Welcome to our latest newsletter about Mount Iron Recreation Reserve in Wānaka.

What’s the latest? 

We are pleased to share that a snapshot summary of the insights gathered through our early engagement is now available on the Mount Iron Let’s Talk project page. Check out the range of comments that came from our workshops and discussions with the community. You can also read through all the ideas shared on our online interactive map tool, letters from community groups and every piece of information gathered on ‘stickies’, in the raw data, available on Let’s Talk here

It’s evident through the feedback there is a great deal of knowledge about flora and fauna (and pests) in the community, and Mount Iron is valued for convenient access to outdoor exercise/wellness and views.

Thanks again to everyone who took part in this part of the process for the Mount Iron Draft Reserve Management Plan (RMP). Drafting the RMP is now underway and there will be future opportunities to read it and make formal submissions when it is shared for public consultation later this year.

Summer reserve closures on
Mount Iron

Thanks to everyone for their cooperation and not entering the Mount Iron Reserve during the part day closures implemented last week. These were triggered by fire indices reaching levels which trigger a closure under QLDC’s Wildfire Reserve Closure and Activity Management Protocols. Closing access means we can reduce the potential for a fire to happen, and ensure people are out of harm’s way in the event a fire does start.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions closely over summer and future closures may be needed if fire indices show an extreme risk of wildfires. 

A new web page has been set up to include the status of reserves and when a closure is put in place, along with some helpful FAQs and FENZ resources. QLDC will immediately notify the community when a reserve is closed through onsite signage, media release, social media, community txt alert, the QLDC website and direct communication to groups such as business chambers and regional tourism organisations.

Do take a moment to sign up for alerts if you haven’t already by heading to www.qldc.govt.nz/text-alerts and selecting either Queenstown or Wānaka as the location for reserve closures. 

Please note that council won’t be manning the entrance points to reserves during the closure periods and entering the reserve while it is closed will be at people’s own risk.

Are you a regular visitor to Mount Iron?

Update on Environmental Monitoring sensors

The environmental monitoring sensors are being installed this month and will be operational in late February 2024.  The environmental data from these sensors will provide reserve users with real-time information data on pollen count, air quality and weather conditions to help improve their recreational experience while using the while enjoying the area. Five pole-mounted environmental sensor units are to be installed around Mount Iron.

The information from the sensors will be available on an app to help people understand and adjust to changing conditions, and assist in early fire detection too.

Find out more about the project at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/major-projects/environmental-monitoring-system

Reminder: Don't cut vegetation on Mount Iron 

A friendly reminder to not cut down any vegetation in the reserve. Recently we have seen signs of vegetation removed near walking trails. If you see issues around the trails, please report this by submitting a ‘fix it’ request to QLDC using the Snap, Send, Solve app at Contact Us / Fix It - QLDC

Predator traps in place 

Latest on partnership with Department of Conservation 

Council is commencing a management agreement with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to manage the area in partnership until it is vested to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) as a recreation reserve. When the DOC land is vested to QLDC, the Reserve Management Plan policies that are developed will apply. Until then all the tracks and trails on Mount Iron are under DOC management. They’re responsible for keeping these routes maintained.

Under the management agreement, DOC will continue to undertake all statutory requirements e.g. Regional Pest Management Strategy requirements, activity permissions, easements, and commercial activities, as set out in Conservation Act, and QLDC will take on all day-to-day activities on the site e.g. signage, track maintenance, managing non-commercial use of the site including community fundraising activities. QLDC will also take on the maintenance of the car park infrastructure on DOC land.

Mount Iron: Park and Ride for the A&P Show

This March the A&P Show will be trialling the use of Mount Iron as a Park and Ride. The Park and Ride will be in the grass area at the bottom of Mount Iron alongside the Wānaka-Luggate Highway between Anderson Road and Three Parks. Access to the Mount Iron trails and the main carpark won’t be affected but expect the area to be a lot busier than normal.

Have a question or keen to find out more?

We’re happy to answer questions you may have about the Mount Iron Reserve Management Plan, and we’ve got an online Q&A portal available on our Let's Talk page. Check out the questions others have submitted and the answers, or ask your own question here. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can! 

For more details on this project, head to Let's Talk or the QLDC webpage.