Queenstown-Lakes District Council
Queenstown-Lakes District Council | |
|---|---|
 Seal | |
 Brand logo | |
| Type | |
| Type | |
Term limits | None |
| History | |
| Established |
|
| Preceded by |
|
New session started | 17 October 2025 |
| Leadership | |
Mayor | Quentin Smith, Ind. since 20 October 2022 |
Michelle Morss (interim) since 23 January 2026 | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 12 (including mayor) |
 | |
Political groups |
|
Length of term | 3 years |
| Elections | |
| First-past-the-post | |
First election | 14 October 1989 |
Last election | 11 October 2025 |
Next election | 14 October 2028 |
| Motto | |
| Montium ex Umero Longius Videmus | |
| Meeting place | |
| 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown | |
| Website | |
| qldc | |
Queenstown-Lakes District Council (abbr. QLDC) is the territorial authority for the Queenstown-Lakes District of New Zealand. It serves as the district's local government alongside the Otago Regional Council as the regional council. It was initially constituted in October 1986; in November 1989 it was reconstituted anew alongside all local authorities in New Zealand as part of major reforms to local government. Prior to the district council, local government in the area was split between three authorities.
The governing body of the council has 11 councillors and is chaired by the mayor of Queenstown-Lakes (currently John Glover since October 2025).
History
The council was formed in 1989, replacing a council of the same name established in 1986.[2] This council was established through the merger of Queenstown Borough District (established in 1866),[3] Lake County Council (established in 1876),[3] and Arrowtown Borough Council (established on 10 May 1877)[4]
In 2020, the council had 442 staff, including 103 earning more than $100,000. According to the Taxpayers' Union lobby group, residential rates averaged $2,744.[5]
Governing body
Mayor
One mayor is elected at-large; they chair meetings of the governing body and act as the head of local government in the district.
Current composition
The current members of the governing body of council are:[6]
| Role | Name | Affiliation | Ward | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | John Glover | Independent | Elected at-large | |
| Deputy | Quentin Smith | Independent | Wānaka-Upper Clutha | |
| Councillor | Barry Bruce | Independent | Wānaka-Upper Clutha | |
| Councillor | Lyal Cocks | Independent | Wānaka-Upper Clutha | |
| Councillor | Cody Tucker | Independent | Wānaka-Upper Clutha | |
| Councillor | Niki Gladding | Independent | Queenstown-Whakatipu | |
| Councillor | Esther Whitehead | Independent | Queenstown-Whakatipu | |
| Councillor | Matt Wong | Independent | Queenstown-Whakatipu | |
| Councillor | Gavin Bartlett | Independent | Queenstown-Whakatipu | |
| Councillor | Craig Ferguson | Independent | Arrowtown-Kawarau | |
| Councillor | Lisa Guy | Independent | Arrowtown-Kawarau | |
| Councillor | Melissa White | Independent | Arrowtown-Kawarau | |
Community boards
- Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board: Simon Telfer (Chair), Chris Hadfield, John Wellington, Linda Joll, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Cocks, Councillor Tucker[6]
Civic symbols
Seal and coat of arms
The council has a seal which features a coat of arms.[7]
References
- ↑ "2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result" (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ Department of Survey and Land Information cadastral map NZMS 261 sheet E43, 1986 edition
- 1 2 Fraser, B (editor), The New Zealand Book of Events. Reed Methuen, Auckland, 1986.
- ↑ [New Zealand Gazette] #60, page 717
- ↑ "Ratepayers Report". ratepayersreport.nz. Taxpayers' Union. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- 1 2 "Elected Members". Queenstown-Lakes District Council. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ↑ "How We Look: QLDC Brand guidelines | 2.2 QLDC COAT OF ARMS AND SEAL" (PDF). www.qldc.govt.nz. Queenstown-Lakes District Council. July 2019. p. 9. Retrieved 1 February 2025.