A two day resource consent hearing into a proposed hotel complex in Te Koutu began today in Rotorua. 126 written objections have been submitted, the majority are from local residents living in Te Koutu.
Applicants who have applied for resource consent to build a proposed hotel complex in Te Koutu say the complex will cater for over 200 guests and will employ 20 staff.
However, Natalie Richards of Te Koutu says that “It's in the wrong zone and there has been no consultation with iwi, with Māori, with the Marae, of which there are five in and around the site.”
The proposed 100 room hotel complex will be situated at a vacant area on Bennett's Rd. in Te Koutu.
In September last year, the Chinese owners who want to build the hotel complex were met with opposition from the community. The owners didn't want to comment until the hearings are completed. Some Te Koutu residents say they're prepared to fight it.
Aroha Hicks of Te Koutu says, “you fight it, because this is why we are here- we are fighting for Te Koutu and we are going to put our stake in the ground our pou in the ground to say no, no hotel in residential zones in Rotorua.”
The hearings continue tomorrow.