A Hāwea resident is asking for support in pushing back on a rule that allows for only 30 people to gather for any wedding ceremonies taking place at the ‘wedding tree’, a large gum tree adjacent to Flora Dora Parade which sits on an elevated site overlooking Lake Hāwea.

The location makes for a photogenic wedding ceremony vista but Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) “ridiculous” 30-person rule makes it infeasible for many, Hāwea’s Colleen Carr said. 

The site is important to the Hawea Community Centre, which is privately owned and operated by the local community, because many people would like to have their wedding at the tree and their ceremony at the centre, she said.

QLDC confirmed the 30-person limit to the Wanaka App and said: “It is our intention to ensure all of our parks and reserves are able to be utilised as passive recreational spaces for the enjoyment of all.”

Speaking at the Hāwea Community Association meeting last weekend, Colleen said the site was not well-frequented as a recreation area, and asked for support in campaigning to have the limit changed.

PHOTO: Supplied