The Dalefield man behind a proposed taramea - or speargrass - perfumery hopes it may entice visitors to Queenstown with a "reputation and romance" similar to that of the wine industry.
So said Queenstown resident Michael Sly in his submission to commissioners at the resource consent hearing for the proposal at the Crowne Plaza recently.
Taramea Trust, of which Mr Sly is part, applied for consent to make additions to its winery, establishing a perfumery and showroom.
The trust proposes to grow the plants on the 16ha Speargrass Flat Rd block and create the fragrance on-site, and have a "small boutique-type showroom".
Mr Sly, who has his own design and harakeke (New Zealand flax) textile manufacturing businesses, noticed the plant's "unique fragrance" while investigating its potential use in floristry and saw the potential to use it in creating a distinctly New Zealand perfume.
"I wish to further enhance and develop our Queenstown brand by creating a boutique fragrance industry that is unique to Queenstown and deeply connected to our region's past," Mr Sly said.
Proposed works include landscaping, 10 car parks, a 112sq m utility building and a 72sq m storage shed, plus a 513sq m manager's residence.
Just one submission was received, in opposition.
The commissioners adjourned the hearing to await more information from the applicant.
