From Monday 18 September there will be no parking available directly outside the Gorge Road Council office due to construction activity associated with the Town Centre Arterial Road. Our Gorge Road Council office will be open as usual. But if you’d prefer, you can make use of our online services via our website or give us a call on 03 441 0499.

Strong winds and heavy rain have affected many roads and some properties across the district. Queenstown emergency services and QLDC are currently dealing with a number of properties impacted by the weather. Some residents have self-evacuated and those requiring shelter are being supported at Queenstown Memorial Hall. Further information here.

Climate Change and Biodiversity

Hurika Āhuaraki me te Rereka Rauropi

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:

  • Amanda Robinson

  • Alec Tang

  • Dr Barrie Wills

  • Chris Cameron

  • Eleanor Trueman

  • Evelyn Cook

  • Dr Jim Salinger

  • Dr Lyn Carter

  • Dr Leslie Van Gelder

  • Sydney Telfer

  • Tony Pfeiffer

  • Victoria Crockford

Media release: Queenstown Lakes District Council establishes Climate Reference Group


Further information