An economic diversification plan aims to help the district move away from its reliance on the tourism and construction industries and help ‘future proof’ the local economy.

According to a 2020 report by economist Benje Patterson, Queenstown Lakes is the least economically diverse district in the entire country.

More than 60 percent of all workers over the last decade were employed in tourism or construction. 

Only 45 percent of residents say there is a long-term career path for them in the district. 

Mean earnings in Queenstown Lakes are also 12 percent lower than the national average and the cost of housing is almost twice the national average.

Endorsed by councillors at last week’s full council meeting, the Queenstown Lakes Economic Diversification Plan is designed to help take on some of these challenges by fostering a wider range of industries and career opportunities.

As well as Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), 18 other organisations have committed to the plan, which has an overarching goal to create “a resilient and sustainable economy offering a diverse range of career and income opportunities by 2040”.

Actions within the plan, which sit under three ‘key pillars’, range from attracting, retaining and growing tech companies in the district to developing training opportunities that boost the capability of the existing workforce and identifying potential niche industries and supporting them to grow.

Wānaka-based councillor Cody Tucker told the Wānaka App the plan, to him, was about creating “a hopeful future for young people to have a meaningful place here”.

Councillor Cody Tucker says he wants younger people to have “a hopeful future” within Queenstown Lakes. PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

He wants more options for “meaningful” work which also keeps pace with the cost of living.

QLDC economic development manager Peter Harris presented the plan to councillors last week and he stressed that the “long-term” plan would require a “collaborative effort”.

Councillor Nikki Gladding questioned the value for money of the plan, which has a $0.5M budget, excluding salaries.

“It's a big plan and it's hard to see where the money is going and if it's value for money from the public’s perspective,” she said. “Councillors need to have oversight.”

Fellow councillor Lisa Guy noted that it was a “very large train to be driving”.

QLDC staff will report back to councillors on progress on the plan every six months.

Read more about the Queenstown Lakes Economic Diversification Plan here.