Motueka High School principal Lex Davis says he is worried by a proposal to open a new liquor store on a prominent High Street corner, describing its proximity to the school as a "real concern".
The licence application shows the new business will operate as part of The Bottle-O franchise at Unit 2, 296 High Street, next to McDonald's and in the current premises of Motueka Community Store. The site, on the corner of High and Whakarewa Streets, is about 500m from the school.
Lex says the school will be formally objecting to the application and is encouraging others in the community to do the same.
"It's close. It's a block away," he says. "The majority of our kids will walk past it, to our school gate, and it's next to McDonald's. It's a real high-frequency spot for our kids."
The Guardian understands the site owner lives in Christchurch, while the applicant, Motueka Liquormart Limited, has a registered office address in Palmerston North.
Lex, who took over from former principal John Prestige at the start of 2026, says there are already several off-licences in Motueka, with the nearest about two blocks from the school gates.
"I feel that our community is served competitively."
Motueka currently has three liquor stores, and the town’s two supermarkets are licenced to sell beer, cider and wine.
Lex says the school's senior health class has recently completed a unit covering alcohol, the harm it can cause and how people interact with it.
"It's a live topic and always is."
The change means Motueka Community Store will close towards the end of August after 10 years in business.
Because of ongoing sensitivities as the current lessee, the charity store's management declined to comment on the matter.
The application has been lodged with the District Licensing Committee in Richmond and is open for objections until Monday, 10 August. There is no provision for supporting the application in the liquor licencing process.
