The company which produces graphics for the America's Cup has been brought in to create a virtual representation of a proposed community watersports facility on Wanaka's lakefront.
Those behind the facility have commissioned Ian Taylor, of Dunedin-based virtual-reality specialist Animation Research Ltd (ARL), to create an animated ''flyover'' of the building.
Wanaka Watersports Facility building committee chairman Michael Sidey said it would allow the public to gain a realistic appreciation of the project.
''It will show them what it will supposedly look like if the current plan is taken on board.''
In September, the committee went public with its plans for the lakefront building, a joint initiative of the Wanaka Rowing Club, Wanaka Lake Swimmers Club and local multisport and kayaking fraternities.
If approved, the shared facility would be a single-storey, 420sq m building, located in front of two prominent Redwood trees on the lakefront at the western end of Roys Bay.
Mr Sidey said the committee's intention was to run a public awareness programme for the project once the draft Wanaka Lakeshore Management Plan was released for consultation.
The committee would hold a public meeting to present its plans, including the ARL animation, and make itself available to talk with interested local groups such as the Guardians of Lake Wanaka, Rotary and others.
''The better informed people are the more likely they are to make a decision in our favour ... it's a big thing for Wanaka to build this sort of thing on the lake.''
The project evolved from the rowing club's struggle to find a suitable site for a boat shed next to Lake Wanaka which would meet its requirements and gain approval from the community.
Mr Sidey said much of the work on the project to date had been provided pro bono, but the committee was also in discussions with various individuals regarding funding for other costs such as the ARL-produced animation.
The committee is in the process of applying for charitable status. The original trustees are Mr Sidey, Nic Blennerhassett and Mick Hollyer. Two additional trustees will be appointed from the committee.
