Weston Kirton: Ruapehu mayor on the Chateau Tongariro Hotel being forced to close in five days - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Ruapehu's local economy is expected to be on thin ice at the closure of a ski chateau.

The heritage-listed Chateau Tongariro Hotel will shut in five days after the building's lease expires.

The 93-year-old mountainside accommodation had to close as necessary seismic upgrades were deemed too expensive.

Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says it was an iconic spot and it shouldn't have to go.

Mayor Kirton says that the loss of the Chateau Tongariro Hotel is another hit to Ruapehu's tourism. 

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