Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been working with the community to develop a three-year Welcoming Plan for the district to ensure that all newcomers are able to thrive.  

The wider public are now being called on to share their thoughts on the draft Welcoming Plan 2024-2027, including the key actions proposed for community partners and council to deliver together.

QLDC councillor and community and services committee chair Craig (Ferg) Ferguson emphasised the importance of developing a Welcoming Plan and encouraged residents to join the conversation and provide feedback on the plan.

“Over many decades, migrants from different parts of the world, as well as from all over Aotearoa New Zealand, have made Queenstown Lakes their home,” he said. 

“It's part of what makes our communities so diverse and vibrant.”

Ferg said a Welcoming Plan provides “a pathway to support equality and grow inclusive local communities so we can continue to evolve as a place that celebrates diversity, supports wellbeing and fosters economic growth”.

The plan sets out to achieve a standard for what a welcoming and inclusive community looks like, and a set of actions has been developed to support this standard to reflect the unique characteristics of the Queenstown Lakes District and help bring the plan to life.

“It’s really important we hear from different groups and people from across our community on the draft plan, especially those interested in playing a role in delivering any of the proposed actions that resonate with them or their community groups, businesses and social networks,” Ferg said.

Everyone is welcome to hear more on the draft Queenstown Lakes District Welcoming Plan 2024-2027 at an evening hui in Wānaka on August 14, where the Welcoming Communities team will share the plan’s actions, ask for insights and share ways community partners can be involved.

Read the draft Welcoming Plan 2024-2027 and ‘Plan on a Page’ summary, share feedback and find out about joining a community hui here.

Community feedback will close on Thursday August 22, and the final Welcoming Plan 2024-2027 will be presented to the Community & Services Committee for adoption in late September.

PHOTO: Supplied