One of Aotearoa's iconic historic buildings is costing taxpayers more than two million dollars a year while it sits empty and in disrepair.
The famous Tongariro Chateau, at the base of Mount Ruapehu has been closed since February last year after getting an E grade for earthquake rating.
That means the risk to people in the building is 25 times greater than expected for a new build.
Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton speaks to Lisa Owen.