The latest information on Council's purchase of Mount Iron land in Wānaka.
Welcome to a celebratory update on Queenstown Lakes District Council's purchase of nearly 100 hectares of land around Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron in Wānaka.
Mayor Glyn Lewers and Oscar Cleugh-Gibb cut the ribbon together to symbolise the milestone of Mount Iron becoming our newest public recreation reserve.
Celebrating Mount Iron Reserve milestone
A big thank you to everyone who was able to join us at the foot of Mount Iron on Saturday 27 May to celebrate the milestone of a much-loved landmark becoming our newest community reserve to be enjoyed for generations to come.
A fantastic turnout of over seventy people including local residents, Iwi, the Cleugh family, community groups, Department of Conservation, elected members and Queenstown Lakes District Council staff gathered together to mark the moment.
Local community gathers at the foot of Mount Iron to support the celebratory event.
Site being blessed by Justin Tipa, Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki and representative of Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua.
QLDC Community Services General Manager Ken Bailey (centre) shares some words along with Mayor Glyn Lewers (left), Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith (far right) and previous landowner Lynden Cleugh (right).
Success: Meet Mount Iron Recreation Reserve
We are delighted to confirm that Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has now issued a new property title for the 100 hectares of land around Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron in Wānaka, making our community the proud owners and guardians of this cherished local landmark.
Cleugh's, Iwi, elected members and QLDC staff with a newly unveiled Mount Iron sign.
Cleugh family members gather together following the ceremony.
Crowd mingles and enjoys light refreshments after the ribbon cutting.
What's next for Mount Iron?
Following a wonderful celebration ceremony, we plan to notify our intention to create a Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for Mount Iron and little Mount Iron this month.
RMPs work to provide for and ensure the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection, and preservation of reserves.
This is a critical step following settlement and it's important we hear from all different groups across the community about what they love about Mount Iron, how they would like to use it in the future and what they are keen to protect and maintain.
This feedback will guide the development of a RMP for this iconic landscape and support a shared vision for how the area can be used, preserved, managed and enjoyed.
There's a bit to do before we begin engaging with the community on an RMP. These include getting endorsement to proceed with an RMP from the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board and Full Council in their upcoming meetings in June.
We’ll share more about how we are tracking in the coming months and update you on when and how you can be involved.
Existing public access will continue while this work in underway and those exploring Mount Iron are asked to stick to the tracks and follow signage identifying privately owned property.
