New group to complete Hotel at Vaimaanga

A new group is to take over and complete the Hotel at Vaimaanga.
Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai made the announcement at a press conference at his office on Friday morning at 9am.
He said on Tuesday morning, Pa Ariki and her lawyer Tina Browne and Pa’s new investors made a presentation to Cabinet.
The PM said the new group, Mirage Group Ltd were to complete the Hotel in stages then build further additions.
He said government was asked to expedite a number of matters including BTIB approval, the Lease Approval tribunal process, the EIA process, the road around the rear of the site, work and residency permits for foreign labour and an MFEM waiver for VAT and duty on materials imported for the Hotel.
The PM could not confirm how many foreign workers were to be brought in. He was informed that 200 jobs related to the construction phase and 200 jobs would be available when the Hotel was completed.
Also he could not confirm which management group would be managing the Hotel (Tepaki Group had Hilton Australia lined up to manage the Hotel).
The PM was not able to confirm which construction company would complete the Hotel, what the cost is likely to be and if the apartments would be unit titled.
The PM said Cabinet had approved of the proposals. Landowner Pa Ariki is understood to be in New Zealand and cannot be reached for comment.
The Hotel was originally to be completed by Tepaki Group but their lease is subject to the forfeiture process.
Developer Tim Tepaki advises the Times that he will issue a response next week.