelopment would include a ticket office, café, public toilets, a viewing deck, the retaining of the lakeshore bank, and may potentially involve reconfiguring footpaths and parking areas.

The majority of submissions were against the proposal, most saying it would spoil views of the lake, however some gave no details as to why they were opposed - one submission was just three words long - "no, just no".

Taupō Business Chamber president Rory Scott said the chamber supported the concept and said it was an exciting chance to explore economic opportunities on the lake edge.

"It's the right space and the right idea," he said.

Taupō local Shirley Gowdy said it would spoil natural and uncluttered views of the lake and mountains and suggested moving the site further west towards the Yacht Club and marina.

Taupō tourism operator Torben Landl said he and his family supported the concept.

"For them to want to spend money and upgrade this longstanding and iconic business should be applauded."

He said the positives outweighed the perceived negatives, and it would be "a great thing for the Taupō destination".

However, submitter Alby Shaw pulled no punches saying he felt "extremely disturbed" and found the proposal "abhorrent and a step too far."

"The view is priceless and in my view it is vandalism...and should be rejected without hesitation."

Waipāhīhī Marae's Moananui Rameka said he was disappointed by the lack of tribal consultation and local hapū should have been informed before public consultation commenced.

"I ask the trust board to renew ties with our hapū...where we can sit across the table from each other and debate these issues.

"I have no position either way until this has happened," he said.

Penny Rameka Reweti asked for clarification regrading whether alcohol would be sold at the site, also asking for a full cultural assessment of the entire reserve.

Submitter Rodney Hutchison said he thought stage one was a good idea and would tidy up and well-used and popular facility.

However, he had health and safety concerns for users and about traffic management “as Lake Terrace is a very busy road as it is”.

TMGH general manager Rakeipoho Taiaroa, who had sat through the hearings, said he was pleased with the amount of public interest and the plans were subject to change.

He also stated no alcohol would be sold at the site, and he would reach out once again to hapū who felt they had not been heard.

“The process has been enlightening for us.

“We see stage one being perhaps palatable, and we are happy to re-look at that space in terms of design.

“Our drive is to reinvest in the town while we have the capability and opportunity,” he said.

He said TMGH was not all about profit and was also looking at training people in the tourism industry.

The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday, May 3 when the council is expected to make its decision.

Credit: Stuff.co.nz