Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) says it’s pleased with the level of interest in leasing sites around Lake Dunstan for new ventures, but the move continues to stir discussion locally. 

The Crown agency opened expressions of interest last month for four picnic-spot reserves - Lion’s Lookout, Devil’s Creek, Rocky Point and Jacksons - and says “several” submissions have already been received ahead of the October 10 deadline. 

LINZ head of Crown property Sonya Wikitera said the early response was encouraging. 

“We’re pleased with the strong level of interest this proposal has generated and that it’s sparked conversation within the community,” she said. 

“Submissions will be assessed against criteria including community benefit, tourism value, commercial uniqueness, environmental impact and recognition of local culture. Permanent structures will not be considered for these sites.” 

Sonya said LINZ had “engaged directly with several local organisations, including Central Otago District Council” before launching the process.  

“If any proposals are invited to submit a formal application, they will also be required to seek consents from the relevant councils.” 

She said revenue from any leases would go into a national kitty rather than being earmarked for Lake Dunstan. 

“Business operators will also contribute to the maintenance of the sites they use and are expected to support the local economy by encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more in the community.”  

The initiative has become a talking point with local body elections underway. 

Cromwell Community Board member Bob Scott, who is standing for a seat on Central Otago District Council, criticised what he believed was a lack of broader public consultation. 

“Did it not occur to them to ask the community whether they actually want to share their favourite picnic spots with burger vans, water activity hubs, outdoor cinemas and glamping sites?” he wrote on social media. 

“I don’t think [Lions Lookout] needs to be ‘jazzed up’. Surely locals and visitors should be allowed to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of these places.” 

Fellow community board member Wally Sanford, who is seeking re-election, said he saw merit in the move, which he thought was aimed at “offloading maintenance responsibility”. 

“Any expressions of interest may not necessarily be accepted and any proposed activities won’t necessarily claim exclusive use of the area,” he posted. 

“There is a lot of wasted space around the lake that needs to be tidied up so I’m not going to knock LINZ for trying something new.” 

Earlier this year, fencing costing $22,000 was installed at the four sites as well as at two other public rest spots adjacent to the lake near Bannockburn.

LINZ’s expression-of-interest process remains open for four more days. 

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