The ‘roadmap’ for developing a vision and masterplan for Wānaka Airport will be presented to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) councillors and the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board next week.On Tuesday (April 15), consultancy firm Egis NZ will meet with elected members for the first time as QLDC’s partner in developing future scenarios for Wānaka Airport.Egis is a global company with teams across New Zealand, offering sector expertise and advisory services. It manages 20 airports worldwide.QLDC strategic projects manager Paul Speedy said the Egis team brings valuable independence and relevant skills to the process.“The future of Wānaka Airport is recognised as something really important to the community, especially those in the Upper Clutha, many of whom work there or use the site for travel or leisure purposes,” he said.“We know conversations about that future have sometimes been challenging and airports are also really complex entities.“Both of these factors really underline why this scenario development needs to be independently facilitated, while engaging intently with the community and stakeholders.”At the briefing, Egis will outline its upcoming programme, including plans for community and stakeholder engagement, Paul said.A statement from Egis said Wānaka Airport is a vital link for the town, connecting it to the rest of New Zealand and the world.“Supporting over 11 businesses and employing around 250 people, the airport plays a key role in the local economy. As discussions about its future have evolved, a strategic vision is crucial.“This vision must be guided by an independent, expert-led process, incorporating meaningful community and stakeholder engagement, as well as specialist aeronautical expertise to assess options realistically.”More information will be made available about the programme as dates and activities are confirmed, Paul said.Wānaka Airport is owned by QLDC and operated by Queenstown Airport Corporation under a management services agreement. PHOTO: Esther Small

Central Otago District Council (CODC) is making preparations to hear Santana Minerals Fast Track Application for a Bendigo gold mine.Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley and councillor Sarah Browne were nominated at its meeting this week, and approved to respond to the application.Hearings panel expert Neil Gillespie has been appointed to the expert panel, given his significant experience.CODC planning and infrastructure group manager Louise van der Voort told the council they had experts ready to go in the hearing, and the Otago Regional Council was likely to have its own panel as well.She said the experts would be looking carefully at the rehabilitation of the land and conditions around compensation.Due to the significance of scale, the council was likely to get some expertise, and there had already been discussions with the regional council about it.In December, the new Fast Track Approvals Act (FTA) became law. The two projects listed in the FTA for Central Otago were the Bendigo-Ophir Gold project, and the Remarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans Expansion. In her report, Louise said there had been some conversations with Matakanui Gold Limited/Santana Minerals Limited indicating an application would be received in the coming weeks for the Bendigo Ophir Gold project. Council was likely to engage specialists on landscape, ecology and acoustics. That would be reviewed once the application was received in late April.It was noted in the report, that there was limited ability for the public and stakeholders to be involved in the applications. “There is a high level of interest in a number of these projects from the community and desire to understand council’s position on the proposals,’’ Louise said.“While this level of interest is recognised, there is no legal ability for council to provide further opportunities for public participation beyond the specified steps in the Act.”PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka-based property investment company Roa has announced a joint venture partnership in its proposed Wānaka Health Precinct with Central Otago mana whenua interests.In May 2024 Roa revealed plans for a $300M privately funded project comprising a five-level hospital with four operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and more than 70 inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds.  Roa said the hospital would be at the heart of a broader “health precinct” which would include four offices for allied medical services such as consulting and treatment rooms, on-site parking, and ground level retail and hospitality opening out onto public pedestrian spaces.Puketeraki Limited and Te Runaka Ōtākou Limited have now entered into an agreement with Roa that is intended to support the wider interests of mana whenua, Roa announced on Thursday (April 10).Roa chief executive Mike Saegers told the Wānaka App the specifics of the joint venture partnership are “commercially sensitive”.“However, I can confirm the new partner will have an equity position,” he said.Roa said in a statement that the proposed Wānaka Health Precinct “will provide significant health and social infrastructure benefits for Wānaka and the Central Otago region”. “Puketeraki and Ōtākou acknowledge other mana whenua interests across rūnanga and will be inviting wider mana whenua interests to be represented in this partnership,” the statement said. The parties agree the Wānaka hospital and healthcare precinct “is vital to meeting the future needs of the area’s rapidly growing population”. “They recognise that the critical lack of healthcare access is a significant and growing issue for the people of Wānaka and Central Otago, and that action is needed now.”  An artist’s impression of Roa’s proposed health precinct at Wānaka’s Three Parks.The proposed health precinct at Three Parks is one of the key strategic health infrastructure projects included in the proposal to government for a Regional Deal for Otago Central Lakes, and the only one committed to starting site works this year. An application for resource consent was submitted to Queenstown Lakes District Council last year. Te Rūnaka Ōtākou Limited Chair Brett Ellison welcomed the agreement.“We are excited by the opportunity to tautoko this project and bring an intergenerational lens to the development of health infrastructure in our shared takiwā,” he said. “This is an inclusive opportunity for mana whenua to be a strategic partner to Roa who have recognised the value mana whenua provide when advancing strategic projects of this nature.” Mike called the agreement an “important milestone” towards improving access to healthcare services.“Both parties are intent on working together to improve public health outcomes, including expanding the scope of this project if necessary,” he said. Read more: Wānaka hospital plans remain on trackA ‘void’ in health care planning as private plans proliferatePHOTOS: Supplied

Tourism industry, government and research leaders are set to gather for the annual Otago Tourism Policy School in Queenstown this week to problem-solve how to resource New Zealand’s tourism system.Demand from key tourism stakeholders to attend this year’s forum, organised by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka’s Department of Tourism, is the highest since the annual event began seven years ago.The Tourism Policy School offers an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders and experts who aren’t usually in the same room together to find solutions to systemic tourism issues.Over two days, stakeholders and policymakers will discuss issues such as resourcing tourism on conservation land, private-public partnerships, user-pays models, and what New Zealand can learn from overseas tourism systemsSchool co-director associate professor Susan Houge Mackenzie said the current system is insufficiently resourced, and regional tourism organisations want to see national leadership help enable regional destination management plans and initiatives.The previous government had encouraged regional tourism organisations and tourism stakeholders to ‘reset’ tourism by focusing on regenerative tourism and how tourism could better serve communities beyond economic benefits, she said.“There has been a significant shift under the current government, which wants to double exports.“As a major export earner for New Zealand, tourism is seen as a significant contributor to this growth target, with a focus on growing off-peak international travel.”Queenstown, home of the Tourism Policy School, can be seen as a microcosm for the tourism industry, with urgent infrastructure and resourcing issues, Susan said.“Anyone who lives there will tell you these are urgent issues that need to be addressed.”Guest speakers from Ireland, Scotland and the United States will be sharing innovative resourcing and funding models used overseas, and the new Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (Louise Upston) will attend the event.The 2025 Otago Tourism Policy School will take place from April 3-4 in Queenstown.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Cardrona Alpine Resort and the association representing a key Chinese ski resort region has been called “a significant step in the future of international ski tourism”.The recently signed agreement between Cardrona and the Chongli District Ice and Snow Association will set a new level of collaboration between the New Zealand ski industry and the emerging Chinese ski market.The Chongli region hosted many events of the 2022 Winter Olympics and is growing in both size and skier participation – the Chongli Ski Industry represents all the ski areas and ice attractions in the region.Cardrona will become New Zealand’s biggest ski resort this year (2025) with the opening of 150ha of new terrain in Soho Basin – the most significant terrain opening in recent New Zealand ski area history.With proposed collaboration on talent identification, product development, marketing initiatives, industry training and policy alignment, the two organisations have a combined vision to accelerate snow and ice sport participation.Speaking at the signing in Chongli, RealNZ chief customer and sales officer Scott McNab said the MOU was a commitment to cooperation, innovation, and mutual growth.“It reflects our shared belief that great ski destinations are not competitors, they can and should elevate each other for the betterment of the sport and increased enjoyment of our guests.”PHOTO: Supplied

All shops in the Queenstown Lakes district will be permitted to open on Easter Sunday as a result of a policy adopted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).At last week’s council meeting (Thursday March 20), the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 was approved by councillors and is effective immediately. The 2025 policy is a continuation of the district’s now-expired 2017 policy which permitted all shops in the Queenstown Lakes District to open if they chose to.The new policy “promotes ease of business, recognises the needs of the retail and tourism sectors to be able to choose to open on Easter Sunday if they wish to, and applies a consistent and simple approach to Easter Sunday shop trading”, QLDC said in a statement. Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 which requires shops to remain closed, except for certain shops under certain conditions. These include dairies, cafes, service stations, garden centres, pharmacies, souvenir and duty-free shops. In 2016, amendments to the Act enabled councils to adopt policies to permit all shops to open on Easter Sunday in the whole or a part of their district. This provision is only applicable to Easter Sunday and does not include Good Friday nor Easter Monday. The Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 does not apply to the sale or supply of alcohol. Alcohol sale and supply is regulated under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.Employees have the right to choose not to work on Easter Sunday. The Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 lists responsibilities for both employers and employees for Easter Sunday. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Four local food producers have been recognised at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2025.The winners were announced today (March 18) and included four gold medals and two silver medals for local products.Taste of the Alps won three gold medals for The Orchard’s Black Doris Plum Jam, The Prospector Orange & Central Otago Gin Marmalade, and The Shearer Wild Thyme Onion Jam. PURE New Zealand Ice Cream won gold for its Tiramisu Ice Cream.Commenting on PURE New Zealand’s Tiramisu Ice Cream the judges said 'perfect balance, great coffee flavour. Good layering’. “We’ve worked hard to perfect what we feel is a fun yet sophisticated addition to our Range - and of course, it’s ridiculously delicious,” PURE New Zealand’s director and head of production Anna Howard said.“We’re delighted with the uptake of the new flavour and we’re churning flat out to produce stock for stores across both Islands.” Silver medals were awarded to Sidekick Soda for its Sidekick Cherry and to the Kitchen Window for its Pear & Fig Chutney.The Outstanding Food Producer Awards celebrate the best of New Zealand's food and drink producers and this year attracted a record 405 entries.PHOTO: PURE New Zealand Ice Cream

The results of the latest Business South Quarterly Business Survey reveals improved optimism within the Otago and Southland economies.The survey results show positivity about future financial performance, with more people expecting to invest in their business, although consumer confidence and demand, increased compliance costs and productivity and growth are top of mind for southern businesses. “There’s been a positive shift in how businesses are thinking about the Southern economy,” Business South chief executive Mike Collins said.“This is reassuring given the recent tough times for businesses, especially with the uncertainty in the current global climate.” The optimism is backed by 78 percent of businesses who believe the region is heading in the right direction – the highest it has been since the survey started two years ago. The results show the southern economy is starting to turn around in some sectors. Farm returns are looking more positive, there is certainty with the Dunedin hospital building, and export focused companies in the hi-tech space doing well.  More than half of respondents (54 percent) expect the strength of the Southern economy to be stronger in 12 months’ time.  Responses were submitted by 244 organisations (representing the full range of business sectors and sizes in the region) across Otago and Southland between February 17-27, 2025. The Business South’s Quarterly Business Survey was run concurrently with Business Canterbury’s Quarterly Survey, with similar themes and trends identified across both regions.PHOTO: Supplied

The proliferation of food trucks in the Upper Clutha are signs of a growing hospitality community which also offer competition to more established businesses, but there’s no doubt of their popularity.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat told the Wānaka App the increase in food trucks and mobile dining options in Wānaka and the surrounding areas over the past few years “is part of a broader trend where people are looking for more casual, convenient, and diverse dining experiences”.The impact on local restaurants and cafes is “a bit of a mixed picture”, Glenn said.“Food trucks offer something different, a more flexible, often lower-cost dining option, which can complement the hospitality scene rather than directly compete. “That said, naturally, more choices mean increased competition, and it’s fair to say some restaurants may feel the pressure, especially in tougher economic times… Every operator will have a different take, depending on their offering, location, and customer base.”Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris Hadfield, who co-owns Ritual Cafe on Helwick Street, said the food trucks are “generally … not popular with any of the more established hospitality businesses” as they create “an uneven playing field”.“Our rents have seen massive increases and the same with other expenses,” he said.Chris said the food trucks on Brownston Street “create traffic and pedestrian issues not to mention parking”, while the newer trucks at Three Parks “compete directly with the other food businesses”. “I believe they are a useful resource but should be better managed and located away from major traffic and other permanent food outlets,” he said.The Wānaka App visited the food trucks at Three Parks and found QLDC councillor Cody Tucker waiting for his Subway order.Cody said he is a loyal customer at the business because it’s close to work, there are carparks, and somewhere to sit outside. Some of the food options there are “very cost-effective”, he said.A proprietor at one of the Three Parks food trucks told the Wānaka App he didn’t see why cafe owners should be worried.Food trucks add to the range of menu options on offer in the town, they are evidence of Wānaka’s growth, and they provide more work options, he said.“It’s much better to have different options. [Cafes] need to see it not as a competition but more like a community,” he said.A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App that resource consent applications for food trucks depend on the location and its underlying District Plan zoning. “Anyone setting up a food business (or making changes to an existing business) needs to meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014, enforced locally by QLDC's Environmental Health Team,” the spokesperson said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Wānaka-based clothing brand Mons Royale’s new line has secured two major international awards for innovation in sport clothing.The company’s Diversion Merino Trail Pant and Diversion Merino Wind Jacket each won their categories at the ISPO Awards, which celebrates outstanding products and services in the sporting world.“We are incredibly proud to receive these ISPO Awards,” Mons Royale co-founder and creative director Hannah Acland said.The two clothing items were part of a new line created specifically for mountain bikers.“The Diversion Bike Capsule [line] was designed to keep riders pushing further,” Hannah said. “It’s every mountain biker's dream gear, and we’re thrilled to see it recognised on the world stage.”Both items feature merino wool, a material Mons Royale has sought to champion.The ISPO awards cap off a busy period for Mons Royale, which recently opened a retail store in Whistler, British Columbia.“With our new store in Whistler, we’re deepening our connection with the mountain biking and snowsports community in one of the most iconic outdoor destinations on the planet,” Hannah said.“It’s an exciting time for the brand as we continue to innovate, expand, and share the performance benefits of merino wool with athletes and adventurers everywhere.”Mons Royale was founded in 2009 and is based in Wānaka.PHOTO: Mons Royale

Work is underway on a new lift at Cardrona Alpine Resort, which is expected to improve wait times at other lifts in the main basin.Construction of a new T-bar to service the terrain park is currently at the tower foundation preparation stage, Cardrona Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley told the Wānaka App.“The construction of this lift is on track, which means it will be ready for skiers and snowboarders by the start of Winter 2025,” she said.Laura said skiers and snowboarders will be able to access the Big Bucks slopestyle course, Stag Lane, Lil' Bucks, the Gravity X course, and the Racecourse trail from the new T-bar.“The carrying capacity is between 800-1200 people per hour, which we expect will have a positive impact on wait times at other lifts - especially Whitestar,” she said.PHOTO: Supplied

Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) is considering whether or not to fill its head of destination position following the official departure of Gizelle Regan from the role.Gizelle took over the new ‘head of destination’ role in May last year after LWT general manager Tim Barke resigned. She moved to Australia six months ago and has worked remotely since then.“The [LWT] board [is] grateful to Gizelle for agreeing to do this as it ensured a seamless transfer of information and institutional knowledge as well as maintaining LWT’s reporting structure as we moved forward with the Shared Services model,” LWT board chair Calum MacLeod said.The Shared Services model is a collaboration allowing LWT and Destination Queenstown to pool resources while retaining their independent brand identities and strategic focus, he said. Read more: New tourism plan adopted for district“At this stage any decision on a replacement for Gizelle’s position is being very carefully considered,” Calum said. “Our priority is to identify the best structure to support LWT’s objectives, ensuring we have the right expertise and capacity to deliver for our members and Wānaka.”Gizelle has been involved in several projects, including the short film awards A Place to Stand and as chair of Three Lakes Cultural Trust. She led the steering group behind the district-wide creative and cultural strategy, Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata. Her last day with LWT will be March 28.“Her strategic approach has laid the groundwork for a future-focused destination management framework, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to support and grow Wānaka’s position as a world-class destination," Calum said.

A new application has been lodged to generate small business opportunities in Luggate’s commercial precinct.Packhorse Holdings Ltd filed a resource consent application with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) last month to establish a small business hub on vacant land opposite the Luggate Hotel on State Highway 6.Land owner and developer Stuart Pinfold intends to create The Green, a “business garden”, comprising a number of food and business stalls on two adjacent titles.The application requests up to seven relocatable buildings and a shipping container for storage on one lot, sharing a landscaped outdoor area with seating on the second lot.“It is intended that this will become a food stall and small business greenspace rather than a traditional food truck environment,” his application said.The overall intent is to add vibrancy to the otherwise vacant roadside properties.“I’m reasonably confident that a collection of small businesses will help invigorate this area of the village, and I hope the Luggate locals will get behind those businesses.”Up to seven relocatable cabins are proposed for The Green. PHOTO: SuppliedStuart deliberately chose up to seven relocatable cabins as a starting point; it won’t overintensify the site yet will allow flexibility for more permanent buildings in the future, he said.He has already lined up “one of Wānaka’s top baristas” to begin with a coffee shop but he also envisages a complementary food stall, perhaps a barber, florist or accountant.“The Green will have food offerings but I’m hoping it can be a bit more than that…the options are somewhat endless.”In addition to adding vibrancy, the aim “is to give the people of Luggate, cyclists or any others who pass through a reason to actually slow down, stop and engage with Luggate,” he said.“It’s a starting point, and as Luggate grows in time, the site will respond. I’d imagine that this will be in operation for the next seven years or so, quite possibly longer.”Carparking for up to 12 vehicles, and fenced off from SH6 for safety, is also proposed.Stuart said he initially considered a small supermarket for his site, but the “Luggate catchment is not quite there yet”. “By going down this route I am testing the water, enabling small enterprises to have an affordable platform to offer the services, before committing significant outlay towards a more substantial commercial establishment,” he said.The proposal still awaits a green light from the New Zealand Transport Agency and QLDC but he hopes to get both “shortly”, Stuart said.Under the Proposed District Plan, Packhorse Holdings' two titles at 55 and 59 Main Road, Luggate are zoned Settlement Zone (Commercial Precinct).The company purchased the land in 2021 and 2023, Stuart said. Prior to that it sat vacant although a shop/diner operated there about 25 years ago before it was consumed by fire and ceased trading.Stuart Pinfold’s proposed development is not the only new commercial offering suggested for Luggate. Lake MacKay residential subdivision developer and owner of the former Upper Clutha Transport yard Murray Frost is considering options to create a retail hub centred around Luggate’s historic Flour Mill, beside SH6.Read more: Luggate retail precinct plans progress

‘Rubys Cinema’ will close next week, with the final film screenings on (Wednesday) March 5.The cinema (downstairs at the Basecamp/Cardrona complex on Cardrona Valley Road) opened in 2011.The twin-screen theatre has offered an ever-changing mix of mainstream and art house films, and set itself apart from the usual movie-going experience with luxurious decor, a cocktail menu, plush seating and other twists. Owner and Three Parks developer Allan Dippie told the Wānaka App the cinema would “go into hibernation until we get a new cinema at Three Parks”.He said the new cinema will be bigger and have more screens, “but still offer the boutique experience Wānaka people love”.“We would like to thank all our staff that have loved working at Rubys over the years and also all the locals that have loved the Rubys experience,” he said.The new cinema will be located within the Three Parks ‘town square’, which is currently in the design stage for the large grass area between Sir Tim Wallis Drive and the front of Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Allan said.Its timing isn’t confirmed, he said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

International tourist spending has returned to pre-Covid levels, while domestic tourism has dipped, according to the latest figures.StatsNZ has released its annual tourism satellite figures, showing international tourism expenditure was up 60 percent to $16.9 billion, returning to levels similar to 2019 ($17.2b).The largest increase on 2023 came from Asian visitors, a 168 percent increase year on year, followed by visitors from the Americas, up 59.1 percent, visitors from Europe up 25.9 percent and visitors from Oceania, an increase of 18.4 percent.International student expenditure (studying less than 12 months, which meets StatsNZ's definition of a tourist) also leapt up on 2023 - by 76.2 percent or $1.6b, reaching $3.8b.That figure includes course fees, living costs, and airfares.Meanwhile, domestic tourism expenditure dropped by 2.5 percent to $27.5b, on the back of an 11.2 percent ($2.8b) increase the year before, and household tourism expenditure decreased by 5.8 percent to $1.3b.Total tourism expenditure for the year was just over $44.4b, up 15 percent from the year before.The number of tourism employees (159,030) and tourism business owners (23,697) both went up, by 13.3 percent and 15.1 percent respectively.Tourism accounts for 6.4 percent of the workforce.The government has focused on tourism growth as part of its economic strategy.It committed $3 million to attracting tourists to the regions in the off-season while also hiking the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), and making cuts to Department of Conservation and Tourism New Zealand's funding.Earlier this month, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon launched a $500,000 short-haul tourism campaign, with the slogan "Everyone must go" which attracted opprobrium from some quarters for its "toilet queue tone" or resemblance to a clearance sale.But some popular tourist areas are wary of the focus on numbers, with Queenstown District Council warning this week of plummeting tourism approval ratings and the prospect of protests and hostility without urgent intervention, as pressure grows on infrastructure, housing and the environment.In January, Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers called on the government to step up its infrastructure spend following the Minister for Economic Development Nicola Willis' announcement the government was moving away from its predecessors policy of targeting high spending tourists in favour of sheer numbers."I would expect a very serious investment in actually accommodating those visitors because a small ratepayer base cannot sustainably keep supporting the tourism industry," he said.

The company behind the proposal for a gondola linking the Crown Range Road and the Cardrona and Soho ski areas can now officially apply to make the project a reality.Late last year Blackman Creek Holdings Ltd’s plans for a gondola (as well as ski area development including visitor accommodation, guest facilities and workers' accommodation) were made public when it was named as one of 149 projects listed for inclusion in the Fast Track Approvals Act.Earlier this month (February 7), listed projects - selected for their potential for regional or national significance - were given the green light to lodge their applications at the new Fast Track website.While Blackman Creek Holdings Ltd (which lists developer John Darby as the director) has not yet lodged its application, newly-public information says the company hopes the gondola will be operational by 2028.“...construction of the gondola, infrastructure, and associated base facilities is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted before the 2028 winter ski season,” application documents submitted on behalf of Blackman Creek Holdings Ltd said. The construction of on-mountain visitor and staff accommodation “will commence immediately after completing the gondola and base facilities construction”.“The aim is to finish this stage ahead of the 2029 winter season.”The documents said the company behind the proposal had a strong background in ski area development and management in Queenstown Lakes dating back to the 1980s.The project aims to create “world class” facilities, address “much needed” staff accommodation, and provide “faster and safer” access to the two ski areas via the gondola.The Fast Track Approvals Act is designed to streamline the planning process for significant projects and ”cut through the thicket of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes”, according to infrastructure minister Chris Bishop.Chris said any of the 149 listed projects can now lodge substantive applications and “expert panels will consider these applications, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals.”As well as the gondola project, two other local projects - a development to establish 263 high-density units at Mt Iron Junction and the controversial Bendigo-Ophir gold mining project - were selected as listed projects.Neither of them has made a substantive application yet.PHOTO: Supplied

Just weeks out from Santana Minerals lodging resource consents for its Central Otago gold mine near Bendigo, lobby group Sustainable Tarras has become more active with its campaign against it.Speaking in the public forum of the Otago Regional Council meeting last Wednesday (February 19), and publishing a media release days later, the group has released two videos about the scope of the project and their concerns.Sustainable Tarras spokesperson Suze Keith said the group was concerned that “most people have no idea what’s coming”.The company confirmed to the Central App it was planning on submitting its fast track application as soon as possible, likely in March/April.Engagement manager Vicki Blakeborough said they were continuing to gather information that would inform its application for consents.An aerial shot of the Bendigo area.“As information comes to hand, we are sharing this on our website, and at drop-in sessions in the Tarras and Cromwell communities. We would encourage those that would like to find out more about the project to come along to our drop-in sessions, or to get in touch with us.”In a statement, the company said they would also like to point out that while the project would be assessed under the Fast-Track approval process, there was mandated legislation and standards that would need to be met.“This includes the Resource Management Act and associated regulations and national policy statements. “The Fast-track is a process to facilitate projects of national significance and gives due weighting to the social and economic benefits that it will provide through improved infrastructure, well paid jobs and a major economic stimulus, all funded through private investment not central government.”Sustainable Tarras was encouraging people who cared about Central Otago to make some noise, ask questions of their local council and politicians and spread the word. “If we’re going to have any influence over the fast track consenting process, we really need help.”The group has spent the last few months researching what was proposed and gathering information from the mining industry about similar operations, including the Macraes gold mine.Bendigo wine grower Rob van der Mark and Suze spoke to ORC and gave their perspective on what they called ‘industrialisation’ of the valley, and the impacts on the nearby Shepherds Creek.“Pro-mining politicians and mining executives have made questionable, sweeping statements about ‘economic benefits’, but we think most people will be horrified when they realise what is involved. "The size, scale and risks associated with this fast-tracked project are ‘off the charts’, totally contradict the values of the area, and people in Central Otago and beyond need to know what’s coming.”Santana said the mitigation of environmental effects such as wide-spread pest control and conservation of threatened species would make the project one that Central Otago and New Zealand would be proud of.PHOTOS: Supplied

Queenstown Airport has launched an annual fund to provide financial support to local charities and community organisations.Administered by the Wakatipu Community Foundation, the annual Queenstown Airport Community Fund will distribute $50,000 in grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to eligible not-for-profits operating in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts.A statement from Queenstown Airport said it aims to create a meaningful and lasting impact by empowering grassroots organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of the region’s people and environment."As a key gateway to our region, we recognise our responsibility to give back and support the communities that support us," Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell said. "The Queenstown Airport Community Fund is a way for us to invest in local organisations that are making a real difference, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive."The fund will add to the $150,000 the airport already contributes through its sponsorships and partnerships programme each year."We are delighted to partner with Queenstown Airport to facilitate this new community initiative," Wakatipu Community Foundation CEO Jennifer Belmont said.“Local charities and not-for-profits play such a key role in our communities, and this fund will provide some extra support to help them continue their work.”Applications for the Queenstown Airport Community Fund will open on March 3, with organisations located in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts encouraged to apply.Find more details, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, here. Applications close at 5pm on April 7.PHOTO: Supplied 

More details have been revealed on plans for the development of land near Wānaka Airport, which could include a 36-hole golf course, two hotels, restaurants, and both residential and visitor housing.The Corbridge Downs landowner, South Island Office (SIO), submitted its plans for a proposed 'Corbridge Resort’ to the government’s Fast-track Approval process in May last year, but the application did not make the government’s list of approved projects.It proposed “an integrated resort development including … golf course, associated visitor accommodation including two hotels and short stay units, two golf club houses, restaurants, guest amenities (spa, gym, pool etc), residential activities and worker accommodation and resort maintenance facilities”. The proposal suggests the golf course would be created in two stages, providing both private and pay for play options. The plans also include a driving range and a pro shop.The proposal includes “lakeside apartments” and boathouses.Fifty bedrooms for staff accommodation were also part of the application, as well as up to 323 accommodation units - a mix of 150 guest units for short-stay guest accommodation, 60 units for short-stay guest accommodation, and 113 residential units (with the option to be used as short-stay guest accommodation).Stage one of the project would see 18 holes of the golf course completed, along with a club house and worker accommodation complete within two and a half years from approval, the application said.The second stage would see the hotels and first half of the visitor accommodation and residential units completed within three and a half years of approval, and the final stage would see the second 18 holes of the golf course, a club house and second half of the visitor accommodation and residential units completed within four and a half years of approval.The red border shows the location of Corbridge Downs (border may not be exact)SIO’s application for Corbridge Downs materials was published on MBIE’s website last month (January 2025). Some parts of the application were withheld under the Official Information Act, including information relating to ‘applications still being considered’. There is currently no application for such a development on the Queenstown Lakes District Council list of current resource consent applications, and SIO has not responded to the Wānaka App’s request for comment, so the proposal’s progress is unclear.Corbridge Downs was billed to become a $280M film park after Silverlight Studio was granted resource consent to construct a film park (complete with studios, production offices, a film school, a screening theatre, and an exhibition centre) in December 2021 under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act.Despite the studio owners securing approval for various facilities, MBIE decided in 2023 to no longer provide it with funding support.MBIE comment on the SIO application for ‘Corbridge Resort’ noted that: “Silverlight has not progressed the development so the Applicant has recommenced its own planning with respect to the site. These plans are underway but have not yet been the subject of detailed consultation or engagement with potentially affected parties due to the Silverlight project”.Read more: MBIE funding withdrawn from SilverlightThe Christchurch-based SIO has declined to respond to various requests from the Wānaka App about the private equity company’s plans for the Wānaka site.IMAGES: Supplied