McDonald’s lodges fresh bid for Wānaka restaurant, this time without public input

Months after facing overwhelming community rejection, McDonald's is making another bid to establish its first restaurant in the scenic Wānaka region. This time, however, the fast-food giant is attempting to bypass public consultation – a stark contrast to its earlier approach that sparked fierce local opposition.

The proposed site, owned by Willowridge Developments, sits beside a BP service station and near Mitre 10 Mega. Plans show a retirement village already under construction to the west of the location. While detailed building designs remain under wraps, the application process differs significantly from the previous attempt that drew crowds to public meetings.

Local residents had previously voiced strong concerns about the impact on Wānaka's small-town character, traffic congestion, and environmental footprint. Those objections proved decisive in halting the initial proposal. McDonald's has not yet commented on why it's pursuing a non-public consultation route this time around.

Should this application succeed, Wānaka would gain its first McDonald's restaurant after years of debate. The proposal now rests with local authorities, who will evaluate the application without the same level of public engagement as before. For residents, the outcome could mean either welcomed convenience or another chapter in the ongoing battle to preserve the town's unique identity.

Read the full story at New Zealand Herald