Divisions within the Wanaka Anglican Church have surfaced at the resource consent hearing of an application to build a community house on church land in McDougall St.
The application by the Wanaka Community House Charitable Trust is being heard by independent commissioners Andrew Henderson and Jane Taylor.
Lay minister Michael Horder told the hearing St Columba Church "regulars'' had felt a need for the church "to become more outward, more community focused in its ministry''.
The church was "in full support'' of the resource consent application being made by the Wanaka Community House Trust, Mr Horder said.
However, he acknowledged a "small minority'' within the church was against it and "reconciliation effort on the part of the majority has proved fruitless''.
Parishioner Lesley Burdon told the hearing the "small group'' within the church was the one driving the community house proposal.
While she was not against a community house, she believed there was a more appropriate site than the vacant church land zoned low-density residential.
"I consider this application a blatant breach of the district plan.
"The adverse effect of the proposed build will definitely be unacceptable in this zone.''
Mrs Burdon said those in the church against the community house being on the church land had been subject to "intimidation and straight out bullying''.
"Many parishioners were made to feel extremely uncomfortable and humiliated on many occasions.
"It's been relentless and has spoilt dialogue that needs to take place.''
Church member Peter Southwick spoke in favour of the community house on the church site, describing those parishioners against the project as "a tiny vocal minority''.
"This group must be seen for what it really is, which is a small, selfish, destructive group.''
"These parishioners have strayed far from Christ's teaching of love and compassion for your fellow man.''
Mr Southwick was also critical of the Alpine Community Development Trust which trades as Community Networks and provides many of the Upper Clutha's social services.
It has indicated it does not want to be the "anchor tenant'' in the building, favours a community house on a site in the CBD built by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and called for the resource consent application for the church site to be withdrawn.
Mr Southwick said the Alpine Trust had lost its way and he suggested its Community Networks organisation could itself be in jeopardy if it did not get involved in the project on the church site.
"If Community Networks do not embrace and become part of the community house they will ultimately cease to exist as an organisation, with their role transferring to the community house and its management.''
He described as "utter nonsense'' the idea of a community house in Ardmore St.
Alpine Trust deputy chairwoman Margaret West told the hearing there was the potential for Community Networks to be a tenant in the community house, if it was built, but not as a "lead tenant''.
The two daughters of the resident nearest the proposed building, 85-year-old June Hyde, spoke against the proposal.
Barbara Hyde said she and her mother were members of the church and the proposal had caused a "deep rift'' in the congregation.
Ms Hyde was concerned a proposed courtyard would affect her mother's privacy, and that there would be noise and traffic issues.
"The scope and intended use of the community house is not in harmony with the needs of residents living in a low-density residential zone.''
Jane Hyde said her mother had been subjected to "unpleasantness'' from those in favour of the community house.
"I am sure we will be accused of nimbyism.
"So be it.
"That is exactly what I am saying: ‘not in my backyard, thanks'.''
