Queenstown lakes District Council supports projects that help drive economic diversification

QLDC invited local organisations to partner on projects aimed at expanding the district’s economy beyond tourism and construction.

Six applications were received from ten organisations working on collaboration projects with others.

“We were really encouraged by the range of projects put forward and the strength of the collaboration between the groups,” says QLDC Economic Development Manager Peter Harris.

“There is already a great network of people working hard to diversify our local economy, and this fund has helped strengthen those connections even further.”

Mr Harris said that while the local economy continues to grow, a narrow economic base can leave communities vulnerable.

“Supporting a broader range of businesses helps strengthen the local economy and creates more career options for young people across our district.”

The fund helps deliver the district’s Economic Diversification Plan – New pathways to a thriving future. Applications were assessed by an independent judging panel to ensure strong alignment with the district’s long-term economic goals, including the growth of high-value sectors such as technology, outdoor products, and the creative industries.

Three standout projects were selected, each reflecting strong and diverse partnerships and playing a key role in building a more resilient, future-ready Queenstown Lakes economy. Funding of $25,000 was awarded to two projects, with $15,000 awarded to the third.

Community Tech Lab: including - Startup Queenstown Lakes, Queenstown Creative Collective (QCC), FLINT, Queenstown Resort College (QRC), huddl, and Technology Queenstown.

The project connects local tech talent with community organisations to solve real-world challenges.

Bringing together local tech professionals and community organisations to work on agreed priority digital challenges and co-develop practical, real-world solutions, the project is designed to strengthen capability, networks and pathways within the local tech ecosystem to help grow a more resilient and connected talent base.

Queenstown Lakes Innovation Campaign: including - Startup Queenstown Lakes, Mainland Angels Investors, and Technology Queenstown.

The project will promote Queenstown Lakes District’s innovation ecosystem by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.

It aims to position Queenstown Lakes as a destination for innovation, investment and growth, while raising awareness of the depth and breadth of innovation activity taking place across the district – from founders and operators to investors, enablers, and emerging talent.

Funding will support the delivery of a collaborative innovation storytelling and promotion campaign.

Te Ara ki te Ao Auaha / The Path to the Creative World: including - Three Lakes Cultural Trust and Pivot Innovation.

The project highlights local creative career pathways.

It will shine a light on the creative energy and talent that underpins the Queenstown Lakes District’s creative economy.

Funding will support the content development and production of e Ara ki te Ao Auaha / The Path to the Creative World – a storytelling programme designed to profile local creatives, filmmakers, and businesses across the district.

Samantha Kirk, Chief Executive Officer of Three Lakes Cultural Trust says, “The funding has helped enable stronger collaboration across the creative sector. The Economic Diversification Fund has encouraged us to work with others to showcase local people working in our creative industries. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire young people to consider careers they may not have otherwise been aware of.”

All projects are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

Find out more about the fund Economic Diversification Fund

Our Regional Economic Profile