Wānaka Airport is operated by Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC), and its future has been a contentious issue following previous litigation over a proposed 100-year lease arrangement and the concern from parts of the local community of Wānaka Airport regards growth, noise and over tourism. Parts of the local community had lost trust with QLDC and QAC.
A review of the airport’s future needed to be independent, involve significant community and stakeholder engagement, consulting aeronautical expertise and considering the legal implications of any proposed decision-making process. The stakeholder engagement needed to include user groups, the airport operator, community groups, and business groups.
The review aimed to evaluate existing planning documents and develop scenarios that balance operational feasibility, community needs and expectations, with economic considerations. This process was critical to restoring trust so that any future development aligns with regional priorities and community aspirations.