Delays expected for building consent applications: Following a significant surge in consents lodged at the end of April, applicants should expect some delays to current building consents waiting to be processed. More information is available Building Services - QLDC

Climate Change and Biodiversity

On 27 June 2019, Queenstown Lakes District Council declared a climate and ecological emergency.

Over the last few years, Council has embarked on a journey towards a major organisational behaviour shift ensuring climate change considerations are reflected in decision making, policy setting, projects, and service delivery.

But there is still a way to go.

Check out our Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2022-2025 to see the direction we are heading in, as well as our previous plan, community updates, and climate reports for our district below.

Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2022 - 2025

The plan sets out how the district is going to respond to climate change and includes 70 actions. These range from reducing carbon emissions through more effective land-use planning and infrastructure design, to regenerating native forest. 

The development of the plan involved extensive engagement with community and environmental groups, Kāi Tahu, not-for-profit organisations, climate experts, and partner agencies. We also put the draft plan out for public feedback in March and April 2022. 

Climate Action Plan 2019 - 2022

The Climate Action Plan 2019-2022 | Te Mahere Āhurangi o Ngā Tau 2019-2022 was adopted 12 March 2020 to guide local action to help our district adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

This Climate Action Plan was the first for our district. It identifies ways in which we can reduce emissions and set a strategic direction for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The current Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2022 – 2025 builds on this first plan. 

Climate Reference Group

The Climate Reference Group is made up of community leaders and climate experts to provide advice to Council’s climate action team. The group has been particularly instrumental in the development of the draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2022-2025, including advocating for a stronger focus on biodiversity.

Climate Reference Group members:

  • Alec Tang

  • Dr Barrie Wills

  • Dr Jim Salinger

  • Dr Lyn Carter

  • Dr Leslie Van Gelder

  • Tony Pfeiffer

  • Amanda Robinson

  • Eleanor Trueman

  • Victoria Crockford

  • Chris Cameron

  • Sydney Telfer

Media release: Queenstown Lakes District Council establishes Climate Reference Group

Climate Reference Group Chairperson Application

Applications are currently being sought for the role of Chairperson for the Queenstown Lakes District Council Independent Climate Reference Group (CRG). Applications close Sunday 11 June 2023.  

Further information