Council wants kayaks gone from lakeside reserve in Wānaka

Notices have been taped to boats and kayaks left on council reserve land in Wānaka in response to complaints about the increasing number of vessels being left lakeside.

Crux has been told of close to 15 vessels visible from the track adjacent to the Edgewater Hotel.

Queenstown Lakes District Council parks manager Dave Winterburn says the council has been receiving complaints from members of the public about the "large number of boats and kayaks" being left near Morrows Mead.

The council says it's receiving complaints about the number of boats and kayaks left on public lakeside reserve land in Wānaka (Image: Supplied/Lauren Pattemore).

"Some are in poor condition and seemingly unused for some time," he says.

Now the council is seeking to connect with their owners.

"We’re keen to contact the owners of these vessels to find out which are still in use – and effectively being stored on the reserve – and which, if any, have been abandoned," Mr Winterburn says.

The notices stuck to the vessels are requesting owners remove them from the reserve by Saturday, November 23, and to contact the council with any questions or if they cannot do what is being asked in the timeframe.

"Any which we’re told are abandoned, or which aren’t removed from the reserve by this date, will initially be moved to a single location so they’re not scattered throughout the reserve over the busy summer period," Mr Winterburn says.

"We’ll then assess next steps which may result in any unclaimed vessels being disposed of."

The action being taken by the council is directed by the Reserves Act, which the council has a legal obligation to enforce, Mr Winterburn says.

"Our aim is to make sure public reserves like this one are kept clear and used appropriately so they’re safe and available for everyone in the community to enjoy."

Main image (Supplied/Lauren Pattemore): Kayaks in seemingly good condition rest beside Lake Wānaka.