Call for new sports fields

The Upper Clutha A and P Society wants to secure the future of its annual show at its traditional home on the Wanaka showgrounds, the huge crowd at the event heard on Saturday.

Society president Phill Hunt delivered the message during his opening speech before the A and P Show's grand parade.

He called for the Queenstown Lakes District Council to develop new facilities for a proposed sports ground and stadium facility in Wanaka.

The council needed to consider expanding facilities for sports field developments in Wanaka, rather than overcrowding "leisure facilities" into the town's existing venues.

The society was prepared to work in conjunction with the council once a decision was made about how Wanaka's sports fields facilities would progress and any location, Mr Hunt said.