Re-imagining Queenstown Lakes District’s economy and community wellbeing has been the work of the Regenerative Recovery Advisory Group (RRAG) during the second half of this year.

 This group of diverse individuals from across the district was asked to seek new direction and challenge existing thinking as it reviewed ideas for the community’s future. It would contribute to Council’s Diversification Plan and integrate with Vision 2050 and Council’s 2021-31 Ten Year Plan.

 “Think of the RRAG as both a think tank to assess and understand the challenges of COVID-19 and an incubator to support ideas and help turn them into actions,” said RRAG Chair Simon Telfer.

 “We have held to a holistic view of community wellbeing which takes into account economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions,” he said. “While economic diversification was an early focus, our work has highlighted that a long-term recovery needs to be much broader. Building leadership and  community engagement is key to resilience.”

 The Group’s outputs to date include scenario planning to imagine the district’s best and worst future outcomes, based on various environmental, economic, social and growth factors. It has also adopted a strategic framework for evaluating emerging ideas that aligns with globally accepted standards for regenerative wellbeing.

 The latest piece of foundational work was an assessment of the conditions required for new ideas to grow roots and thrive in the region. The first external initiative kick started by the RRAG was a technology training and employment concept that is currently undergoing due diligence.

 The RRAG is an independent, community-led group working in partnership with the QLDC. It was formed in June, has met fortnightly and will continue through to mid 2021.

Read edition 1002 of the Wānaka Sun here.