Storm damage to Wānaka’s ageing lakefront jetty could accelerate plans for a more ambitious replacement.

The town-centre jetty is still partially submerged after this week’s severe weather, and it appears to be badly damaged, though the full extent of this will not be clear until the lake level drops.

RMM Landscape Architects unveiled concept designs for a new jetty earlier this year, aiming to inspire discussion about a new, fit-for-purpose replacement - and the storm has brought that conversation back into focus.

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who advocated for a new jetty when the concept designs were made public, said this week he would “welcome and encourage” a new, more fitting jetty.

“Our amazing lakefront deserves a suitable replacement,” he said. “It is a pivotal connection to the lake for both visitors and locals alike.”

The damage reinforces the fact that the existing jetty is “well and truly end of life”, he told the Wānaka App.

“While I expect it will be patched back together, we will have to look towards a replacement sooner than anticipated.”

The RMM designs explored four possibilities: a ‘traditional heritage’ design based on a wharf; a toki (Māori adze) inspired design; a design inspired by the concept of Kotahitanga (unity); and a design inspired by the huruhuru (feather) and korowai (cloak), intertwined with the symbolism of the kea feather.

One of RMM Landscape Architects’ concept designs for a new Wānaka jetty. IMAGE: Supplied

Each concept considered improved access for swimming, boat mooring, and social activity, with the proposed site slightly west of the current jetty to better align with Helwick Street.

See also: Creative designs for ‘long overdue’ new jetty

At the time Quentin said while a new jetty wasn’t an official council plan, the concept strongly aligned with several strategic pieces of council work already in play: the Lakefront Development Plan, the independent Heart of Wānaka visioning work, and the ongoing review of waterway access and facility needs.

A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson said the council was waiting for the lake to recede before it makes a preliminary assessment on the condition of the jetty. 

“After that we expect to conduct an engineering assessment to confirm the extent of any damage and to help guide next steps,” the spokesperson said.