default-output-block.skip-main
National | Business

Te Koutu residents against proposed hotel development

Te Koutu residents in Rotorua are concerned about a proposed hotel development.  They say it will bring in extra noise and traffic, putting children's lives at risk.

Dallas Hawe says, “There is no point in building another hotel here.  There is already two backpackers on that street, a hotel up there, on this side of the street and another hotel on another street.”

The Rotorua District Council has received an application for resource consent for a proposed hotel with 100 rooms.

The complex also includes a swimming pool, restaurant and tennis courts.  But local resident Haehaetu Barrett is concerned there could be an increase in traffic and it raises safety concerns.

Haehaetu Barrett says, “The impacts of it socially, health wise and environment can be devastating because we are residential we are not equipped for that magnitude.”

Chinese couple Alex Leu and Selina Zhang are the developers behind the proposed hotel.  They didn't want to appear on camera.

However, Selina Zhang says that they are happy to work with the community in relation to this development.  But emotions are running high within the residents of Te Koutu.

Tiffany Te Moni says, “Located on that corner is Karenga Park where all our children play.  We don't want our park to be like Kuirau where all the tourists go to take photos."

Submissions for the hotel development can be lodged to the Rotorua District Council by next Wednesday.