The wider Upper Clutha community is being encouraged to share their views on the future of Wānaka Airport — but one group says those in Queenstown appear to be pre-determining the outcome.
The consultation is being led by French engineering firm Egis on behalf of the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Last month, the Wānaka Stakeholders Group launched its own proposal for the airport, advocating for a development model centred on strong local input.
The group is pushing for a plan that reflects the interests of the entire Upper Clutha region, emphasising community involvement in governance, management, accountability, and investment decisions.
The public consultation is seen as a critical opportunity for residents to shape the future direction of the regional airport.
Group chairwoman Meg Taylor said the council was proceeding with a "dual process" — an application for qualifying aerodrome certification and a Wānaka Airport future review, both to be completed by 2027.
"While it would be nice to think that this is simply a matter of ensuring much-needed upgrades to the aerodrome, the narrative around this project is murky.
"What does concern us is that while safety and efficiency is an important consideration, council and Queenstown Airport Corporation have been consistently working to expand the airport and enable increased commercial flights ahead of consultation with the public and before the Wanaka Airport future review."
Ms Taylor said the council was asking the Upper Clutha community what it wanted to happen at the airport, but risked pre-determining that outcome.
The stakeholder group said the airport already has a strong community and would not want to lose that. It has supported commercial aviation such as tourism and agriculture, as well as general aviation for private pilots.
The group said people wanted Wanaka Airport to avoid "growth-at-any-cost and over-tourism".
This review will explore the airport’s long-term role, its economic impact and its integration into New Zealand’s broader aeronautical network.
Following the first round of engagement, Egis will develop several possible scenarios for the airport. There will then be a second round of engagement in early August.
Two in-person community sessions will take place — today at Studio Space, Paetara Aspiring Central from 4pm-7pm and tomorrow between 9am and 11am at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.
