Injunction sought over public access

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is defending the right to publicly access a road
leading to the northwest shore of Lake Hawea, QLDC chief executive Debra Lawson said.

On Monday the access known as Meads Road - which leads to Kidds Bush Reserve, a
popular Department of Conservation camping area - was blocked with a barrier gate.

The road is accessed off the state highway at The Neck (between Lake Hawea and
Wanaka).

“The barrier has been placed across the road and indicates the road is closed for lambing
and calving,” Ms Lawson said.

The Council is seeking an injunction from the High Court to have the barrier removed; the
defendant is named as Hunter Valley Station Limited.

“We have been working with the station on this matter and put them on notice that blocking
the road would lead to legal action on our part. It is regrettable that we are now forced to
have this matter play out in the courts,” she said.

The Council had maintained the road from public funds since early 1960’s and generations
of locals had enjoyed accessing, fishing and camping at the spot.

“We intend to protect the community’s ‘right of passage’ to this beautiful and special location
she said.