Second Star, a New Zealand company owned by the co-founder of PayPal, had applied to build the massive lakeside complex in Wanaka, an alpine region of the South Island known for its natural beauty and isolation. The plans were strongly opposed by conservationists, who argued in submissions that the accommodation would “destroy our beautiful lake environment”. On Thursday, Queenstown-Lakes District Council refused to give its consent for the lodge to be built. Thiel – an outspoken libertarian and early Facebook investor – is one of many super-rich speculators who have started buying up remote New Zealand holes in preparation for apocalyptic social, political or environmental decay. He had previously discussed flying to the country as a backup plan in case of a pandemic or global social collapse, his businessman friend Sam Altman told the New Yorker in 2016. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, became a New Zealand citizen in 2011. Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images Architectural drawings show an undulating building, built into the hillside and partially hidden from view. The consent documents described “a range of self-contained buildings, including guest accommodation for up to 24 people, accommodation for the owner, together with associated accommodation management buildings, infrastructure, landscape treatment, water features and meditation space”. Plans for the meditation pod were dropped from the final proposal, but the earthworks required to build the sanctuary would still cover more than 73,700 square meters (18 acres) of land. The structure was designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, who created the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. Thiel’s proposal was to build the lodge on Mount Alpha, which is designated as an “outstanding natural landscape” in New Zealand and subject to special protection. Independent commissioners who reviewed the consent on behalf of the council wrote that when they visited the website, “all members were shocked by the frequency with which substantial parts of the proposal would be in public view”. “The proposal will include a large, very large building which … will significantly detract from the quality and naturalness of the outstanding natural landscape … within the context of Mt Alpha [landscape] are not appropriate,” they wrote. Second Star spokespeople said the architects “designed the proposal to blend the buildings into the undulating landscape” that surrounded them and that the hostel would “create high-end accommodation in the area, with economic benefits reaching across the region and beyond.” from her”. . The council received a number of submissions from residents and environmental groups opposing the construction of the accommodation or calling for changes to the plans. In a submission, local resident John Sutton said the lodge would “destroy our beautiful lake setting”. In another, the Upper Clutha Environment Society said the site was “entirely within and surrounded by … landscape of national importance” and the development was “likely to cause significant adverse natural changes”. Subscribe to the Business Today daily email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter @BusinessDesk Thiel acquired New Zealand citizenship in 2011, despite spending just 12 days in the country. The usual path to citizenship requires applicants to be in the country as a permanent resident for at least 1,350 days over five years – but the government waived the requirement because of his business and philanthropic activities. The decision was only revealed publicly in 2017 and proved extremely controversial in New Zealand. More recently, Thiel has emerged as an increasingly powerful and controversial figure in US politics, using his fortune to pump tens of millions into the campaigns of candidates aligned with Donald Trump’s agenda in the midterm elections. The Guardian has approached Second Star representatives for comment.
title: “Billionaire Peter Thiel Denies Consent For Large New Zealand Home Peter Thiel Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-06” author: “Curtis Hansen”
Second Star, a New Zealand company owned by the co-founder of PayPal, had applied to build the massive lakeside complex in Wanaka, an alpine region of the South Island known for its natural beauty and isolation. The plans were strongly opposed by conservationists, who argued in submissions that the accommodation would “destroy our beautiful lake environment”. On Thursday, Queenstown-Lakes District Council refused to give its consent for the lodge to be built. Thiel – an outspoken libertarian and early Facebook investor – is one of many super-rich speculators who have started buying up remote New Zealand holes in preparation for apocalyptic social, political or environmental decay. He had previously discussed flying to the country as a backup plan in case of a pandemic or global social collapse, his businessman friend Sam Altman told the New Yorker in 2016. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, became a New Zealand citizen in 2011. Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images Architectural drawings show an undulating building, built into the hillside and partially hidden from view. The consent documents described “a range of self-contained buildings, including guest accommodation for up to 24 people, accommodation for the owner, together with associated accommodation management buildings, infrastructure, landscape treatment, water features and meditation space”. Plans for the meditation pod were dropped from the final proposal, but the earthworks required to build the sanctuary would still cover more than 73,700 square meters (18 acres) of land. The structure was designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, who created the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. Thiel’s proposal was to build the lodge on Mount Alpha, which is designated as an “outstanding natural landscape” in New Zealand and subject to special protection. Independent commissioners who reviewed the consent on behalf of the council wrote that when they visited the website, “all members were shocked by the frequency with which substantial parts of the proposal would be in public view”. “The proposal will include a large, very large building which … will significantly detract from the quality and naturalness of the outstanding natural landscape … within the context of Mt Alpha [landscape] are not appropriate,” they wrote. Second Star spokespeople said the architects “designed the proposal to blend the buildings into the undulating landscape” that surrounded them and that the hostel would “create high-end accommodation in the area, with economic benefits reaching across the region and beyond.” from her”. . The council received a number of submissions from residents and environmental groups opposing the construction of the accommodation or calling for changes to the plans. In a submission, local resident John Sutton said the lodge would “destroy our beautiful lake setting”. In another, the Upper Clutha Environment Society said the site was “entirely within and surrounded by … landscape of national importance” and the development was “likely to cause significant adverse natural changes”. Subscribe to the Business Today daily email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter @BusinessDesk Thiel acquired New Zealand citizenship in 2011, despite spending just 12 days in the country. The usual path to citizenship requires applicants to be in the country as a permanent resident for at least 1,350 days over five years – but the government waived the requirement because of his business and philanthropic activities. The decision was only revealed publicly in 2017 and proved extremely controversial in New Zealand. More recently, Thiel has emerged as an increasingly powerful and controversial figure in US politics, using his fortune to pump tens of millions into the campaigns of candidates aligned with Donald Trump’s agenda in the midterm elections. The Guardian has approached Second Star representatives for comment.
title: “Billionaire Peter Thiel Denies Consent For Large New Zealand Home Peter Thiel Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-16” author: “Darcy Mellon”
Second Star, a New Zealand company owned by the co-founder of PayPal, had applied to build the massive lakeside complex in Wanaka, an alpine region of the South Island known for its natural beauty and isolation. The plans were strongly opposed by conservationists, who argued in submissions that the accommodation would “destroy our beautiful lake environment”. On Thursday, Queenstown-Lakes District Council refused to give its consent for the lodge to be built. Thiel – an outspoken libertarian and early Facebook investor – is one of many super-rich speculators who have started buying up remote New Zealand holes in preparation for apocalyptic social, political or environmental decay. He had previously discussed flying to the country as a backup plan in case of a pandemic or global social collapse, his businessman friend Sam Altman told the New Yorker in 2016. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, became a New Zealand citizen in 2011. Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images Architectural drawings show an undulating building, built into the hillside and partially hidden from view. The consent documents described “a range of self-contained buildings, including guest accommodation for up to 24 people, accommodation for the owner, together with associated accommodation management buildings, infrastructure, landscape treatment, water features and meditation space”. Plans for the meditation pod were dropped from the final proposal, but the earthworks required to build the sanctuary would still cover more than 73,700 square meters (18 acres) of land. The structure was designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, who created the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. Thiel’s proposal was to build the lodge on Mount Alpha, which is designated as an “outstanding natural landscape” in New Zealand and subject to special protection. Independent commissioners who reviewed the consent on behalf of the council wrote that when they visited the website, “all members were shocked by the frequency with which substantial parts of the proposal would be in public view”. “The proposal will include a large, very large building which … will significantly detract from the quality and naturalness of the outstanding natural landscape … within the context of Mt Alpha [landscape] are not appropriate,” they wrote. Second Star spokespeople said the architects “designed the proposal to blend the buildings into the undulating landscape” that surrounded them and that the hostel would “create high-end accommodation in the area, with economic benefits reaching across the region and beyond.” from her”. . The council received a number of submissions from residents and environmental groups opposing the construction of the accommodation or calling for changes to the plans. In a submission, local resident John Sutton said the lodge would “destroy our beautiful lake setting”. In another, the Upper Clutha Environment Society said the site was “entirely within and surrounded by … landscape of national importance” and the development was “likely to cause significant adverse natural changes”. Subscribe to the Business Today daily email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter @BusinessDesk Thiel acquired New Zealand citizenship in 2011, despite spending just 12 days in the country. The usual path to citizenship requires applicants to be in the country as a permanent resident for at least 1,350 days over five years – but the government waived the requirement because of his business and philanthropic activities. The decision was only revealed publicly in 2017 and proved extremely controversial in New Zealand. More recently, Thiel has emerged as an increasingly powerful and controversial figure in US politics, using his fortune to pump tens of millions into the campaigns of candidates aligned with Donald Trump’s agenda in the midterm elections. The Guardian has approached Second Star representatives for comment.
title: “Billionaire Peter Thiel Denies Consent For Large New Zealand Home Peter Thiel Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-24” author: “Kyle Lyons”
Second Star, a New Zealand company owned by the co-founder of PayPal, had applied to build the massive lakeside complex in Wanaka, an alpine region of the South Island known for its natural beauty and isolation. The plans were strongly opposed by conservationists, who argued in submissions that the accommodation would “destroy our beautiful lake environment”. On Thursday, Queenstown-Lakes District Council refused to give its consent for the lodge to be built. Thiel – an outspoken libertarian and early Facebook investor – is one of many super-rich speculators who have started buying up remote New Zealand holes in preparation for apocalyptic social, political or environmental decay. He had previously discussed flying to the country as a backup plan in case of a pandemic or global social collapse, his businessman friend Sam Altman told the New Yorker in 2016. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, became a New Zealand citizen in 2011. Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images Architectural drawings show an undulating building, built into the hillside and partially hidden from view. The consent documents described “a range of self-contained buildings, including guest accommodation for up to 24 people, accommodation for the owner, together with associated accommodation management buildings, infrastructure, landscape treatment, water features and meditation space”. Plans for the meditation pod were dropped from the final proposal, but the earthworks required to build the sanctuary would still cover more than 73,700 square meters (18 acres) of land. The structure was designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, who created the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. Thiel’s proposal was to build the lodge on Mount Alpha, which is designated as an “outstanding natural landscape” in New Zealand and subject to special protection. Independent commissioners who reviewed the consent on behalf of the council wrote that when they visited the website, “all members were shocked by the frequency with which substantial parts of the proposal would be in public view”. “The proposal will include a large, very large building which … will significantly detract from the quality and naturalness of the outstanding natural landscape … within the context of Mt Alpha [landscape] are not appropriate,” they wrote. Second Star spokespeople said the architects “designed the proposal to blend the buildings into the undulating landscape” that surrounded them and that the hostel would “create high-end accommodation in the area, with economic benefits reaching across the region and beyond.” from her”. . The council received a number of submissions from residents and environmental groups opposing the construction of the accommodation or calling for changes to the plans. In a submission, local resident John Sutton said the lodge would “destroy our beautiful lake setting”. In another, the Upper Clutha Environment Society said the site was “entirely within and surrounded by … landscape of national importance” and the development was “likely to cause significant adverse natural changes”. Subscribe to the Business Today daily email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter @BusinessDesk Thiel acquired New Zealand citizenship in 2011, despite spending just 12 days in the country. The usual path to citizenship requires applicants to be in the country as a permanent resident for at least 1,350 days over five years – but the government waived the requirement because of his business and philanthropic activities. The decision was only revealed publicly in 2017 and proved extremely controversial in New Zealand. More recently, Thiel has emerged as an increasingly powerful and controversial figure in US politics, using his fortune to pump tens of millions into the campaigns of candidates aligned with Donald Trump’s agenda in the midterm elections. The Guardian has approached Second Star representatives for comment.
title: “Billionaire Peter Thiel Denies Consent For Large New Zealand Home Peter Thiel Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-13” author: “Rosetta Lehman”
Second Star, a New Zealand company owned by the co-founder of PayPal, had applied to build the massive lakeside complex in Wanaka, an alpine region of the South Island known for its natural beauty and isolation. The plans were strongly opposed by conservationists, who argued in submissions that the accommodation would “destroy our beautiful lake environment”. On Thursday, Queenstown-Lakes District Council refused to give its consent for the lodge to be built. Thiel – an outspoken libertarian and early Facebook investor – is one of many super-rich speculators who have started buying up remote New Zealand holes in preparation for apocalyptic social, political or environmental decay. He had previously discussed flying to the country as a backup plan in case of a pandemic or global social collapse, his businessman friend Sam Altman told the New Yorker in 2016. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, became a New Zealand citizen in 2011. Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images Architectural drawings show an undulating building, built into the hillside and partially hidden from view. The consent documents described “a range of self-contained buildings, including guest accommodation for up to 24 people, accommodation for the owner, together with associated accommodation management buildings, infrastructure, landscape treatment, water features and meditation space”. Plans for the meditation pod were dropped from the final proposal, but the earthworks required to build the sanctuary would still cover more than 73,700 square meters (18 acres) of land. The structure was designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, who created the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. Thiel’s proposal was to build the lodge on Mount Alpha, which is designated as an “outstanding natural landscape” in New Zealand and subject to special protection. Independent commissioners who reviewed the consent on behalf of the council wrote that when they visited the website, “all members were shocked by the frequency with which substantial parts of the proposal would be in public view”. “The proposal will include a large, very large building which … will significantly detract from the quality and naturalness of the outstanding natural landscape … within the context of Mt Alpha [landscape] are not appropriate,” they wrote. Second Star spokespeople said the architects “designed the proposal to blend the buildings into the undulating landscape” that surrounded them and that the hostel would “create high-end accommodation in the area, with economic benefits reaching across the region and beyond.” from her”. . The council received a number of submissions from residents and environmental groups opposing the construction of the accommodation or calling for changes to the plans. In a submission, local resident John Sutton said the lodge would “destroy our beautiful lake setting”. In another, the Upper Clutha Environment Society said the site was “entirely within and surrounded by … landscape of national importance” and the development was “likely to cause significant adverse natural changes”. Subscribe to the Business Today daily email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter @BusinessDesk Thiel acquired New Zealand citizenship in 2011, despite spending just 12 days in the country. The usual path to citizenship requires applicants to be in the country as a permanent resident for at least 1,350 days over five years – but the government waived the requirement because of his business and philanthropic activities. The decision was only revealed publicly in 2017 and proved extremely controversial in New Zealand. More recently, Thiel has emerged as an increasingly powerful and controversial figure in US politics, using his fortune to pump tens of millions into the campaigns of candidates aligned with Donald Trump’s agenda in the midterm elections. The Guardian has approached Second Star representatives for comment.