Work begins on Wānaka Airport Master Plan

Work to develop a Master Plan for Wānaka Airport is underway, with specialist advisors appointed to support Queenstown Lakes District Council’s project team.

The Master Plan builds on the independent Future Review of Wānaka Airport completed in 2025, which attracted more than 1,100 submissions and extensive community engagement. Following consideration of community feedback and supporting technical and economic analysis, Council adopted Scenario 3 at its May 2026 meeting as the future strategic direction for Wānaka Airport and the basis for development of the Master Plan.

The Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee (WALC) has begun its role as the programme’s community reference group, providing feedback on emerging issues, opportunities and draft outputs as the Master Plan develops.

Council recently approved changes to WALC’s membership and Terms of Reference to support this role, including the appointment of Councillor Cody Tucker and an independent technical expert with airport operations and master planning experience.

Aviation consultants Egis will continue to provide specialist advice throughout the planning process, ensuring continuity between the Future Review, Council’s adopted direction and preparation of the Master Plan.

QLDC Programme Director, Special Projects, Paul Speedy says the WALC Steering Group meetings will support the development of the Master Plan. “WALC’s role as the programme’s community reference group is to bring community perspectives into development of the Master Plan. These informal working sessions will allow members to test ideas, ask questions and provide feedback before recommendations are presented to Council through the formal decision-making process.”

WALC will not make decisions on the Master Plan. Formal decisions remain with the full Council and will continue to be made in public through the usual Council process and public consultation.

“The wider community will have an opportunity to have its say,” says Mr Speedy. “Once a draft Master Plan is ready, Council will be asked to approve it for public consultation before making any decisions on a final plan.”

What happens next

Technical investigations and targeted engagement with aviation operators and other interested parties will continue as the Master Plan is developed.

Elected members will be engaged as the work progresses before a draft Master Plan is prepared.

The draft Master Plan is expected to be presented to Council in 2027. If approved for consultation, the wider community will have an opportunity to provide feedback before Council considers adoption of a final Master Plan.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

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

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-projects/wanaka-airport-future-review