Published on 09 December 2025
Lease expired in July 2025, and is not renewed as part of Council’s cost-saving efforts.
The Waitaki District Council today declined to renew the lease of land owned by Oamaru Squash and Badminton Club and Otago Scottish Society between Tees and Tyne Street.
This land had been used as a free car-park by locals and tourists for decades, under a leasing arrangement between Council and the two landowners.
The previous Mayor and Councillors decided not to renew the lease in July 2025, as it sought cost-savings in the Long Term Plan 2025 – 2034.
Council officers were asked to explore alternative ways to provide parking on that land which reduced the cost to the ratepayer.
A proposal for renewal involved a leasing fee of $20,071 split between the two landowners. This would have been recouped by installing paid parking meters on the site, so the revenue from users could offset the leasing fee paid by ratepayers.
However, Council resolved to not renew the lease. The site will return to the Oamaru Squash and Badminton Club and Oamaru Scottish Society for their management.
It will no longer be considered as a free parking area managed by Waitaki District Council. All parking signage will be removed shortly.
ENDS
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