There is still opposition to McDonald’s latest bid to open a restaurant in Wānaka - but it remains to be seen whether it will reach the same fervour as the resistance to the company’s previous application.

The company’s proposal for a 24-hour restaurant and drive-through on Sir Tim Wallis Drive in Three Parks was made public this week.

It comes eight months after the company’s attempt to set up at Mt Iron Junction was turned down.

Read more: McDonald’s launches new Wānaka application

The earlier application attracted hundreds of submissions, thousands of signatories in an online petition, and plenty of heated debates.

Many opponents at the time said they would prefer to see such a development located in Three Parks - the site of the new proposal - although others argued the fast-food chain was simply not a good fit for Wānaka.

Local resident Jesse Herbert campaigned against McDonald’s previous application.

“If the town chooses to contest this one I think it's time we start to talk about the local landowners selling out the place they grew up in, or the next one will be at the base of Roys Peak or the Wānaka Tree,” he told the Wānaka App yesterday.

In November 2023 Wānaka resident Sarah Morrison launched a petition to QLDC opposing McDonald’s bid to establish a restaurant at Mt Iron Junction, which attracted more than 5,500 signatories.

She said the Wānaka community prides itself on its beautiful natural environment, and “McDonald’s goes against our core community value”. She cited “extensive food waste and pollution… directing profit out of Wānaka” and low staff wages.

Sarah told the Wānaka App yesterday she was still opposed to a McDonald’s in Wānaka, “for the same reasons”.

McDonald’s Restaurants NZ spokesperson Simon Kenny told the Wānaka App that “a number of alternative sites presented themselves following the hearing on the Mt Iron resource consent”. 

Now that the resource consent application has been lodged, the company will work through the consent process with Queenstown Lakes District Council, he said.

“Subject to consent approval we will then confirm a planned opening date.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App