New zealand puts an entire town up for sale
You're referring to the fascinating story of the town of Tokanui, New Zealand, which was put up for sale in 2020!
Tokanui is a small town located on the South Island of New Zealand, with a population of around 200 residents. The town was once a thriving community, but over the years, the local dairy factory closed, and many residents moved away. Today, the town is largely abandoned, with many buildings in disrepair.
In 2020, the local council, Southland District Council, decided to put the town up for sale, along with 12 surrounding properties, including homes, commercial buildings, and farmland. The council hoped to attract a buyer who would revitalize the town and bring new life to the community.
The sale included:
- 12 properties, including homes, commercial buildings, and farmland
- The entire town of Tokanui, including its infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and sewage systems
- A 1,200-hectare (2,965-acre) farm, which includes rolling hills, forests, and wetlands
The asking price for the entire town was NZD $2.5 million (approximately USD $1.7 million). The sale was marketed as an opportunity for an entrepreneur or investor to buy a unique piece of New Zealand history and turn it into a thriving community.
The sale generated significant interest from around the world, with potential buyers from as far away as the United States, Australia, and Europe expressing interest. However, as of my knowledge cutoff, the town remains unsold.
The story of Tokanui's sale has sparked a lot of debate and discussion about the future of small towns in New Zealand and the challenges they face in the modern economy. Some see the sale as an opportunity for innovation and revitalization, while others worry about the loss of community and cultural heritage.
What do you think about the story of Tokanui? Would you consider buying a whole town?