Iwi takes over alpine lodge

The Stratford Mountain House changed hands yesterday, ending a bizarre saga that began when its previous owner said he wanted to give it away.

South Taranaki iwi Ngati Ruanui is the new owner of the Mountain House after officially settling the deal yesterday.

The iwi plans to redesign and update parts of the lodge and says it will continue to run it as a hotel.

Former owner Karl Reipen, a German businessman who lives in Awakino, announced last year on national television he was giving the 10-bedroom hotel away to a worthy cause.

The millionaire said he had undergone a "life changing experience" after heart surgery in Germany and did not want the hotel anymore.

The offer attracted national attention and he was flooded with more than 300 responses from individuals, artists, charities and trusts all over New Zealand.

But in the end, it wasn't given away at all and Mr Reipen has never explained why to the media.

Ngati Ruanui Holdings chair-woman Debbie Packer would not divulge how much the iwi paid but said it was less than it was marketed for and they were happy with the deal "and the equity left in the property".

The Taranaki Daily News understands the mountain house sold for about $800,000.

Sources close to Mr Reipen have said he intends to donate the money to charity, but he was overseas and unavailable for comment.

Mrs Packer said the next step for Ngati Ruanui was to implement the business plan over the next couple of months in time for a launch before summer.

The plan includes redesigning and updating parts of the facility, particularly the front, and working on a marketing strategy.

The iwi had retained one of the original employees who had worked at the Mountain House for more than 30 years, she said.

Mrs Packer said buying the Mountain House gave Ngati Ruanui the opportunity to participate in the tourism and hospitality industry. "Economically the venture will contribute to the local community through employment and the purchase of local goods. Servicing the local market will be a high priority."

Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui chairman Ngapari Nui said iwi have always had an intrinsic investment in Maunga Taranaki, both spiritually and culturally.

"To be fortunate enough to once again have a presence on the mountain and to operate the Mountain House as a viable business would mean a lot to the people of Ngati Ruanui," he said.

Mr Nui said the iwi planned to work closely with the Department of Conservation to highlight the mountain's beauty and walking tracks.

Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui directors are to meet shareholders about the purchase tomorrow, Mrs Packer said.

- © Fairfax NZ News