Protect Ben Lomond Reserve: Stop Fast-Track Mega-Development on Ben Lomond & Bowen Peak
Sign & share the petition HERE.
The issue
A significant development is being proposed for Tāhuna (Queenstown) that threatens our environment, community voice, and cultural heritage. A fast-track consent has been sought for a large-scale cable railway (funicular) stretching from the One Mile roundabout up to Fernhill, Te-taumata-o-Hakitekura (Ben Lomond), and Bowen Peak.
This proposal includes:
A two-track funicular railway system, from One-Mile to Ben Lomond Saddle and from One-Mile to above Fernhill.
A 6-chair chairlift and new commercial ski field on Bowen Peak.
A new retail and hospitality complex including a 1500 person conference centre at the base terminal in One Mile Recreation Reserve.
250 unit chalet-style housing development above Fernhill, called Fernhill Heights Suburb.
This project is being advanced under the government’s controversial Fast-Track Approvals Bill, which allows major developments to bypass standard environmental assessments, public consultation, and even local council input. Decisions are made behind closed doors by a panel of three ministers, sidelining communities and iwi.
Why We Must Oppose This:
Environmental Impact: The development threatens the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Te-taumata-o-Hakitekura and Bowen Peak, areas vital for local biodiversity and outdoor recreation. Yes, there could be some upsides to potential pine removal, native replanting and pest-free areas. However, the overall impact of 250 chalets—likely to be second homes or visitor accom—and extensive infrastructure for the funicular (that are both unlikely to be affordable for locals), an additional stress on the Reserve with skyrocketing visitor numbers, plus the insanity of a ski/bike resort in a changing climate with trends towards shorter winters and reduction in snowfall over the longterm, seems short sighted. We believe in human powered recreation and improving public transport and local infrastructure first, and looking at other solutions to the wilding pine and pest problems in the basin.
Cultural Significance: Te-Taumata-o-Hakitekura (Ben Lomond) and Bowen Peak sit within the rohe of seven Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka. These are not just landscapes, they are ancestral places of deep cultural, spiritual, and historic significance. As a community group, we do not speak on behalf of Kāi Tahu. But we acknowledge their whakapapa, their role as the mana whenua, and the importance of their leadership in decisions about this whenua. The fast-track process raises serious concerns about whether mana whenua have been genuinely involved. It risks bypassing those with ancestral ties to these mountains. We stand in support of Kāi Tahu having a central role in this kōrero. Any development here must uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Ngāi Tahu Settlement Act, and respect the kaitiakitaka of mana whenua, which cannot occur without meaningful engagement.**
Undemocratic Process: The Fast-Track Approvals Act undermines our community's ability to participate in decisions that affect our environment and way of life. Everything has nuance, including this proposal. However, it’s our belief that the lack of community consultation or even basic awareness of such a large development isn’t respectful to the people who live, work and recreate here, week in week out. We don’t want to become another Aspen.
Precedent for Future Developments: Allowing this project to proceed without proper scrutiny sets a dangerous precedent for future developments that could further erode our environmental protections and community rights.
Join Us in Taking Action
We urge all residents, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens to stand against this proposal*. By signing this petition, you are voicing your opposition to the fast-tracked cable railway project and advocating for transparent, inclusive decision-making processes that respect our environment, cultural heritage, and community.
Let’s preserve the natural beauty, cultural significance, and democratic integrity of Tāhuna for future generations.
Who We Are
We are mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and families. We are mana whenua and manuhiri. We are locals who use and treasure Te-taumata-o-Hakitekura for recreation, nature connection, and wellbeing. We believe the maunga and ngahere (mountains and forests) around Tāhuna are not just backdrops to development—but vital, living taonga that should be protected.
Sign & share the petition HERE.
*Petitions will be used in submissions to individuals connected to the fast track process.
**Written in conjunction with local Ngāi Tahu.