Economy
At our very first public forums in 2011, Queenstown and Wānaka locals shared ideas about the district’s long-term economic success. Two task forces of business and financial leaders then spent months analysing this input to create a roadmap for a sustainable future.
The Events task force reported in 2012. Their plan aimed to turn the events sector into a driver that delivers economic and social value to the district. One of the recommendations was forming an independent Events Agency.
The Economic Futures task force report in 2013 found that the district needs a high-value, knowledge-based economy that moves beyond tourism to include sectors like IT, research and education. To support this shift, the task force recommended setting up an independent Economic Futures Agency.
In 2014, at two forums building on the earlier work, the community weighed in on QLDC’s proposed Economic Development Strategy.
