After extensive local input, a document detailing a ‘community vision’ for Wānaka Airport has been shared by the Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG).

It imagines Wānaka Airport as a “locally led, independent, smart, and future-oriented aviation hub that balances local needs, economic vitality, and environmental impacts”. 

The airport should also “support a vibrant mix of aviation activities, local businesses and [research and development], while remaining proudly run by and for the Upper Clutha community,” the community vision document says.

The incorporated society - which successfully lobbied against jet expansion at Wānaka Airport in 2021 - launched the community vision at its AGM in late May.

WSG chair Meg Taylor said that after a quiet few years it appeared that “plans for Wānaka Airport are taxiing towards take-off again”.

Meg Taylor PHOTO: Wānaka App

In April Queenstown Lakes District Council announced it had hired Egis NZ Ltd to develop a masterplan for Wānaka Airport and it is in the process of obtaining a Qualifying Aerodrome Operator Certificate.

Read more: Next steps for Wānaka Airport to be outlined

This year and next will be “decisive years” for the future of the airport, Meg said.

“It is important that everyone in the Upper Clutha carefully considers what they think is the best strategy for our local airport and for this community over the next [five, 10 and 15] years. It’s essential that we have the information needed for informed choices and that there is widespread local input into airport consultation.

“With this in mind and to spark debate we are presenting a vision which better reflects the airport’s role in the Upper Clutha community.” 

Meg said there were two foundation principles to the community vision: a community airport with strong local governance, and separation from Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC).

“Wānaka Airport needs robust governance and the Upper Clutha community should have a determining role on its governing board,” Meg said. 

“If Wānaka Airport is governed by a board that genuinely represents Upper Clutha communities (as happens at a number of overseas airports such as Aspen, Jackson Hole, Telluride or Vail) then Wānaka Airport could be managed and planned for with confidence.”

The long-term community vision also envisions the airport has grown with committed and enterprising management; it is guided by strong governance; it has long-term intergenerational thinking as a central pillar; and it is “not driven by shareholder demands or a growth-at-all-costs mindset”. 

Meg said the community vision document had been created by WSG alongside advisors in the community and following consultation with residents and community associations in the Upper Clutha, as well as the Wānaka Airport Users Group and Wao Aotearoa.

WSG said the community vision is still in draft form and any feedback is welcome. Read it here.