Community input sought for Widgeon Park concept plan

How would you like to use and enjoy Widgeon Park? That’s what Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking the community with the release of a draft concept development plan for Widgeon Park. The park is a public reserve located on the lower river terrace of the Kawarau River, sitting alongside the Queenstown suburb of Lake Hayes Estate.

QLDC Community Services General Manager Kenneth Bailey said the Council’s Parks Team encouraged residents, especially those based in the local area, to check out the proposed development plan and share their feedback.

“Widgeon Park Reserve is an expansive, mostly flat open grassland that provides accessible spaces for recreation for the residential neighbourhoods of Lake Hayes Estate, Bridesdale and Shotover Country.”

“We’re keen to hear if the community support this draft plan which shows a long-term vision of the area that builds on existing uses and aims to enhance the local residents experience of the reserve,” Mr Bailey said.

QLDC Parks and Reserves Planner Dom Harrison highlighted some of the qualities that make this area unique and the potential Widgeon Park has to offer the local community.

“The reserve currently provides access to the Kawarau River with popular swimming holes in summer. It also connects to the well-loved Twin Rivers Trail, part of the Great Rides network which enables key recreational and commuting opportunities,” said Mr Harrison. 

“The plan aims to provide greater community connection to the park with improved access and trail networks. It looks to offer a variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. It also focuses on enhancing biodiversity with further planting and pest control, while protecting the unique natural and rural open space character of the reserve.”

All are invited to come along to chat with the Parks team at a drop-in session held on Thursday 28 August between 6.00pm – 8.00pm at the Shotover Primary School Library in Shotover Country.

View the draft plan and share feedback by Sunday 14 September at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz

Once public engagement closes, changes will be incorporated into the draft concept plan based on community feedback. The final plan will then be presented to the Community & Services Committee to consider recommending the plan to Full Council for adoption in early 2026.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

• A development plan is a landscape concept that details a spatial layout of a reserve and maps how an area can be used by the community while protecting and enhancing its natural and cultural values.

• The 29.4 hectare reserve is mostly open grassland with pockets of exotic woodland near the Kawarau River and a large section that is currently leased for grazing. It contains informal walking and cycling trails, a gravel car park and connects to the popular Twin Rivers Trail. The Bridesdale Bush Trust area has undertaken intensive community restoration plantings in recent years which has added value to the space.