The 47 room Methven Resort Hotel has closed down with the operator company Gretha Group Limited going into liquidation.

The resort’s Facebook page says “this is due purely to financial and future economic reason as the effect of Covid-19.”

“As bad as it may sound, we are still in good mental health and not sad anymore. The worst part (making the call) has done, as our main concern is for all our staff and their families.”

“However, once the decision has been made, the weight is a lot lighter and life is a lot brighter too.
Luckily, back then we decided to only buy the lease, not the whole lot with land and building”

The complex is set in the mountain village of Mt Hutt, and includes heated outside spas and a heated 25 metre swimming pool.

The complex was built in 1985 and is a tilt slab construction with 3 levels of accommodation.

On its Facebook page the owners say “there is no need to be sorry for us. We will still be living here in Methven, as this is an unfinished business for us! There is a new project lining up for us in this town. Watch this space!”

Craig William Melhuish and Christine Johnston of Christchurch-based Nexia New Zealand have been appointed as liquidators.