Queenstown Lakes has been experiencing heavy rain and strong winds across the district. Some roads remain closed due to flooding and slips. The QLDC Emergency Operations Centre is closely monitoring conditions alongside Otago Regional Council and Otago Emergency Management. See our Emergency Management webpage for more information (including a list of road closures) or follow along on our Facebook page.

Tree Operations

Current and previous tree operations happening around the district.

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Current operations

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Previous operations

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Current operations

Peninsula Bay Reserve – Late October 2025

We’ve partnered with Upper Clutha community groups to support the removal of a one-hectare stand of Douglas fir and radiata pine at Peninsula Bay Reserve. This work is part of a long-term ecological restoration initiative focused on controlling wilding conifers and enhancing biodiversity across the district.

Tree removal is scheduled to begin in the last week of October 2025 and will take approximately three to four weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Further information on our Council Projects webpage.

Previous operations

  • On Wednesday 15 October 2025 we be removed a willow tree from the Wānaka Lakefront due to it reaching its end of life. This followed an assessment to preserve the mature tree, and while we are always looking at ways to conserve trees on the lakefront, it was deemed not appropriate due to the state of decline.

    The wood was donated to local community groups to deliver to families in need. Two like-for-like replacement trees will be planted in Autumn 2026, to give them the greatest chance of success due to the foot traffic being very high during summer.

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  • A professional contractor carried out the removal of willow trees on the QLDC reserve adjacent to the Lake Hayes Pavilion in November 2024. This work is part of a native planting restoration plan for the area which aims to increase biodiversity and support the future water quality of Lake Hayes. 

    The willow trees were generally in poor health and at the end of their life expectancy.  The removal aligns with the QLDC Tree Policy 2024. 

    This area will be re-planted with native species in the autumn 2025 by the Rowing Club, who have already undertaken planting projects around this area. 

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