Nik Kiddle

What is your position on intensification in the Lake Hayes catchment area?

I understand that water quality provisions in the district plan restrict subdivision and development in the catchment area unless it can contribute to water quality improvements. Restoration of a high quality natural environment must not be undermined by building intensification in the catchment area.

Do you consider the current Coronet Village Fast-Track application that includes 780 residences positive or negative? Why do you say that?

As a point of principle I am not in favour of carpeting our rural landscape with subdivisions. So I am negatively disposed to a large housing component in the proposed Coronet project because it risks damaging the valley's outstanding natural landscape.  Note that the withdrawal of major partners has cast doubt on its vision, viability and potential scope.  

What infrastructure would you like to see in place to address our traffic and sewerage issues in Queenstown? Please provide specific examples.

New mass rapid transport systems should complement the current upgrade of bus service lanes, with MRT options taking in water based, land based and perhaps ariel alternatives. These may include gondola lines, light rail, fast ferries, new bridges (Kawarau at Boyds Road and Shotover at Arthurs Point. We could also consider a dual carriageway one way loop road heading west from the Terrace Junction roundabout to Queenstown along Frankton Road, returning east bound along Gorge Road and Malaghans Road. The council’s regional deals document mentions congestion charging, possibly coupled with number plate recognition for 2 tier pricing – locals and visitors.

Major upgrades are underway on sewage treatment throughout the district. In Queenstown, these include converting biological and aerated pond treatment processes to modern activated sludge treatments. New clarifier and reactor tank installation will double the capacity of the Shotover wastewater treatment plant. Drum screens and UV treatment will complete the upgrade to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and capacity to meet new demand.

These upgrades are forecast to be complete by the end of 2025, allowing for the decommissioning of the oxidation ponds.