Community members say recent comments from the owners of the proposed Super Liquor in Lake Hāwea reflect how out of touch the franchise is with modern understanding of alcohol harm and community wellbeing.

In an article published over the weekend, franchise owner Glen Christiansen said he was “surprised” by the level of opposition to his proposed Lake Hāwea store, and pointed out that no one objected when he opened a Super Liquor in Cromwell in the 1980s.

“Back then, we didn’t have the kind of research and evidence we have now about the impacts of alcohol availability and marketing on communities,” said Lake Hāwea Voices spokeswoman Lisa Riley.
“We also didn’t have the understanding we now do about how proximity to alcohol outlets affects drinking behaviour, youth access, and family violence rates. Our opposition today is based on evidence, not emotion.”

More than 530 objections were lodged to the application — an unprecedented number for a township of just over 2,000 people. The objections cite concerns about location, cumulative alcohol availability, proximity to a playground and school bus stop, and the impact of high-visibility alcohol marketing at the entrance to a family neighbourhood.

Riley said that while Mr Christiansen characterised the community’s concerns as “surprising,” the evidence paints a very different picture.

“How could anyone be surprised after more than five hundred formal objections were lodged?” she said.
“This isn’t about being anti-business — it’s about recognising that alcohol is no ordinary commodity. Lake Hāwea already has four other off-licence venues. Adding a large, drive-through chain store at the gateway to a residential subdivision is inconsistent with modern planning for community health and safety.”
“We can welcome enterprise and still follow the intent of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, which requires that we minimise harm. Responsible business and community wellbeing are not mutually exclusive.”

Communities Against Alcohol Harm secretary Dr Grant Hewison said:

“The law is clear — licensing decisions must take into account amenity, good order, and the risk of alcohol-related harm. There is now extensive national and international research showing that increasing outlet density leads directly to more harm. It’s disappointing to see industry representatives still dismissing community voices as ‘emotive’ when they are simply applying the law as it stands.”

Local resident André Meyer, who reviewed company records, noted that none of the store owners actually live in Lake Hāwea — despite Super Liquor’s chief executive describing the franchisees as “local” in the media.

“That claim is simply not accurate,” Meyer said. “The nearest shareholder is 60 kilometres away, and others are based as far away as Dunedin and Auckland. To call them ‘local’ misrepresents the situation.
By contrast, those who submitted objections are people who live, work, or raise families here, including individuals in recovery who know firsthand what easy access to alcohol can mean.”

Riley said community members have been heartened by the depth and quality of evidence being presented ahead of the November hearing in Wānaka.
“We’ve seen extraordinary courage from residents, including people who have shared deeply personal stories of harm. That’s not division — that’s community accountability and care,” she said.
“The discussion we need is about how to design a healthy, safe future for Lake Hāwea — not how to normalise alcohol at the school bus stop.”

The District Licensing Committee hearing will take place 12–14 November 2025 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

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