7 Oct 2023

Skyline Gondola apologises for debris contributing to Queenstown flooding

10:08 am on 7 October 2023
Slip debris covers Reavers Lane in Queenstown after heavy rains.

Slip debris covers Reavers Lane in Queenstown after heavy rains. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Skyline Gondola believes debris from its worksite contributed to flooding on Reavers Lane last month, Queenstown Lakes District Council says.

Torrential rain flooded the street with shingle debris, forcing the evacuation of 41 residents in the dark.

Ten homes were later red-stickered and two yellow-stickered.

Mayor Glyn Lewers said Skyline Enterprises had apologised and would remove the remaining debris on its site above.

Damage seen on a red-stickered property in Queenstown's Reavers Lane on 23 September, 2023, after heavy rain battered the region earlier in the week.

Damage seen on a red-stickered property in Queenstown's Reavers Lane on 23 September Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull

Lewers said the destruction had caused distress and locals had a right to expect answers.

Further investigative actions were being discussed with the company.

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