QUEENSTOWN, 31 July 2026
Businesses, organisations and innovators with ideas to strengthen the future of the Queenstown Lakes economy can now apply for support through the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Economic Diversification Fund.
Applications for the 2026 to 2027 funding round opened on 31 July and will close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The fund is designed to support collaborative projects that encourage innovation, create new opportunities and reduce the district’s dependence on a narrow range of industries.
Queenstown Lakes has traditionally relied heavily on tourism, hospitality and construction. While those sectors remain central to the region, the council says developing a wider economic base is important for long-term resilience.
Funding aimed at practical, collaborative projects
The Economic Diversification Fund supports projects that have the potential to deliver lasting benefits for the district.
Eligible initiatives may include:
- Pilot programmes
- Feasibility studies
- Research and scoping work
- Business and sector collaborations
- New project delivery
- Initiatives that develop emerging industries
- Projects that strengthen local capability
Organisations from anywhere in New Zealand can apply, provided their project includes collaboration with at least one Queenstown Lakes-based business, organisation or community group.
That requirement is intended to ensure funded projects remain connected to local priorities and deliver measurable benefits for the district.
Building resilience beyond traditional industries
QLDC Economic Development Manager Peter Harris said developing a more diverse economy was essential for the future of Queenstown Lakes.
“This fund is about creating new opportunities, supporting innovation, and strengthening the connections that help great ideas grow,” Harris said.
“We know there are exceptional businesses, organisations and individuals already doing this work, and the fund is designed to help them collaborate, scale their impact, and create lasting benefits for our communities.”
The district’s exposure to global travel disruption became particularly clear during the Covid-19 pandemic, when tourism activity fell sharply and many local businesses faced severe uncertainty.
Since then, economic diversification has remained an important part of regional planning.
A broader economy could help Queenstown Lakes manage future shocks while creating skilled employment opportunities in areas such as technology, creative industries, education, sustainability, film, research and professional services.
Community Tech Lab gains momentum
One of the successful recipients from the 2025 to 2026 funding round was Community Tech Lab.
The project brings together Startup Queenstown Lakes, Queenstown Creative Collective, FLINT, Queenstown Resort College and huddl.
The collaboration is focused on building technology capability within the district rather than relying entirely on expertise brought in from outside the region.
FLINT Chair Giovanni Stephens said the funding had helped participating organisations build momentum around a shared vision.
“It has helped local organisations come together around a shared vision, building technology capability here in the district rather than importing it,” Stephens said.
“We are now preparing to launch, with the build phase and a showcase event to follow later this year.”
The project reflects the type of collaboration the council wants the fund to encourage, with several organisations contributing different skills and resources toward a common outcome.
Creative sector project highlights local career pathways
Another successful project from the previous funding round was Path to the Creative World, Te Ara ki te Ao Auaha.
Led by Three Lakes Cultural Trust, the initiative highlights the range of creative careers and opportunities available across Queenstown Lakes.
The project resulted in a short film profiling people who are building creative careers and lives in the district.
Gizelle Regan, Programme Curator Te Muka Toi Te Muka Takata, Hui and Trustee of Three Lakes Cultural Trust, said the funding had been instrumental in bringing the project to life.
“The funding enabled us to produce Te Ara ki te Ao Auaha, a short film profiling the people who are building creative careers and lives in Queenstown Lakes,” Regan said.
“By showcasing their journeys, we hope to inspire young people and highlight the breadth of opportunities within our local creative economy.”
The project aims to challenge the perception that long-term career options in Queenstown Lakes are limited mainly to tourism and hospitality.
It also highlights how creative industries can contribute to local identity, employment and economic resilience.
Applicants encouraged to submit early expressions of interest
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by 31 August 2026.
This step gives applicants an opportunity to discuss their project ideas with the council’s Economic Futures team before lodging a full application.
The process can help applicants determine whether their proposal meets the fund’s objectives and eligibility requirements.
It may also allow project teams to refine their plans, strengthen collaboration arrangements and improve the clarity of their expected outcomes.
The council will also host a webinar on 6 August from 12.30pm to 1pm.
One-on-one sessions with Peter Harris will also be available in Wānaka for applicants seeking more detailed guidance.
What will make a strong application?
While each application will be assessed individually, the strongest proposals are likely to show clear local benefits, realistic delivery plans and evidence of genuine collaboration.
Projects should also demonstrate how they could contribute to a more diverse and resilient economy.
Applicants may need to explain:
| Assessment area | What applicants should demonstrate |
|---|---|
| Local impact | How the project will benefit Queenstown Lakes communities |
| Collaboration | Which local organisations are involved and what each will contribute |
| Innovation | What is new or different about the proposal |
| Feasibility | Whether the project can be delivered within the proposed timeframe and budget |
| Long-term value | How benefits could continue after the funding period |
| Economic diversification | How the project supports new sectors, skills or opportunities |
Projects that simply support normal business operations may be less likely to succeed than initiatives offering broader economic or community value.
Applications close on 30 September
The 2026 to 2027 funding round will remain open for two months.
Applicants have until Wednesday, 30 September 2026 to submit their proposals.
The council is encouraging interested groups not to wait until the final weeks, particularly if they want feedback through the Expression of Interest process.
For Queenstown Lakes, the fund represents an effort to turn economic diversification from a long-term aspiration into practical, locally led projects.
The success of previous recipients shows how targeted support can bring organisations together, test new ideas and build industries that may become increasingly important to the district’s future.
