The Wanaka Rowing Club is vowing to "be staunch" in its battle to obtain its preferred lakeside site for a clubhouse, despite concerns of Environment Court action and possible legal costs.
The club has set a deadline of September 30 to mediate with the Stoney Creek Action Group to see if differences can be narrowed down to specific issues for a future resource consent hearing.
The club will then formally apply next month for a 33-year lease over lakeside reserve at Stoney Creek after receiving approval from the Wanaka Community Board in July.
Board chairman Lyal Cocks has been trying to arrange a mediation workshop.
"My recommendation is if they are not willing to come [to a mediation meeting], go ahead with what the community board has recommended. You can modify your proposal based on submissions already received."
Because of the likely size of the club building - dictated by the length of rowing boats - it would not comply with district plan rules and would have to be notified for public submissions.
Among the things the club could consider were amending building plans and offering mitigation, such as planting more trees on the reserve, Cr Cocks said.
Club chairman Dave Varney said the club was at a crossroads and had been negotiating for more than four years for a site.
"The recent decision to allow us to apply for a lease is a major step forward. However, with the bureaucracy and public objection we are going to be in for a long, drawn-out process which is going to be a tiring time for those involved, without any guarantee of an outcome."
After listening to discussion about alternative sites, Mr Varney said: "Last committee meeting, we decided we would hold our ground, be staunch".
Secretary Marg Galloway agreed. "Be staunch. Someone will oppose, wherever we go. We are on to our sixth site," she said.
