Following the first round of community engagement on the future review of Wānaka Airport, the consultants leading the process, Egis, have extended the timeline “to ensure all voices are heard”.

Egis is working with Queenstown Lakes District communities and stakeholders to understand their perspectives on travel, lifestyle values, and aspirations for the future of the regional airport.

In June, Egis hosted two in-person community sessions in Wānaka, complemented by an online feedback platform that remained open until Tuesday July 15.

Following the sessions, Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) chair Meg Taylor told the Wānaka App her group was "disappointed that the current effort to engage with the public is so limited”.

The project timeline indicates ‘preferred scenarios’ will be presented to the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board after October.

Meg, representing WSG, is a member of the group advising Egis on its consultation process.

“We realise the Egis program is part of an ongoing process but it is at this stage that Upper Clutha locals can make their views known before the consultants come up with firm scenarios,” she said.

Read more: ‘Robust discussions’ at airport consultation sessions 

Egis announced on Friday (July 25) that, “in response to public and stakeholder feedback requesting more time for input”, they had extended the period for the second round of online engagement to run for four weeks. 

“The extension will allow Egis to carefully process all feedback from the first phase and incorporate community insights into a series of future scenarios for Wānaka Airport,” Egis aviation lead Kerr Forbes said.

The scenarios will be presented during the second round of engagement for further community input.

“We’ve heard clearly from the community that they value this opportunity to be involved, and they want more time to contribute,” Kerr said. 

“Extending the engagement period is part of our commitment to a genuine and transparent process. Listening to the community and stakeholders is essential to shaping a future for Wānaka Airport that reflects local values, priorities and vision.”

The next round of consultation will be from August 25 to September 18, via the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Let’s Talk platform.

This will be supported by two in-person drop-in sessions on Friday August 29 and Saturday August 30, with venues and times to be confirmed.

Wānaka Airport is owned by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and operated by Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) under a management services agreement. 

In July 2024 QLDC signalled its intent to develop a long-term plan for the Wānaka Airport and engaged Egis to undertake the Wānaka Airport future review.

The review will explore the airport’s long-term role, its economic impact, and its integration into New Zealand’s broader aviation network.

IMAGES: Supplied