The Queenstown-Lakes District rural residential development debate : an analysis on the current debate about protecting outstanding natural landscapes and controlling rural residential development in the Wakatipu Basin

Abstract

This research highlights the highly controversial landscape and development issues in the Queenstown-Lakes District. It focuses on the Resource Management Act, the Environment Court Decisions, the district planning process, and the public debate itself.

It finds that the Resource Management Act and Environment Court decisions are working together to give the Queenstown-Lakes District the appropriate tools to achieve the sustainable management of the area's natural and physical resources.

The planning process and public that work within the process are having problems reconciling competing interests. However these are disputes that can and will be overcome in the future.

The development pressures will not go away in the Wakatipu Basin but it is the challenge of balancing the need for protection with that of development.

That is, achieving the goal of sustainable management.