Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust is seeking a further term of 33 years to be included in its lease of the 298ha reserve on the Pisa Range, taking its total possible term to 99 years.
The trust has also asked to be exempt from paying council rates, which are about $8000 per year.
The original lease signed in 2012 is for 33 years with one right of renewal for a further 33 years.
The trust bought the land from Mary and John Lee with a $530,000 grant from the council and grants from other charitable organisations.
The land is in the council’s name and is leased back to the trust.
A hearing on the proposal was held in Wanaka last week. Council staff have recommended the lease be extended and rates waived.
Wanaka Community Board chairwoman Rachel Brown and deputy chairman Quentin Smith will make a recommendation. Upper Clutha resident Jonathan Holmes submitted against the proposal.
In his submission, Mr Holmes said the trust should be held to the same community engagement and accountability standards as other organisations that have a lease agreement with the council. He proposed the council’s sport and recreation department should determine an appropriate governance and constitutional arrangement for Pact.
Ms Brown said she and Mr Smith would likely make a recommendation to the council this week. Further conditions could also be set as part of the lease, she said.
