PHOTO: ODT FILESHomeowners in one of New Zealand’s most expensive streets are up in arms over plans for a multimillion-dollar Queenstown film production facility they say will spoil their pristine views. It proposes construction and operation of a film and television production facility, including studios, more than 200 worker accommodation units, and supporting facilities and amenities. The site for the proposed facility between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes has been described by its developer, Chris Meehan, as "the best part of the most expensive street" in New Zealand. Many of the directly neighbouring properties on Speargrass Flat Rd are estimated to be worth more than $5 million. It also noted the proposal was considered "inconsistent" with the intended rural open character and spatial logic for the surrounding area as zoned.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 28, 2025 15:31 UTC