Members of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB), councillors, council staff, friends, and council contractors were up early this morning (Saturday March 11) to protect the new lakefront development area.

Yesterday, the first day of the Wānaka A&P Show, the area was unprotected and visitors used it for parking, putting pressure on the newly sown grassed areas.

Heavy rain on Thursday made the area particularly vulnerable to damage and on Friday afternoon Queenstown Lakes District Council issued a plea to members of the public to not park on the grass and to use the show’s designated parking areas.

The initiative, to fence off the area, was instigated by the WUCCB and chair Simon Telfer said the community’s investment needed to be protected.

“Seeing vehicles being driven over and stored on the new lakefront development was heartbreaking,” he said.  

“This is a space for people to walk, bike, reflect and relax. We hope that show attendees respect this public space”

Stage two of the Lakefront Development plan was completed in 2022 at a cost of $4.14M.

Day two of the Wānaka A&P Show continues today at the Showgrounds. For parking options see the Essentials page in the A&P Show section of your Wānaka App.

PHOTO: Wānaka App