Councillors have agreed to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) making an application to take over the management of the Mount Iron Scenic Reserve from the Department of Conservation (DOC). 

The decision to sign off the application was made at Thursday’s (August 11) council meeting.

QLDC community services acting general manager Meaghan Miller said if the application is successful it will mean the council will become the kaitiaki (guardians) of the remaining section of Mount Iron currently managed by DOC. 

This includes 52.8ha of reserve land adjacent to the 100ha of land on Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron recently purchased by council.

“Mount Iron is an iconic landmark and a place that is very dear to residents of and visitors to the Upper Clutha, with over 150,000 people estimated to head up its summit each year,” Meghan said. 

“Council is grateful to DOC for raising this opportunity which could see the benefit and practicality of one joined parcel of land.”

All councillors voted to make the application at the meeting and deputy mayor Calum MacLeod said it would become “the heart and soul of the district”.

Councillor Quentin Smith said it would create a “true island” in the middle of Wānaka.

Council will now formally request to be the administering body of the remaining section of Mount Iron overseen by DOC, which includes management of the public carpark off SH6.

“In the event that the application is successful, we’re looking forward to working with the community to understand the values they want protected and enhanced there,” Meghan said.

The application may take up to 24 months to complete, with updates on progress to be shared via QLDC’s Mount Iron Acquisition newsletter.

Last December the council announced it had reached an agreement to purchase almost 100 hectares of land around Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron from landowner Allenby Farms, which will be held as public reserve in perpetuity on behalf of the local community.

Council must gain resource consent for vegetation clearance, and approval to acquire and classify the area as Recreation Reserve before the purchase is complete. 

This is estimated to be granted by the end of 2022, with final settlement of the property to follow in May 2023.

PHOTO: Wānaka App