06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
349 views
The Government has signed a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, guided by a 30-year vision to diversify the region’s economy beyond tourism. The Deal includes commitments to improve housing affordability, transport infrastructure, energy capacity, health services, and rural economic development through coordinated central and local government efforts. An Oversight Board will monitor progress, with an Implementation Plan to be completed within six months, ensuring the region’s growth benefits residents and attracts investment.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
971 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to expand healthcare services in Wānaka, Cromwell, Queenstown, and the wider Otago Central Lakes area, focusing on primary care, diagnostics, mental health, maternity, and outpatient services to meet growing demand. Health New Zealand has developed the Central Lakes Clinical Services Plan, backed by $25 million in new operating funding from 2027/28 and $52 million in capital funding, aiming to bring more care closer to home and reduce the need for long-distance travel. The plan also includes modernizing facilities and digital systems, with a key emphasis on creating a new, locally responsive maternity care model in collaboration with health professionals.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2369 views
The Government’s ensuring hundreds more students in Otago benefit from new, safe, warm and dry classrooms. A $27 million investment into new infrastructure will help make sure schools meet the needs of their communities and gets ahead of new growth. It will support the construction of:
Six new teaching spaces at Dunstan High School
A twelve-teaching space expansion at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau
The investment is in addition to the purchase of a site at Ladies Mile in Queenstown last year, which will accommodate a new primary school in the area.