32 | About four hectares will be subdivided into 33 sections, offering a rare chance for new builds in Manapouri. Lancewood Subdivision T T Kim Bowden “We felt the time was right to make it possible to welcome more people to the area to help support local businesses and maintain our thriving community.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A Southland couple has sliced off a corner of their Manapouri farm in hopes of giving the lakeside township room to grow – and flourish. When Wendy and Cam McDonald added on to their property more than 25 years ago, a section of it was already zoned for residential use. Even then, they understood it might one day be needed for more than just farming. Now, with Manapouri’s future in mind, they are opening the land to new development – on their own terms. “The land is on the edge of our farm,” Cam says. “But it’s also on the edge of Manapouri, and as sections in the village are scarce, we felt it was important to release the land to support sensible growth.” About four hectares will be subdivided into 33 sections, offering a rare chance for new builds in Manapouri. Locals welcome Manapouri development The McDonalds, who live on the 800-hectare farm alongside two more generations of their family, are managing the project themselves to ensure the planned residential development strengthens the township’s future without losing its character. The decision not to hand the reins to a developer wasn’t taken lightly. “We wanted to do it ourselves because we’re going to live here for the next number of generations,” Wendy says. “As local residents, we feel a sense of responsibility to both the area and to the community, so it’s important to us that this is done well.” They hope the conversion will help meet growing demand for residential and holiday homes, and, in turn, create new opportunities for local businesses as the population grows. “The village just needs some modest growth – a little more critical mass,” Cam says. “We felt the time was right to make it possible to welcome more people to the area to help support local businesses and maintain our thriving community.” Support for the subdivision, named Lancewood, has been strong among locals, many of whom share the desire for growth that avoids the “rampant” pace seen in places like Queenstown and Wānaka, Cam says. With Lake Manapouri – described by Wendy as “the most beautiful lake in the country” – still flying under the radar compared to some other southern tourist hotspots, Wendy and Cam are confident a carefully managed increase in resident and visitor populations can help secure Manapouri’s long-term vibrancy without overwhelming its small-town identity. Taking on the project has also required a degree of risk. “It’s sort of a brave move, I would have thought,” Cam says. “The cost to develop a section here in Manapouri is comparable to places like Wānaka, but the section price, and therefore returns, are more modest. But that reflects the quieter, less commercial nature of the area, which is exactly what makes it so special.” A third of the sections have already sold, and Cam and Wendy plan to complete the project by early next year, with civil works contractors having made an initial start and full-scale work scheduled to get underway in early spring. Sections range in size from 555sqm to 861sqm, and are being sold by PGG Wrightson Real Estate. p: 03 218 6179 e: Greg.Munro@mcp.co.nz w: www.mcp.co.nz Proudly supporting Lancewood Subdivision At McCulloch + Partners we are a local business run by local people. We pride ourselves on being friendly, accessible and experienced accounting specialists no matter the industry you’re in. Contact us to take advantage of our modern approach to accounting and business expertise. 03 249 9375 info@teanauearthworks.co.nz • Civil Contractors • Gravel & Topsoil Supplies • Site Works • Digger & Truck Hire • Driveways • Effluent Field Designs
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