Joint venture partners sought for Waiwera resort 2.0
Kia ora neighbours. A revival of the defunct Waiwera thermal resort is in the works.
Waiwera Thermal Spa Resort used to host about 350,000 visitors a year, but closed in February 2018 and fell to ruin. Russian oligarch Mikhail Khimich, who ran the water park and Waiwera water bottling company, went into liquidation in 2019. Khimich reportedly died with Covid-19 in Russia in late 2021.
Urban Partners are now seeking expressions of interest from a potential joint venture partner.
“The site has extraordinary potential, recognised as a regional tourist attraction by the Auckland Unitary Plan and has zoning allowing for business, residential developments, health and wellness, tourism, hospitality and visitor accommodation," project director Doug Osborne said.
"Given the site’s proximity to Auckland, and the booming wellness industry, which is now worth $4.5 trillion, we expect the site to be of real interest to specialist operators from around the globe."
Click 'read more' for the full report by Susan Edmunds. Video by Chris McKeen.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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