Otago Central Lakes signs Regional Deal MoU with Government

The Otago Central Lakes has taken the first official step towards developing a Regional Deal with Central Government, having signed an MoU with Government Ministers this week.

In late February the region, which comprises of the Otago Regional Council, Central Otago District Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council, submitted a light touch proposal to the Department of Internal Affairs in line with the Regional and City Deal framework.

The proposal outlined the region’s current challenges, which are set to intensify as population and visitor numbers continue to rise. With some of the fastest growth in New Zealand over the past decade - and projections showing this will continue for at least 20 years - the region’s popularity, natural beauty, and appeal to investors make it a magnet for growth. The proposal aims to manage this growth effectively, ensuring it enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Glyn Lewers, Mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council was pleased Central Government had heard the calls from the region ‘Our entire region is seen as a highly desirable place to live and visit, but we can’t manage the impact of growth alone. We need to work with Central Government on affordable and sustainable tools that enable us to continue to manage growth and ensure the entire region retains its status as a destination of choice’.

Central Otago District Council Mayor Tamah Alley said ‘while it is by no means a done deal, it is a huge step forward and shows a commitment by the region and Central Government to address some of the unique challenges in our communities. Central Otago understands the growth issues Queenstown has faced in recent years and we are already seeing some of those emerge in our district. Working alongside ORC, QLDC and Central Government to future proof our communities across infrastructure, housing and economic growth is a smart play’.

Chair of Otago Regional Council Gretchen Robertson was grateful to see Central Government had recognized the challenges faced by the Inland Otago Districts. ‘The Otago Central Lakes region is faced with enormous pressure from rapid growth, which is only forecast to continue. Looking ahead this is a great step forward to give the region the ability to get ahead and manage the impacts of that growth and ensure the region remains one of the greatest places on earth to live, work and play.’

In the coming months representatives from the Central Otago Lakes will engage in negotiate with Central Government around the contents of the deal, while final approval will remain delegated to individual Councils and Cabinet.

ENDS | KUA MUTU

Please contact individual Council’s through the normal media channels.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

For more details on the framework of Regional & City Deals please follow this link:

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2024-08/Regional%20Deals%20Strategic%20Framework.pdf  

View the Central Otago Lakes light touch proposal here:

https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-meetings/25-february-2025-full-council-meeting/

Media release from central government here:

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/city-and-regional-deals-unlock-growth