Welcome to Shaping Our Future
The conversations we facilitate inspire action that leads to a better future.
Upcoming Events, Meetings & Workshops
Current Visioning Processes
What We Do
& Why We Do It
What does Shaping Our Future do?
The Queenstown Lakes District is rapidly growing.
Without knowing where we want to go, how can we move in the right direction?
Shaping our Future was formed in 2011 to ensure the community gets a chance to guide today’s decision-makers into the future we collectively envision. We invite you to support us today for a better tomorrow.
We look to the long term – where do we want to be in 10, 20, 50 years?
Our process results in actions towards achieving our shared vision. If we don’t, who will?
“I left feeling really thankful to come together to start the conversation, and have a place that was an open book on discussion and to do something more for the future of Queenstown.”
Maria, Forum participant
“I left feeling really thankful to come together to start the conversation, and have a place that was an open book on discussion and to do something more for the future of Queenstown.”
Maria, Forum participant
Recent News
📢 Community shout out!![]()
Lee-Ann Murray from Inner Wheel Club Of Queenstown ![]()
![]()
📈 What is your job/role?![]()
I was President of the Inner Wheel Club of Queenstown from 2021-2022, Past President (2022-2023) and I have served on the Inner Wheel committee for 3 years.![]()
I am also the editor of the monthly newsletter which updates our members about![]()
activities.![]()
![]()
🤷♀️ Why did you decide to get involved with Inner Wheel?![]()
I love that Inner Wheel is for positive and like-minded women who come together for friendship and to provide service to the #queenstown community. Our members have a wealth of life experience and are so incredibly generous, sharing their practical skills and knowledge to enrich others and help those in need. This includes fundraising for worthy causes like the The Cancer Society of New Zealand ![]()
![]()
🌏 Where are you originally from and what is your background?![]()
I am originally from #southland, and have travelled all over the world. Prior to moving to Queenstown in 2017, I enjoyed a successful real estate career for 16 years in #auckland.![]()
![]()
🤷♀️ Why should locals support Inner Wheel?![]()
The Queenstown club has 50 members whose service work includes road traffic control at the Queenstown Marathon , volunteering at the Cancer Shop, and delivering Meals on Wheels. Locals can join the Inner Wheel Saturday walking group which also includes coffee at a local café, and they can join the monthly meet ups to hear from interesting speakers from Queenstown.![]()
![]()
👩🎤 Anything else you want to say or promote about Inner Wheel?![]()
The goal of Inner Wheel is to support social welfare projects both locally and globally by engaging in charitable activities, community service and helping with international projects as needed. They do this while maintaining a commitment to empowering women. Last year the Inner Wheel Club of Queenstown provided 1500 hours of service raising money to donate $14,000 to organisations in need. Inner Wheel New Zealand raised over $250,000 and provided $50,000 hours of service.
Consent is being sought to open a 455 square-metre McDonald's restaurant at the #wānaka-Luggate Highway, with a drive-thru operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.![]()
![]()
Of the 366 submissions made to the Queenstown Lakes District Council , 339 were opposed, 21 were in support and six wanted changes.![]()
![]()
One hundred and six people have agreed to speak at a meeting later in November.![]()
![]()
Wao Aotearoa Charitable Trust, strongly opposed to the idea citing concerns about the visual and aesthetic impact on the town.![]()
![]()
The trust also had concerns about waste management, with the submission saying Wānaka had shown leadership in the move to a zero-waste economy.![]()
![]()
In a joint submission by Wanaka Wastebusters and Plastic Free Wanaka opposed to the idea, said the heart of Wānaka's shared values was protecting the natural environment.![]()
![]()
One woman, who lived about a kilometre from the proposed site, was for the restaurant being built - but with some conditions, including safe access for cyclists and contribution to local community projects that enhance the environment of the adjacent Mt Iron Reserve.![]()
![]()
Another resident in favour said it would be a positive addition to take away food outlets in the town and that it is appropriate for people to have food choices![]()
![]()
The council meeting is set down for 25 November.![]()
![]()
#lovewanaka #wanakanz
Shaping our Future Inc. will hold its AGM at 6.30pm on Monday, 11 November, Arrowtown Atheneum Hall Supper Room.![]()
This is a public meeting & all are welcome.![]()
![]()
The board will present a motion to wind up the Incorporated Society and manage the governance of Shaping our Future with a Charitable Trust.![]()
![]()
Three guest speakers will lead a panel discussion themed “AI learn & play: what AI can do for us and how we can focus on fostering human connection”![]()
![]()
www.facebook.com/share/yMsQazwG7pqSV8HL/
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
about Shaping Our Future
Who is on the Shaping our Future Board?
The board is comprised entirely of volunteers who donate their time and expertise. Each one has a love for the district and wants to see it continue to develop into a community we are proud of. Meet us.
How does Shaping our Future engage with the community?
We have used an in-person process of forums, involving workshops that foster discussion. From there, a taskforce of volunteers produces a report that gets ratified and presented to the appropriate council. Watch a forum in action.
We also use online meetings, host talks, and collaborate with other organisations to engage with all parts of our community. Got an idea for our next event? Let us know.
Does Shaping our Future work with other community organisations?
Absolutely, yes. Since our foundation in 2011, there are many organisations that work very effectively with their members on specific issues, such as Wai Wanaka, Sustainable Queenstown and WAO. We both support their initiatives and work with them to increase our ability to reach out and hear from as wide a range of people as possible. Keen to collaborate with us? Get in touch.
How can I get involved?
Easy, just sign up at our Get Involved page. Our strength lies in numbers and the more community members involved, the better.
Who funds Shaping our Future?
We are a not-for-profit, apolitical group that receives funding primarily from Queenstown Lakes District Council. The council recognizes the value of supporting an independent group to engage with the wider community to influence policy to align with the community vision. This saves QLDC having to engage private consultants. We also receive funding from the Department of Internal Affairs, as well as private and corporate donations. Keen to help? Donate here.
CURRENT Actions
PAST Actions
Link to: EVENTS
EVENTS
Shaping Our Future hosts a variety of events, including informational evenings, workshops, and forums – check our events page regularly for upcoming events.
Keen to stay in the loop of upcoming events? Join us.
Got an idea for an event? Share with us.
