More than 80 percent of Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) members who took part in a recent survey don’t want the proposed Tarras Airport to go ahead.

The WSG, which lobbied successfully against jet expansion at Wānaka Airport, said its members’ concerns echoed those of other groups and organisations that have spoken out against developing an airport in Tarras.

The survey shows members remained “very concerned” about issues including climate change, overtourism, environmental impact, and strain on infrastructure, WSG chair Meg Taylor said.

Opposition had increased, with 82.7 percent of survey respondents ‘thoroughly opposed’, compared to 70 percent in a survey two years ago. 

The survey was undertaken before Christchurch Airport International Ltd shared a feasibility study in late August which indicated the airport could support long-haul international flights.

Read more: Flights to Southeast Asia from Tarras feasible

Since then, groups including Lake Wānaka Tourism, Destination Queenstown, and Informed Leaders (a group of researchers) have voiced opposition to the airport proposal.

Read more: Tourism organisations oppose Tarras airport proposal

Meg said WSG shared similar concerns as the regional tourism organisations. 

“We agree with them that this is not just a Tarras issue but will impact the wider region, bringing visitors on a scale not seen before. And the Tarras proposal is not aligned with the ‘quality over quantity’ approach endorsed by the community in its destination management plan. 

“Our view is that managing tourism numbers is the key to maintaining the value of our destination both for residents and for visitor experience.”

In 2021 WSG brought a judicial review to the High Court, which ruled that the granting of Wanaka Airport lease to the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) was unlawful and must be set aside.

Meg said the WSG’s focus on Wānaka Airport “remains unchanged”.

“We are well aware that moves to develop the airport could be re-visited at any time and we’ll continue to ensure that the Upper Clutha community is leading the conversation, not excluded from it.”

PHOTO: CIAL