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by Sarah Russell, CEO of Technology Queenstown

Over the past month, Queenstown has taken confident strides toward its future as a technology hub. Technology Queenstown (TQ), the local not-for-profit behind this transformation, is targeting an increase in tech’s contribution to local GDP from less than 2% to 15–20% over the next two decades.

Collaborating with partners locally and globally, TQ is laying the groundwork to transform the region’s economic landscape. Last week, coinciding with TechWeek25, two global technology leaders demonstrated their commitment to the region.

Firstly, the University of Otago and cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks announced a partnership to co-develop cybersecurity programmes in Queenstown, starting with executive courses within the year and leading to full degree pathways. Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson put it simply: “This partnership solidifies our commitment to supporting the Queenstown Lakes region to become an international technology centre.”

Following hot on the heels, TQ announced WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s premier travel tech event, will take place in Queenstown in July 2026 – a first for the region and New Zealand. WiT Queenstown will incorporate Host-Tech, our homegrown showcase of hospitality tech talent stemming from the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s economic diversification strategy. With over three million visitors a year, Queenstown is the perfect test lab for travel innovation. This is a big step toward building a global hub for travel and hospitality tech, right here in our district.

Earlier this month the Whakatipu Hangarau Trust, TQ’s parent entity, appointed five heavyweight trustees who also bring together local and global technology expertise that are nothing short of world-class. The new board includes Claudia Batten, an internationally renowned entrepreneur; Katrina Barry, Managing Director of Webjet Group; David Downs, CEO of New Zealand Story; Prue Halstead of Invest South; and Silicon Valley investor Dino Vendetti. The trustees join TQ’s Chair Roger Sharp, himself a highly experienced tech chair, advisor and investor. As Roger puts it: “This group will strengthen Technology Queenstown’s strategic focus and extend its reach”.

The goal? To build a $1 billion world leading technology sector in Queenstown Lakes District over the next 20 years, creating thousands of new jobs.

With governance, global events, and educational infrastructure all moving into place, TQ’s strategy is more than just talk. This is smart, long-range planning driven largely by the private sector and designed to weather political cycles. It’s about creating real economic diversity and high-value jobs – ones that don’t require our young people to leave town to get ahead.

Queenstown is already world-famous for its scenery. But if recent developments are any indication, it may soon be just as renowned for tech innovation.