The new mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking residents what matters most to them and their communities.

Early insights gathered will be used to develop a draft Long Term Plan (LTP) 2027-2037 and help inform the council’s decision-making.

“Many of us who were elected as your representatives in October heard loud and clearly that we need to reduce costs, make your money go further and deliver on your priorities,” mayor John Glover said. 

“So now is the time, as we start foundational work on our spending plans for the next 10 years, for you to help us prioritise what we do.”

Members of the community have until February 8 to provide early input on the next LTP. PHOTO: Wānaka App

The LTP sets the direction of the council for the next ten years, providing a long-term focus on how it will deliver local infrastructure, facilities and services for the district.

A combination of reforms, continued high growth, and potential rate caps are putting more pressure than ever on council budgets and its ability to deliver the infrastructure and services the community expects, a statement from QLDC said.

To get the conversation started, the community is invited to respond to a range of questions online, including:

• What are the top priorities you think council should focus spending money on?
• If you want council to reduce spending, what do you think we should spend less money on?
• What do you think the district’s main opportunities are in the next 10 years?
• What do you think the district’s main challenges are in the next 10 years?

Answers will help council prioritise the basics first and ensure spending is allocated where it is needed most.

“We’d love to hear your thoughts and the answers to some simple questions to make sure that we support the outcomes that are most important to you,” John said.

Early insights can be shared on QLDC’s consultation and engagement website through to Sunday February 8.

Feedback will be reviewed and shared with councillors at a workshop on February 17.