Keep Arrowtown exclusive, target the rich, says Sir Michael Hill
Sir Michael Hill, one of the Wakatipu’s most prominent citizens, wants only the right kind of tourists in “unique and precious” Arrowtown.
He believes tourist numbers and development need to be capped to maintain the simplicity of the area.
When he officially opened the New Zealand Golf Open last week, Hill told the crows that Arrowtown was an amazing place.
“It’s unique in the world and very precious.
“Seeing those young children performing [kapa haka] together was totally inspirational. It’s the next generation. What are we going to leave them?
“With golf we’re bringing the tourists here that are well-heeled. That tourist spends five times the normal tourist.
“What I’m fearful of in this district is we get too many people, too many tourists. We don’t want any more. We want the quality ones,” he said.
He urged that the “simplicity” of the region be maintained.
“This place is very precious. It could be easily lost.
“If we could put a cap on this place it will be the most amazing place on this planet.”
Controlled development and targeting of wealthy tourists was the best way ahead, he said.
If he hadn’t purchased his property on the outskirts of Arrowtown and built an 18-hole golf course there it would likely be filled with buildings and uncontrolled development, he added.
One way to deal with the current lack of housing was to increase density within Arrowtown but maintaining the current boundaries.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
