Queenstown Lakes District Council is planning to drop consultants in its long term decision-making process.
a series of Forums was held This week, where residents and business owners began planning the economic future while balancing environmental sustainability and community life.
District Mayor Vanessa van Uden says the break from consultants is the right move, because residents and business owners have all the knowlege to plan the future direction of the region.
Issues to be addressed include diversifying the tourism sector and the impact of tourism on the environment.
The mayor says the council will be a partner in the process and adhere to decisions made in its 10-year plan.
She hopes it will reduce costly appeals, because the council, the community, developers and businesses should be working from the same page.
