Negotiations on a regional deal for Otago Central Lakes, which includes Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, have concluded for the year.

The negotiation group, the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal Negotiation Committee, said it has finished “a series of detailed discussions” with Crown officials.

“This deal is about future-proofing our region,” ORC councillor and committee chair Gretchen Robertson said.

“We need solutions that keep pace with growth, protect our environment, and maintain quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

The latest discussion looked at transport priorities and funding and financing matters, while previous sessions have looked at proposals on affordable housing, healthcare, electricity supply, and productivity growth. 

The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is a partnership between Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Central Otago District Council (CODCO, Otago Regional Council (ORC), and the government, aimed to help address some of the region’s current challenges. It is based on a 30-year vision and 10-year strategy.

The committee met in Alexandra last week to review its progress and confirm the next steps in developing the deal. 

Consultant and lobbyist Conor English is the committee’s negotiator. PHOTO: Supplied

It anticipates hearing from the government on next steps early in 2026.

There has been some debate over the secrecy of the negotiations, but the committee reaffirmed its commitment to confidentiality, “to safeguard negotiations and secure the best outcomes for local communities”. 

“While there is strong public interest in the development of the Regional Deal, maintaining confidentiality ensures that discussions can proceed constructively and without compromising the region’s negotiating position,” the committee said.

In September consultant and lobbyist Conor English was employed as a negotiator to help steer the deal.

Read more: Consultant appointed to regional deal team

The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is intended to deliver improved economic, environmental, and social outcomes for the subregion, including investment in transport infrastructure to ease congestion and improve resilience. 

The committee said the deal also seeks “to unlock innovative funding and financing tools to ensure that the costs of growth and high visitor numbers are shared fairly, reducing the burden on local ratepayers while enabling sustainable development”.