Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is calling on the community to get involved in a draft Tree Succession Plan for Eely Point in Wānaka, to protect this popular local spot and create a resilient and diverse environment for future generations to enjoy.

QLDC Parks Manager, Dave Winterburn said the draft plan for Eely Point takes a long-term view over 60 years to manage ageing and invasive wilding pines in the reserve and self-seeded willows and poplars growing in the shallows of the lake nearby, and how native and suitable exotic trees would be added in the area.

“Approximately 25% of the reserve is made up of wilding conifers, and as these trees grow older and near the end of their lives, we need to ensure we’re protecting Eely Point and taking the appropriate steps to create a more sustainable and resilient public space,” said Mr Winterburn.

“Our intended approach looks at slowly removing these invasive trees in stages across multiple zones, to ensure new trees and plants introduced in the area have time to adapt to the windy environment.”

Much like in Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens, wilding conifers within Eely Point play a crucial role in acting as a windbreak and help to shield this public space from wild weather, but their invasive nature and advancing age pose a range of environmental threats.

The dense canopy of these trees blocks sunlight and reduces native flora and fauna, they drop needle litter that results in poor soil health, and their location on a peninsula next to Lake Wānaka creates a significant seed spread risk for surrounding areas.

Pioneer species like grasses, ferns, and mānuka are proposed to be used to restore soil structure and support the growth of future planting, followed by native trees like kānuka, kōwhai, beech, and southern rātā to provide additional wind shelter as quickly as possible while creating new wildlife habitat.

Carefully selected exotic species that are tall, fast-growing, and non-invasive would also be planted to further protect the wider area from wind, creating a new functional but less intrusive shelter.

Mr Winterburn acknowledged that Eely Point’s current look and feel was loved by many in the community and potential changes may lead to some apprehension, but emphasised the area needed a plan to manage wilding conifers before the end of their lives.

“Eely Point as a significant space enjoyed by locals and visitors all throughout the year, but its value to our community is best seen in summer as many use the reserve to play disc golf, enjoy a BBQ with friends, and lounge about by the water’s edge with the family,” said Mr Winterburn.

“Given Eely Point’s importance to Wānaka and the wider Upper Clutha, QLDC is encouraging regular users of this reserve, nearby residents, and visitors to check out the draft plan, come chat with staff at one of our drop-in sessions, and share feedback to protect the area for future generations.”

The draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan, a range of supporting material and a feedback form are available online at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/, and in QLDC’s office and library in Wānaka.

QLDC’s Parks team is hosting two community-drop in sessions at Eely Point up by the Coastguard building, from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Saturday 24 May, and 4.00pm to 6.00pm on Tuesday 27 May.

Feedback on the draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan closes on Sunday 8 June.

Once feedback has been gathered and reviewed, the Plan is expected to be presented to Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for adoption in July 2025.

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