QLDC considers Wānaka airport land purchase at emergency meeting

Crux has been told by a source that today’s emergency council meeting considered buying a considerable parcel of land at Wanaka airport, with a view to future expansion.

Council staff have refused to reveal any details but following Crux enquiries this afternoon we expect details to be released shortly.

Our information is that the land is the site of the Warbirds and Wheels Hangar and Café, and that an historic agreement gave QLDC first option to buy the land.

Both councillors Niki Gladding and Esther Whitehead voted against today’s council meeting being held in private with the public excluded.

They were outvoted and the council video stream was cut immediately after the vote.

Councillor Gladding commented late past night on social media:

“With a land sale there is always an element of commercial sensitivity, however I believe we could have and should have provided more information than "Potential land acquisition". I'm disappointed with the way this has been presented to ratepayers and with the way it's been brought to Councillors at the 11th hour... we were told about the meeting on Monday and received the Report on Tuesday afternoon.

The Meeting is for Wednesday at 1pm. A decision is required by Thursday. We had no idea this was coming.”

Crux will have further updates later this afternoon.