An Albert Town resident is hoping to spark discussion on the limited colour palette permitted for buildings in the district, having raised the issue at the most recent Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) drop in session.

Rod MacLeod told the Wānaka App the predominance of black and grey makes parts of the district look like “a prison camp”. 

“I think we could be a whole lot more imaginative than having blacks and greys,” he said.

“In the residential zone I think it’s totally unnecessary and unimaginative. There should be more flexibility.”

Rod said he thinks there should be room for white, or even terracotta like in some of New Zealand’s older cities.

“Even that is more cheerful than what we’re looking at around here - zone after zone after zone in the region with blacks and greys. It’s like Darth Vader’s pencil box.

“We’ve got lots of beautiful colours in the rainbow and lots of beautiful colours that could be used without offence.”

Rod acknowledged the requirement for recessive colours and low reflectivity in rural residential areas but he said once houses become part of the residential zone and have “made that transition from rural, people should have the opportunity to be more flexible”.

WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said it was an interesting point to have been raised and something that could be looked at in the District Plan.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) requires “natural hues such as greys and beiges” in district plan rules in some areas to soften the visual impact of buildings. 

There are also requirements relating to some, mainly rural, parts of the district for buildings to have recessive colours and limited light reflectivity. 

“These rules can help buildings to blend in and let our stunning landscapes take centre stage, reflecting unique qualities of our district,” QLDC media spokesperson Sam White said.

“Design guides also apply to other, mainly mixed-use, areas that promote natural hues and external finishes that help achieve design cohesion between buildings and reflect heritage or character design elements.”

Sam said that private covenants can also specify requirements that are more stringent than the district plan, “but they don’t trump the district plan if they are less stringent”. 

Wānaka’s town centre and Business Mixed Use Zone have the most guidance for external appearance, while the residential design guide is more focussed on the density and layout of buildings, he said.

PHOTO: Wānaka App