In the last of Mountain Scene’s three-part Q&A series with those putting their hands up to lead the district over the next
three years, we turn our attention to the Queenstown-Whakatipu ward candidates
Gavin Bartlett, 50, engineer
Why are you standing? Our district is facing a number of challenges, many of which have an engineering aspect to them. I am offering my skills, training and experience to be part of a council team that is able to deal with these complex problems to achieve the best outcomes for our district.
What ideas do you have for possible parking solutions in and around the Queenstown CBD? In the short term, a review of the progress of town centre upgrade and arterial route worksites in the CBD, a rationalisation of the existing parking spaces that have been made unavailable due to these works, and freeing up as many of these as possible throughout the remaining work.
What role, if any, do you think the council has in helping overcome the worker shortage issues in the district? Firstly, to adjust the things we can within our control to make the Queenstown Lakes district a desirable place to live, especially around housing availability and affordability. Secondly, to encourage government to improve the immigration process so we can welcome the migrant workers wanting to make Queenstown Lakes district home.
Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? I know from personal experience that Orbus is currently not meeting the required levels of service in Queenstown; ORC’s control of the service from Dunedin
does not currently appear to be serving the Whakatipu well. I would support QLDC taking a lead role in the provision of the service locally.
What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify the Queenstown-Lakes economy? Tourism is likely to return to at least pre-Covid levels relatively quickly. Diversifying our economy away from a reliance on tourism will take innovative thinking and considerable time, but is possible. The ability to attract businesses and people in new sectors to our district will be affected by potential barriers such as the cost of living, housing availability and our relatively remote location, issues we are already dealing with as a community.
Tony Dorner
Did not respond by deadline
Steve Chernishov, 41, educator
Why are you standing? I am offering to build collaborative links between Central Otago, Southland District, and Invercargill. It is my view that each area can benefit from having one local representative who is able to connect directly with the people & contribute to council decision-making with the view to build a resilient localised economy.
What ideas do you have for possible parking solutions in and around the Queenstown CBD? Considering limited roading access to the shopping and hospitality centre around the lake, I believe it will be worth consulting with the locals and writing a publication with professional insight from our people. Queenstown has an abundance of acting and retired local architects, engineers, planners, and creative people who have brilliant ideas we need.
What role, if any, do you think the council has in helping overcome the worker shortage issues in the district? Council needs to focus in on improving ‘non-regulatory’ services as outlined in the Local Government Act. These are resources, support systems and facilities
that are designed to educate, empower and provide services to the public. Currently, council has a focus on ‘regulatory services’ — legislation and controls that are oftentimes painfully restrictive.
Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? I believe that if existing bus services are to be restructured, they should be taken on by a local service provider; people who live in the area — where the assets stay in the area — so the business’ income is more likely to be distributed locally. Local investors with local interests.
What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify the Queenstown-Lakes economy? It is in the best interests of the Queenstown-Lakes to work more closely with rural Southland and Invercargill. These areas are all in close proximity of each other and have diverse offerings. Tourism is to be redeveloped for a more ‘elite’ market, so we must rethink the economics of our centres. We must become a stronger local economy with less reliance on international trade agreements, and more on being able to source and supply the essential resources that are needed within Southern New Zealand. This means a more resilient economy, so we can focus on innovation and new markets.
Niki Gladding, 47, councillor
Why are you standing? I love the job and with the right team I know I can help improve the way we make decisions, engage with the community, and govern strategic projects. I want our communities to see the value of local government, so we don’t lose it through the government’s reform programme.
What ideas do you have for possible parking solutions in and around the Queenstown CBD? Sort the buses! Secondly, we ALL have a role in optimising the use of existing infrastructure and reducing demand for parking. I support: QLDC’s temporary carpark solutions; utilising vacant private (hotel?) parking; workplace initiatives; and reviewing parking settings to ensure those who NEED to drive can find and afford parking.
What role, if any, do you think the council has in helping overcome the worker shortage issues in the district? Any short-term solution sits with businesses and government, but council should broaden its approach to addressing the housing crisis. I’d like a report on how the [Resource Management Act] and Rating Act could be used comprehensively to free up more homes, facilitate the production of smaller homes, and generate funds for [Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust].
Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? Yes. Transport is where we can achieve massive reductions in emissions, but it will continue to be a slow and painful process if QLDC keeps doing its bit (e.g. reducing parking supply) without being able to deliver convenient public transport alternatives. Integrated planning and local decision-making would deliver great outcomes.
What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify the Queenstown-Lakes economy? I’m no expert on diversification, but to attract talent I believe we need to overcome our housing issues and the perception that we’re all about tourism. Limiting tourism growth could help with both. It could also make space for investment in other sectors while reducing the district’s emissions. If re-elected, I will keep pushing for a council-facilitated community conversation about tourism growth, including whether we want limits and, if so, how we might implement them.
Peter Newport
Did not respond by deadline
Claire Turnham, 55, advocate, educator, campaigner
Why are you standing? To value and strengthen the voice of ordinary people living in this extraordinary place. To care for our environment and help ensure our diverse needs are listened to, acted on, valued and protected so our families, whānau and community thrives here now and in the future.
What ideas do you have for possible parking solutions in and around the Queenstown CBD? I am open to researching new successful solutions for fair, seamless and user-friendly parking such as pay by plate meters or smart parking apps and encouraging active alternatives and more sustainable options like book, ride and share, bike and scooter rental, e-bike leasing and flexible, personalised public transport.
What role, if any, do you think the council has in helping overcome the worker shortage issues in the district? Currently worker issues are nationwide and the most frustrating aspects of shortages sit with central government. However, in the short term the council can
help by consulting with stakeholders to identify needs and working as a support bridge alongside local business owners to find compassionate, meaningful and practical ways forward together.
Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? I would need more detailed information before I could make an informed decision but my focus would be to consider the best way forward for Queenstown which offers the greatest flexiblilty, reliability, frequency and choice whilst also balancing sensible spending of ratepayers’ money to improve bus services.
What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify the Queenstown-Lakes economy? Improving accessibility and thinking strategically with a longer-term view. We need to invest wisely in our people as our best resource and build strength in different areas, not just tourism so that we have income from a variety of streams and sources. Queenstown needs to act sustainably and be open to welcoming new technology, innovation and creativity while at the same time ensuring the infrastructure is put in place to support
positive economic growth.
Mary Weston
Did not respond by deadline
Esther Whitehead, 47, Thrivable.design inclusive sustainability educator
Why are you standing? Because local government can make a difference to climate adaptation and I bring a climate and sustainability lens to the table, we need advocacy and pressure on our climate future with regards to developments, airports and community. I work for the wellbeing of the community and transparent decision-making.
What ideas do you have for possible parking solutions in and around the Queenstown CBD? There’s a new national policy statement to remove carparking from district plans across the country. This overrides local legislation so no councillor can promise you anything here! Younger generations want more city and fewer cars and carparks, which is considered better use of land, than concreting topsoil.
What role, if any, do you think the council has in helping overcome the worker shortage issues in the district? Labour shortage is not unique to Queenstown Lakes District. One in four Americans left their jobs last year! Council can support Destination Queenstown, Chamber of Commerce, KUMA network and the business community to establish a joint strategy if the community wants this. It’s a collective issue.
Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? Currently Otago Regional Council (from Dunedin) controls the bus service, which is poor for numerous reasons. I think QLDC should take this over. Making it a free service for all to hop on and hop off whilst ensuring service reliability now there’s fewer carparks is essential. We must do better!
What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify the Queenstown-Lakes economy? The biggest barrier to overcome is the assumption that the economy is stand-alone when in reality it depends on the health and resilience of the biosphere. No economic activity will be sustainable through the climate adaptation we face if we do not make this the most important conversation today. New Zealand has relied on a commodity-based economy of tourism and agriculture, so we must consider a sustainable economy that does not depend on climate-sensitive sectors.
Matt Wong, 44, iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown owner/managing director
Why are you standing? Community needs the right people around the table to solve the massive complex issues. Representatives with
diversity, strategic governance, and collaborative decision-making experience. I’m a dad, 20-year local, ecologist, innovative award-winning
business owner, Chamber and Lightfoot Trust board member, advisor to education, tourism, and health sector. I’m ready!
What ideas do you have for possible parking solutions in and around the Queenstown CBD? Create a ‘Business Improvement District’ whereby CBD businesses, urban planners, and council, collaborate on town centre development. Utilise suitable land for multi-storey carparking just outside CBD creating incentivised, convenient, reliable rideshare options. Subsidise businesses and staff to encourage use of alternative transport. Improve CBD directional signage reducing visitor peak congestion.
What role, if any, do you think the council has in helping overcome the worker shortage issues in the district? Council supports work in this space, however, continual pressuring government to prioritise immigration settings and reduce processing times is the biggest lever. Lobbying opposition parties’ immigration spokesperson and getting election promises started helps. Ultimately international workforce is the only solution to resolve the worker shortage and that sits with government.
Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? If it made sense. Whoever operates Orbus will still be challenged with labour limitations, operational cost increases, traffic congestion, and historical under-investment from central governments to futureproof expansion of bus lanes on State Highway 6 (Frankton Road, Ladies Mile, Kawarau Rd). We need improved infrastructure and wider state highways, Waka Kotahi!
What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify the Queenstown-Lakes economy? Housing affordability, lacking infrastructure and investment, global Covid-19 recovery, attracting technical skills and immigration settings are all barriers to district
economic diversification. We must support coordinated innovation, advocate and lobby government, create wraparound infrastructure to support new industries, their employees, and families, for a truly thriving diverse economy. To succeed in economic diversification, the visitor economy must contribute, supporting and enhancing our district and the community must confidently embrace diversification without adding further issues.
