New pathways to a thriving future
Queenstown Lakes Economic Diversification

Why is it important to
diversify our economy?
A diversified range of businesses, jobs and exports spread across more industries will result in a community that is better able to withstand disruptions.
Diversification will offer future options for our young people and foster new career and income opportunities for everyone.
The Draft Economic Diversification Plan (EDP) will support diversification work already happening across the district, working towards the goal of a resilient and sustainable economy offering a diverse range of career and income opportunities by 2050.
Whats in the plan?
The draft plan outlines a keystone project, strategic pillars, objectives, and proposed diversification projects. Head to QLDC’s Let’s Talk page to read the draft plan in full.

Have your say!
Here’s how you can learn more, get involved, and share feedback on the draft plan.
Join a live webinar and Q+A session on 21 November at 12.30pm
Share your feedback by completing a survey, open until 8 December.
Send your feedback with the subject “Economic Diversification Plan 2023”
On 6 November, 14 speakers came together at Holiday Inn Remarkables Park, to share quickfire presentations on their diversification projects. These passionate people talked about how they’re making a difference by improving the environment and infrastructure, as well as helping to create new opportunities for local communities.
Check out the highlights video to get an overview of the third annual Diversification Snapshots event. You can also watch the individual presentations from this year’s lineup of speakers below.
Links to more videos
- Keynote speaker: Ifor Ffowcs-Williams | Cluster Navigators Ltd
- Lisa Guy | QLDC
- Jeremy Platt | Pivot Innovation
- Ken Aitcheson | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
- Kahli Scott | Film Queenstown Lakes
- Jonathan Chen | Porter Group
- Roger Sharp | Tech Sector Chair
- David Wallace | Startup Queenstown Lakes
- Peter Ramsay | Mainland Angel Investors
- Karen Murphy | InternQL
- Mike Rewi | Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust
- Michaela Blacklock | WAI Wānaka
- Charlie Phillips, Ally Kettle and Pradeesh | Queenstown Resort College
- Michelle Morss | QLDC
- Peter Harris | QLDC