Queenstown Lakes residents will benefit from a national redeployment package which helps support those who have lost work by providing redeployment and retraining opportunities. 

The district has received $1.4M of funding from the $36.72M package, allocated to districts hardest hit by the economic effects of COVID-19.

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) recovery team will use the funding to help with community and economic recovery, council’s economic development manager Peter Harris said.

“The primary focus of the funding is on redeploying or retraining for people who have lost their jobs or had hours reduced as a result of COVID-19, and seeing where other work can be found for them,” Peter said. 

“The money will be used to establish ways in which this can happen quickly and effectively as redeployment opportunities arise over the coming months.”

Council already has some redeployment projects in the works: it is working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) to help secure new conservation-related jobs. 

A deserted Ardmore Street during lockdown hints at the impact of the pandemic on residents.

It is also working alongside the agricultural industry, which is seeking dairy farm workers and drivers.

“However, the process to set up these initiatives will take time and information will be provided publicly as details are confirmed,” Peter said.

The recovery team is also developing a retention programme, and supporting businesses and community leaders as they manage their way through a rebuild phase.

“As well as helping those that have lost work move forward, we need to support those who will lead us out of this crisis,” Peter said.

Mayor Jim Boult welcomed the additional support.

“It’s great Queenstown Lakes has been acknowledged as a district in need of additional support. The funding will be used to support many of our people directly affected by COVID-19 to move forward,” he said.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App