Wanaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) has confirmed its High Court case against Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will take place during the week starting September 21. 

WSG says it invited QLDC and Queenstown Airport Corporation to a meeting to resolve the judicial review proceedings as the effects of COVID-19 began to affect the district, asking the organisations to agree to a “reset”.

Mayor Jim Boult responded: “If WSG’s proposal of a ‘total reset’ refers to an unwinding of the lease, this will not be considered.”

WSG is a lobby group opposed to a jet-capable expansion of Wanaka Airport. 

“We are now forced to continue on to a hearing in the High Court,” WSG said in a statement. “QLDC’s position is clearly not acceptable to us.”

In October last year, WSG filed judicial review proceedings against the council, arguing that various agreements between QLDC and QAC, in relation to Wanaka Airport, are unlawful.

WSG asked the High Court to review decisions made by QLDC to transfer “substantial ownership and control” of Wanaka Airport to QAC, on the grounds that those decisions were both unlawful and unreasonable. 

Queenstown Lakes District approved a long-term lease of the Wanaka Airport to the QAC in April 2017.

“We are asking the court to declare the so-called “lease” of Wanaka Airport unlawful and restore full ownership and control of Wanaka Airport and Project Pure...back to QLDC for the benefit of our community,” WSG said.

WSG reiterated its opinion about a Wanaka Airport expansion in a press release sent by deputy chair Mark Sinclair last week.

“The idea of [QAC] building a second jet airport at Wanaka, just an hour’s drive from Queenstown Airport, in order primarily to bring in more and more tourists to Queenstown and surrounding communities is unnecessary, undesirable and against the best interests of the wellbeing of our community.”

QLDC said it would not comment on any legal proceedings until they are resolved.

PHOTO: Supplied