A draft creative and culture strategy for the district is now available for public comment.

The strategy has been developed by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), regional arts organisation Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT), Lakes District Museum and Kāi Tahu.

“This ten-year vision, driven by the community, is intended to help create a future where creativity and culture play an ever-increasing and important role in enriching the lives of both the people who live here and those who visit,” TLCT chair Gizelle Regan said. 

“It also aims to diversify the district’s economy and make it a more attractive place to live, work and set up business.”

Gizelle said conversations with creatives, educators, administrators, community groups, businesses, key stakeholders, and youth have helped inform the strategy.

Residents can read the draft strategy and share feedback online or attend a community hui on April 11 to learn more about it.

QLDC community partnerships manager Marie Day said the actions in the draft strategy “are intended to ensure that the district remains a special place for generations to come”.

It intends to enhance, support and celebrate several aspects of wellbeing including social, community, economic, environmental and individual, she said.

A steering group for the strategy (then named the arts, culture and heritage strategy) was formed in February last year and community engagement took place last April and May. 

The steering group is now keen to hear what the community thinks of the draft strategy now out for public input. TLCT head Samantha Kirk said.

“Make sure your friends and whānau have their say too,” she said.“The more voices that contribute, the more representative of our place and our people the final strategy will be.”

Residents can read the full draft strategy and provide feedback here. 

They can also attend a community hui at the Wānaka Community Hub on Thursday (April 11), 6pm-8pm. 

PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach