Council’s position on Tekapo hotel remains

The mayor will be the only Mackenzie District Council representative attending a public meeting on Wednesday with Tekapo residents to discuss a controversial hotel development in the township.

The council is standing firm on a decision by its chief executive Suzette van Aswegen a week ago which instructed council staff ‘‘not to allocate further resource’’ to public discussions relating to the development.

Tekapo residents have been angered by the proposed 112-room development because of its proximity to the school, kindergarten and Community Centre, and a petition against the hotel has reached 1119 signatures.

The district’s mayor Graham Smith will attend in his capacity as an elected member but no staff will be present at the meeting.

Petition and meeting organiser Dr Natalie Zuleta said the council had underestimated the level of discontent in the community.

‘‘I also think it slipped their minds that we elected them to represent and listen to us and the money we pay on rates and other charges pays their salaries,’’ she said.

On November 18, van Aswegen said ‘‘because council has no ability to change the situation, I don’t believe the attendance of council staff at a public meeting to discuss this issue would be an appropriate use of resources’’.

A council spokesperson said yesterday there had been no change to council’s position.

‘‘Council are unable to reverse the consent, so in this case council wouldn’t be able to make a meaningful contribution to the conversation.’’