There’s no denying there are negative knock-on effects when rapid growth takes place in any town.

Traffic congestion, pollution, increased costs of living – and, of course, increased crime – are all consequences we locals have had to put up with as Queenstown established itself as a four-season resort.

But on the whole, I’d argue the pros outweigh the cons.

Queenstown is now an adult’s playground as much as a family destination – and as a town whose predominant industry is tourism, we’re obliged to cater for all.

A huge part of our local economy comes from bar revenues, and with that we’ve created job opportunities and provided an excellent infrastructure for both residents and visitors.

As bar owner Mike Burgess says in Mean Streets, we don’t want to “stifle Queenstown to a sleepy hollow at the bottom of the world”.

Think of Winter Festival and other great events like the World Cocktail Cup that showcase our pretty little town as a world-class resort.

Queenstown is iconic in New Zealand and internationally renowned for the total package offered to tourists.

While this stems originally from our setting and outdoor activities, now inevitably fine dining, franchise businesses, clubs and cocktail bars also have to be accepted as part of our culture to keep everybody happy and maintain our standing as a top-end, all-inclusive destination.

Queenstown nightlife is vibrant and diverse, encompassing cocktail and wine bars, nightclubs and pubs. The party aspect has negative connotations but on the whole offers another optional, positive element to the Queenstown experience.

Due to my job, I’m awake and in town to experience the so-called “Jekyll and Hyde” phenomenon taking place in the transition from day to night.

Like taxi driver Jackie Kukutai, I can honestly say as a female I don’t feel threatened.

Comparing Queenstown with other major tourist destinations, we’re exceedingly lucky to have the sense of security I know I share with my peers.

It goes without saying there will always be alcohol-related incidents. It’s a shame we’re let down by the minority.

However, Queenstown suffers very little of the horror experienced by the rest of the world when it comes to alcohol-related crime.

I’m not saying the brawl in Cow Lane, or abuse Queenstown residents receive, is acceptable and I cannot offer a watertight solution. But I’d suggest the powers-that-be do not condemn an industry making a significant, positive contribution here.

I commend efforts to police our streets and make Queenstown as safe as possible but perhaps a greater presence is now needed, with ever-increasing numbers of tourists coming to enjoy our party scene.

As a licensed bar manager, I know everything that can possibly be done to provide a safe and controlled environment to party in is being done by individual businesses.

I wasn’t aware our council has a committee dedicated to coming up with ways to reduce alcohol-related crime.

I hope there’s representation from the hospitality community in the decision-making as I know that a perspective from those directly involved in Queenstown nightlife would be valuable. 

Tamsin Jenkins is bar manager of Barmuda