While future planning for Wānaka Airport is currently on ice, local support is growing for the establishment of a Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee.

Such a committee was originally recommended by commissioners in 2011 and a wide ranging remit was proposed for it, including reviewing complaints, helping develop procedures to minimise adverse environmental effects on the community, reviewing progress on an airport masterplan and airport development, and encouraging parties to work together collaboratively.

The Wānaka Stakeholders Group, which has lobbied against development of a jet-capable airport, told the Wānaka App it plans to speak during the public forum at the Wānaka Community Board (WCB) meeting this morning (Thursday May 12) to outline the group’s support for an airport liaison committee.

Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee 

WCB chair Barry Bruce told the Wānaka App he would support its establishment of a Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee, which has an existing designation under the district plan.

“It is specified the airport operator shall establish and facilitate a Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee,” Barry said.

“It is proposed the committee consists of a variety of members including an independent chair, the WCB, airport users, and other relevant parties.”

Those parties included Queenstown-based Lakes Environmental Ltd (which was absorbed into QLDC in 2013) and commercial airlines.

The existing Wānaka Airport Users Group (which includes private and commercial users, Warbirds and NASA) currently raises issues with QAC and QLDC through a management agreement.

Changes to airport management

More than a year ago (April 2021) the Wānaka Airport lease to the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) was set aside by the High Court.

At that time Justice Van Bohemen ruled that the granting of a lease to QAC was unlawful as the transfer of control of a strategic asset can only take place under the process prescribed in the Local Government Act 2002, and that process was not followed.

Before the lease arrangement was overturned, QAC was working on Wānaka Airport’s masterplan to guide and provide a future pathway. This work ceased when the lease was set aside with the airport's future becoming the responsibility of the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

QLDC is expecting a draft masterplan for Queenstown Airport to be tabled later this year but no such plan has been initiated for Wānaka Airport.

Future planning - council, councillors’ views

“There is currently no planning underway considering the future of Wānaka Airport,” QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White said.

Wānaka Ward councillor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App a liaison committee “should be established to improve relationships and community guidance on airport issues”.

“Wānaka Airport will need to have a plan for its future,” Quentin said.

“This clearly needs to be led by council ahead of any future development plans, significant investment or leases.

“The Wānaka community needs to be engaged with to create a vision for the future of Wānaka Airport.”

Deputy mayor Calum MacLeod said “the airport is a vital part of our district” which prior to the pandemic supported several hundred employees.

Deputy mayor Calum MacLeod said there are several large ventures being planned which would need to be considered in airport planning. PHOTO: QLDC

“All of the airport's ventures will need to be considered and catered for in terms of infrastructure, planning and logistics.

Calum said Sounds Air's expanding offerings suggest this community “values this level of connectivity”. 

“There are several very large ventures being planned and constructed that will also probably look to this connectivity. This must all be considered and planned for,” he said.

A range of stakeholders

One such venture is Silverlight Studios’ plans for a 332ha site near Wānaka Airport, including a series of villages, and a variety of filming, post-production, film school, tourist and ancillary buildings.

Calum said that any plan for Wānaka Airport should take into account the Destination Management Plan which is being prepared by Lake Wānaka Tourism, Destination Queenstown, the QLDC and Ignite Wānaka Chamber of Commerce.

An artist’s impression of the Silverlight Studios, which will neighbour Wānaka Airport and increase demand for connectivity. IMAGE: Silverlight Studios

“This would also be an excellent reference point,” he said. 

Wānaka Stakeholders Group committee member Meg Taylor said the group only became aware earlier this year about the designation for a Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee in the Operative District Plan. 

“We have initiated discussions with a number of councillors, community board representatives and Wānaka residents’ associations querying why this committee has not been enabled,” Meg said.

“We will be presenting in support of the committee at the WCB meeting. WSG sees an immensely valuable and timely opportunity here for allowing the Wānaka community some say in its strategic airport asset.”

The WCB meeting will take place at 10am via Zoom, and will be live-streamed on the QLDC Facebook page.