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by Glyn Lewers, Queenstown Lakes Mayor

Firstly, thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the recent Queenstown Lakes District Council insights survey. Your feedback is appreciated and essential to improving not only our performance but also identifying areas where we will improve outcomes for all parties. We’re grateful to the community for the constructive feedback, which enables us to participate in constructive, solution-focused conversations.

Five key themes came through strongly. Prioritising infrastructure and core service improvements, addressing concerns regarding transparency, equitable investment in facilities across the district, the importance of trust and transparency, strengthening environmental initiatives and improving communication and engagement featured prominently throughout your responses. These are significant issues, and your thoughts will help guide our approach moving forward.

Prioritising infrastructure spending is a top concern. Where your money is going? How we determine priorities, and why they are fair, are fair questions. We are committed to improving the way we communicate the “why” behind the decisions that affect our roads, three waters infrastructure, and the provision of solid waste. These five items currently account for approximately 90% of our capital expenditure over the next 10 years. The current population distribution across the district is directly comparable to the planned investment. We understand that how we spend, is essential to you. In return, you rightly need to trust the process.

QLDC and the Elected Members acknowledge that how and when we engage with you needs to evolve. We are working on ways to enhance our communication, providing more timely, accessible, and two-way communication. Communication is a priority area for us, and your feedback is helping us improve transparency and keep our communities better informed.

We also recognise that trust in local government is something that must be earned and maintained. You want to know that your elected members are working in the best interests of the community. That’s the expectation we hold ourselves to. Your survey responses reinforce how vital that standard is but also encourage us not to be afraid to stand by the positive work we are doing and to recognise when we don’t quite get it right.

Finally, I want to acknowledge our incredible QLDC staff. They are your neighbours, friends, and fellow residents, working hard every day, under significant pressure. They are navigating complex government reforms, tight budgets, growing demand, and constant scrutiny. They do this because they care deeply about where we live, and we are proud of the job they do.