McDonald’s wins approval for 24-hour Wanaka restaurant after fierce opposition
McDonald's has won approval to open a 24-hour restaurant and drive-through in Wanaka. The 450 square-metre outlet will sit in the Three Parks commercial precinct on Sir Tim Wallis Drive. The decision comes after strong opposition to an earlier proposal in a rural zone.
The fast-food chain first applied to build near Wanaka Airport in 2022. That plan faced fierce resistance, with nearly 93% of public submissions opposing it over concerns about visual impact, litter, and environmental harm. Local groups also highlighted worries about waste management.
Queenstown-Lakes deputy mayor Quentin Smith voiced particular concern about the potential for increased litter. The council ultimately rejected the rural site, prompting McDonald's to revise its plans.
This time, the company relocated the proposal to a commercial zone. The shift addressed many community objections, and the latest application was approved under the Resource Management Act without public notification. McDonald's now aims to open the new restaurant within the next 12 months.
The approved site at Three Parks avoids the rural zoning issues that blocked the first attempt. Waste management and litter control remain key considerations for the project. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the outlet set to operate around the clock once complete.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Life Expectancy Soars, But Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Pose Concern
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
