Learn all about us.
Shaping Our Future works with the people of the Queenstown Lakes District to imagine the future they want – and to help them make it real. We are an independent and apolitical charitable trust and our work comes at no cost to communities. Our goal is simply to help the district’s residents speak to decision-makers with a clear, unified voice.
Community Visioning brings neighbourhoods together to talk about what matters most: the values they share, the differences they have and the goals they want to work towards. Together we build a vision for the future and figure out practical steps to get there.
At the end of the process, each community has a detailed report it can use to guide decisions, support submissions and spark action.
Talk. Listen. Shape. Act.
Some concerns extend beyond community boundaries. We help people across the wider district examine things that affect us all, like transport, climate change and tourism. Our public forums and volunteer task forces research, ask questions and look for answers, then write a fact-based report with concrete recommendations..
Tackle the big issues.
What’s our back story?
In 2011 the Queenstown Lakes District was changing fast. Locals felt like things were moving out of their control, and there wasn’t an easy way for them to talk with the people making decisions. QLDC Mayor Vanessa van Uden (now Chair of our Board of Trustees) asked local business and community leaders to come up with a better way forward, one that put the community at the centre. Shaping Our Future was the result.
First a vision
Over a thousand people contributed to the visioning process that guided the establishment of Shaping Our Future.
Locals shared their ideas and priorities at eight workshops throughout the Queenstown Lakes District and through online surveys. The University of the Third Age, Chambers of Commerce and school students were consulted.
The result? The people agreed on three core values for the district – spectacular environments, enterprising people and exceptional solutions. Then we built a framework for a new community-led organisation to do the work to achieve those aspirations.
Then a pathway
Since our founding we’ve helped thousands of locals to have their voices heard. We use an integrated process of public forums, task forces, workshops and surveys leading to strategic plans that truly represent the wishes of the community and map out a way to support those wishes.
We tackle subjects large and small. We help communities write reports and submissions to local, regional and national authorities. And we provide information, resources and advice on advocacy to community groups.
We also contract to outside organisations that are looking for unbiased community consultations.
100% independent. 0% political. 100% free.
We’re able to offer our services at no charge to communities because we are a charitable trust and our operating costs are covered by grants and donations.
One of our main funders is Queenstown Lakes District Council, but that doesn’t mean we work for them or represent them. Our funding comes with no strings attached, and we operate completely independently. We’re also supported by Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board.
These grants cover our day-to-day costs, including two part-time contractors, and the expenses of holding workshops and forums. We welcome donations and seek grants and sponsorship for individual projects.
Meet the team
One of the reasons we can offer our services free to communities is that our trustees are all volunteers. They freely share their experience, skills and time because they believe in a strong, community-driven future.
Vanessa van Uden // Chair
Michael Rewi // Trustee
Rachel Rose // Trustee
Gavin Flynn // Trustee
Scott Kennedy // Trustee
Russell Mackintosh // Trustee
Alison Dench // Trustee
Anna Mathieson // Executive Officer
Leoni Sullivan // Administrative & Communications Manager