A Te Anau Basin Development Plan (TABDP) that will enhance the area including supporting Te Anau's growth as a Fiordland hub and standalone destination is one step closer, following the appointment of New Zealand consultancy firm WSP NZ Ltd.

The plan promises to consider a wide range of factors, including the areas accommodation, service facilities, infrastructure location, recreational activities, roads, car parks, footpaths, cycleways, walking tracks, open spaces, beautification and improved CBD opportunities, as well as costings.

It is also expected to help align the Fiordland Community Board Plan with the newly developed Milford Opportunities Project Masterplan.

Fiordland Community Board chair Diane Holmes said a new development plan was due and would form the guiding principles around how and where the community wants to grow.

Things up for discussion would include how the Town Centre and lake front looked, where retail, commercial and industrial operations would expand to and the zoning changes required, she said.

It would also look at connectivity of multi-use walking and cycle trails, she said.

Southland District Council (SDC) councilor Sarah Greaney, who chairs the Te Anau Manapouri Airport review committee, said both the TABDP and the airport review would help inform the SDC long-term plan.

A draft TABDP is expected in September 2023 while the completed airport review is due to be presented to the full SDC council on 1st October.

Greaney said while both reports had similar timeframes, in terms of execution, the TABDP was probably a bigger picture, longer term outcome.

The first TABDP advisory group meeting will be held in Te Anau on Tuesday (4 Jul).

A series of TABDP engagement events and activities would then follow and include mana whenua, residents and ratepayers.