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He's one of the world's richest men but US billionaire investor Peter Thiel's (Tee-ill) plans to build a luxury lodge on the edge of Lake Wanaka have been thwarted by local environmentalists.
Thiel, a New Zealand citizen, applied for resource consent to build the 30 room lodge on land he owns in Damper Bay, about 10 minutes drive from the Wanaka township
A proposed luxury lodge near Wanaka’s Damper Bay owned by US businessman Peter Thiel. Photo: IMAGE: SUPPLIED
His plans were opposed by environmental groups and some neighbours.
Three independent commissioners rejected his consent application due to significant adverse imp it would have on the sensitive environment.
Upper Clutha Environmental Society founder Julian Haworth was one of those opposed to the lodge
Peter Thiel. Photo: AFP