Holiday alert: Please note that kerbside collections between 25-27 December and 1-3 January will be pushed out a day (even recyclers need a holiday). For more on Rubbish & Recycling in our district, see our dedicated webpage.

Council offices will close at midday Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen 8.00am Monday 5 January 2026. For urgent issues, call us on 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka). For non-urgent issues, please us the Snap Send Solve App. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Economic Diversification Fund

Information about the 2025–2026 Economic Diversification Fund and how to apply.

About the fund

The 2025–2026 Economic Diversification Fund is a Queenstown Lakes District Council initiative that supports collaborative projects aimed at diversifying the local economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and systems change. 

The fund is open to organisations, and partnerships based in the Queenstown Lakes District. Applicants must demonstrate how their project supports economic diversification, aligns with the district’s strategic goals, and involves collaboration with other local entities. Projects should have a clear plan, measurable outcomes, and be ready to launch within the funding timeframe. 


How to apply

Read the guideline and funding criteria and complete the application form:

  • Applications open Monday 17 November 2025 

  • Applications close Monday 2 February 2026  

  • Expression of Interest closes 19 December 2025 


Expression of Interest

Submitting an Expression of Interest is optional, but it’s a helpful way to share your early ideas with the Economic Futures team. We’ll review your submission and will come back to you with suggestions, contacts, or feedback that could strengthen your application. 

You do not need to submit an EOI to apply for funding, and EOIs will not be considered as part of the funding decision process. You’re free to change your project or partners before submitting a formal application. 

Before submitting your EOI, please read the Guideline to understand the eligibility and assessment criteria. 


Any questions?

If you have any questions about the Economic Diversification Fund, please contact the team below: