A proposed 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in Wānaka has sparked substantial opposition, with 339 out of 366 submissions to the Queenstown Lakes District Council opposing the fast-food chain’s arrival.
Local organisations like Wao Aotearoa Charitable Trust and Wastebusters told state media that the restaurant’s placement at a highly visible site near Mount Iron would clash with the natural aesthetics and community’s environmental values.
Concerns extend to waste management, with critics highlighting McDonald’s reliance on single-use packaging, which they say contradicts Wānaka’s commitment to a zero-waste, eco-friendly economy.
Supporters are few but have suggested conditions to address potential disruptions, such as limiting drive-thru hours to reduce traffic and noise. Some locals see a McDonald’s as a convenient addition that enhances food choices in town.
A council meeting set for November 25 will continue the debate as 106 people are booked to voice their opinions.
