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by Peter McDonald , candidate for the Southland Seat in Parliament

Queenstown needs a strong advocate, and if supported on 7 November, I intend to step into that role.

My family’s connection with the town dates back to 1971, when my grandfather bought a crib on Frankton Road so his two daughters, both married to Southland farmers, could meet and holiday together. Although farm life in Dipton always demanded our time, much of my upbringing was shaped by Queenstown, from Eichardt’s Tavern, Alberts, and Chicos to fishing, skiing, and the floods of 1999.

One of the greatest risks facing our community is the fast-track consenting process. Labour has the ability and the will to amend it, so it better reflects our community’s expectations. If we do not rein it in, Queenstown risks irreversible change.

LTSA traffic advice to council indicates that each outer-suburban dwelling generates about 8.2 vehicle movements a day. With roughly 11,000 homes in the fast-track pipeline, that could mean about 90,000 additional vehicle movements every day.

My fear is that by the time we fully understand the scale of development still to come, we may already have lost the character of the town, the very thing that draws us here and binds us together.

National has been clear that it has no intention of slowing the fast-track process. If there was ever a time for a single-issue vote, it is now.

From the community’s perspective, the centrepiece of the regional deal was the bed tax. National cut across this much-needed source of new funding to pursue its own politics, and that was a major let-down for Queenstown Lakes.

I have attended 20 drop-in sessions across the Southland electorate, and many conversations return to affordability. People feel the pressure directly, but they are also worried for their children and grandchildren. They fear essentials we once expected, including healthcare, education, housing, and decent jobs, will become harder to access. That is why affordability sits at the heart of many of Labour’s policy pledges.

My background is that of a sheep farmer who has contributed widely to Dipton and Southland: 31 years as a volunteer firefighter, six years as a FENZ peer supporter, six years on the Southland Conservation Board, and six years as a Southland regional councillor. I also bring practical experience in pest control, wilding conifers, and land-based issues.

I have the experience, the history, and the commitment to advocate strongly for Queenstown Lakes, its people, and its future.

On 7 November, I’m asking for your vote to protect what makes Queenstown Lakes special, secure the services and infrastructure our community needs, and ensure local voices are heard where decisions are made. I intend to be that advocate for Queenstown Lakes.