'Log cabin' removal repercussions argued

The loss of the long-established ''log cabin'' from Wanaka's waterfront would also mean losing the lake's ''de facto lifeguard'', lawyer Graeme Todd told the draft Wanaka lakefront reserves management plan hearing yesterday.

Mr Todd was representing Simon Stewart, of Lakeland Adventures, which operates from the wooden building (pictured) in the Roys Bay Reserve.

The draft plan contemplates the removal of the log cabin when Lakeland's lease of the reserve land on which the building sits expires in mid-2017. The log cabin was the ''focal point'' of Mr Stewart's business, which regularly helped the community by providing lake search and rescue support, rescuing boats in difficulty and responding to several near-drownings.

• Committe offended by bias claims ... 

The building and business also facilitated recreational access to the lake which was a key objective of the management plan, Mr Todd said.

Mr Stewart said the log cabin was only 17 years old with a building certificate for at least 50 years and the suggestion to move it was ''nuts'' but he was not opposed to a possible replacement building.

Others supporting retention of the log cabin included Loris King. Wanaka River Journeys co-owner Brent Pihama favoured its removal, while Chris and Rebecca Thornton, of Wanaka Kayaks, suggested an upgrade was necessary.