Ayrburn's neighbours declare war on film studio plan

By Amanda Robertshawe.

2025 will be remembered as the year the Fast Track Approvals Act bulldozed its way across Central Otago, Wānaka and the Wakatipu Basin, unsettling local residents including those living adjacent to the Screen Hub and Accommodation proposal at Ayrburn.

In the real estate world, a Speargrass Flat Road address is synonymous with privacy, a tranquil lifestyle in a rural setting, and spectacular mountain scenery.

However, after several years of construction disturbance from Ayrburn, noise from its hospitality venues and open air events, as well as having to mount challenges to various attempts at residential development, the neighbours say their quality of life is under threat.

On May 11^th, Waterfall Park Development Ltd’s application for a Screen Hub, complete with 201 accommodation units, was referred by the Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Bishop, to the Fast Track Approvals process.