Skip to main content
Your Council

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Arrowtown Design Guidelines appeal resolved

The Environment Court has issued a consent order reflecting an agreement between QLDC and Arrowtown Village Association

Arrowtown From Feehly Hill

JOINT STATEMENT FROM QLDC AND ARROWTOWN VILLAGE ASSOCIATION

The Environment Court has issued a consent order resolving the appeal by Arrowtown Village Association (AVA) on the Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) to the Proposed District Plan (PDP).

The consent order reflects an agreement reached between Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and AVA prior to formal mediation. This avoided the cost of formal mediation or an Environment Court hearing.

QLDC Planning Policy Manager Alyson Hutton said in making its original decision on the UIV, Council was responding to direction from central government.

“The National Policy Statement on Urban Development directed Council to enable upzoning in appropriate locations and to simplify provisions. Whilst QLDC’s original decision was based on achieving consistency across the district, we recognise the unique historic character of Arrowtown and the role played by the Arrowtown Design Guidelines.”

“The guidelines will now be able to be considered when a development proposal breaches a rule that references them. In such cases, the guidelines can assist with assessing the potential effects of any development breach on Arrowtown's character,” she said.

AVA Chair Nick Fifield said the initial removal of the guidelines was an important issue for the local community, and the resolution outside of a formal Court process was positive.

“Arrowtown residents value the role the guidelines play in providing clarity around the historic character of the village. Their continued reference in the District Plan reflects this and we’re grateful to QLDC for its collaborative approach to this matter.”

The Environment Court consent order reinstates references to the Arrowtown Design Guidelines in Chapters 7 (Suburban Residential Zone) and 8 (Medium Density Residential Zone) of the PDP.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

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

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri