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About 50 residents attend community meeting to discuss the future of the historic site and agree on key priorities for its protection and use.
The Akaroa community has demonstrated strong interest in the future of the BP Meats site, with more than 50 people attending a community-hosted meeting at Akaroa Trinity Church Hall at 2 pm on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
The turnout was particularly encouraging for a town with a resident population of just over 700. The organising committee also received a number of apologies from community members who were unable to attend due to the school holidays.
The meeting brought together residents and local elected representatives to discuss the history of the site, how the land was acquired through a targeted rate paid by the community over more than 25 years, and how it subsequently came under Christchurch City Council ownership following Banks Peninsula District Council amalgamation with Christchurch City Council.
Presentations covered the historical consultation processes, past community aspirations for the site, and feedback from an earlier community meeting held at the Gaiety Hall, which attracted more than 70 residents.
The discussion was facilitated by Dr David Miller, Ombudsman and long-term Banks Peninsula resident. Following the presentations, participants took part in an extended question-and-answer session with the presenters and local elected members, providing an opportunity to raise questions, share perspectives and discuss possible ways forward.
Community agrees on four key priorities
Following detailed discussion and the recording of participants’ feedback, the meeting identified four key priorities for the future of the BP Meats site:
- Retain the site in public ownership. Explore a suitable community-focused ownership and governance arrangement, such as a charitable trust, to oversee the site’s future use and management.
- Develop a town plan for Akaroa. Establish a broader vision for the town’s future that considers its heritage, community needs, public spaces and long-term development.
- Retain and restore the butcher’s shop and annex. Maintain these historic buildings and bring them up to the required building standards and code requirements.
- Create an accessible outdoor community space. Develop the BPMeats site with landscaping, picnic seating and opportunities for multicultural community use, alongside interpretation panels explaining the site’s heritage and history.
These priorities reflect the importance participants placed on retaining the site’s public value, recognising its history and ensuring that its future use benefits the wider Akaroa community.
What’s next? Join the community BBQ/Picnic at the BP Meats site
Building on the strong interest shown at the meeting, the organising committee is inviting residents, families, older people, visitors and other interested community members to a follow-up gathering at the BP Meats site.
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Time: 5 pm
Location: BP Meats site (67 Rue Lavaud), Akaroa
The gathering will take the form of a relaxed community picnic, with food and drinks provided by the community. It will also be an opportunity to experience the site together, discuss its potential and explore possibilities for future community involvement, including a working bee.
Everyone is welcome to attend, share ideas and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of this important community asset.
How you can get involved/sponsor
The organising committee welcomes anyone interested in supporting the event or contributing to the future of the site.
If you have questions, would like to get involved, or are interested in sponsoring the gathering, please contact a member of the organising committee. Community support and sponsorship will help make the event possible.
Organising committee contacts:
- Harry Stronach harry@stronach.co.nz
- Linda Sunderland lindasunderland07@gmail.com
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, shared their views and contributed to this important community discussion. The strong turnout demonstrates the value of working together to shape a future for the BP Meats site that respects its history and serves the needs of Akaroa.
Thanks
Harry Stronach
President, Akaroa Ratepayers and Residents Association
