The owners of Taupō’s iconic Hole-in-One Challenge say they have listened to the public’s concerns and scaled back plans to redevelop the site after many said it would spoil views of the lake and set a dangerous precedent.
The Taupō District Council's Reserves and Roading committee has approved changes to its Tapuaeharuru Bay Reserve Management Plan that will allow Taupō Moana Group Holdings (TMGH) to upgrade its site on Lake Terrace – with some conditions.
The changes will allow TMGH to build a new lightweight open-sided shelter over the golf tees for all-weather use and a small kiosk and ticket office to sell snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments, without an indoor dining area.
The iwi corporation would also be allowed to build a small public toilet as part of the kiosk along with an open viewing area for spectators and customers, and stabilise part of the bank and foreshore.
The council has offered the iwi a 15-year concession for the site.
TMGH is the commercial arm of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and had initially proposed a two-stage redevelopment of the operation, however, TMGH general manager Rakeipoho Taiaroa decided, after reading through the 178 public submissions and attending council hearings, to park plans for stage two of the project.
Stage two would have further developed the site into a multi-functional facility, potentially including an events space, education and visitor centre, waterfront access, a floating dock and an operational hub/storage area for on water activities.
The council’s policy and strategy general manager John Ridd said council had sought community feedback during February and March and held a hearing in April.
“Council has been very keen to hear the community’s views on this matter,” he said.
“After taking the community’s views into account, TMGH had scaled down stage one of their proposal and took stage two off the table.”
TMGH would now be able to progress the proposed development into the resource consent process, Ridd said.
Taiaroa said after taking into account the concerns of locals, and after further consultation with local hapū, the board decided to take another look at the project.
He said getting stage one across the line was a good start and would also provide benefits to the Taupō community in terms of improved infrastructure.
He said TMGH had budgeted at least $500,000 for the upgrade.
“This will probably end up being a lot more due to rising costs.
“We are reasonably happy with the council’s decision, but we would have preferred a longer lease of 20 to 25 years so we could secure the financial viability of the project.”
Credit: Stuff.co.nz
