Last month POW met with the Otago Regional Council (ORC) to discuss our open letter advocating for a public transport connection between Wanaka and Queenstown. The letter highlights the urgent need to reduce emissions, improve safety, and enhance accessibility in the region, which relies heavily on tourism and outdoor recreation. We also took this opportunity to share the results from our public transport survey that provided valuable insight into desired frequency, price and accessibility from community members.
Key points from the Open Letter:
- Transport emissions account for 47% of total emissions in the Queenstown Lakes District
- Our strong local tourism and outdoor industries necessitates proactive steps to preserve the environment and winter sports
- A reliable public transport network could significantly reduce emissions while addressing social and economic concerns like safety, congestion, and accessibility
How signing this letter helps:
Demonstrating strong public demand by having individuals and local businesses sign on in support of the letter helps build momentum and influence decision-makers – the more noise the less policy makers can ignore us.
Survey Insights | Public demand for a bus connection
We presented the results from our public transport survey with over 180 participants from Wanaka, Queenstown, Otago and elsewhere. This survey demonstrated strong public demand for a Wanaka-Queenstown bus service with all participants saying they would use a bus if it existed. Other key findings included:
- Commuter-friendly scheduling crucial – early morning and evening services everyday (inc weekends) to accommodate work and flight schedules is crucial
- Cost was a key factor – needs to be more affordable than driving, most people indicated they would be willing to pay between $5-$10 a trip
- Recreational accessibility needs to be included – a bus that you’re able to bring your skis and bikes rated highly amongst all participants
- Barriers to using a bus include – timings and frequency, affordability, convenience and connectivity to other networks such as a bus to Hawea, or a park n ride facility, equipment rules, accessibility
- Factors for why a bus is important – reducing traffic and emissions, cost savings, environmental concerns, easier access and mobility, positive recreation and tourism, improving productivity, work and commuting, safety and convenience
Key Meeting Takeaways
Council members present:
- Alexa Forbes (Dunstan)
- Elliot Weir (Dunedin)
- Alan Somerville (Dunedin)
++ Plus a number of community members, transport experts, climate scientists, businesses, athletes and POW representatives.
Overview:
The ORC councillors present supported the idea and appreciated POW’s efforts in gathering data on potential bus service needs. They emphasised key challenges, particularly funding constraints, however encouraged us to keep up the pressure on the wider council.
Sample of in meeting comments on why a bus connection matters:
- Simon (Wanaka Community Board Member): “Public transport is essential for equity. It must be accessible to different socioeconomic groups. We need to take action and support trials to prove the demand.”
- Willis (Professional Athlete & Queenstown Resident): “Across the world, it’s a no-brainer that you don’t need a car to get around ski towns. Public transport should be the future here too.”
- Mat (Daily Commuter): “Driving from Wanaka to Queenstown every day means lost productivity. I’d use public transport if it existed—it would be safer, more efficient, and reduce emissions. I’d be willing to plan my meetings around the bus schedule”
- Todd (Climate Scientist): “Emissions in the area are dominated by transport, we need to take action to protect the freshwater that our tourism relies on, having a commuter-style electric bus would be a strong and sustainable approach to this.”
Challenges & insights from discussion with the councillors:
- Funding remains the biggest barrier – the council will need long term planning to allocate spending in this space or would need to explore alternative funding sources such as adjusting rates or advocating for a regional bed tax or special economic zone.
- Past examples show persistence works – Palmerston secured its service through sustained public pressure. Keep up the noise!
- A regional ‘bed tax’ is not currently possible – many overseas towns such as Aspen fund public transport networks through a bed tax or local visitor levy system, but as NZ’s tax system is centralised this is not currently possible – the area would need a special economic zone exemption (which was previously approved prior to covid).
- Electrification of the bus service is feasible – the council supports making new bus networks electric, as investment in charging infrastructure is already in progress and in the long run it is more cost effective.
- Ensuring local representation is crucial – especially with Alexa Forbes retiring, we need to have a local representative in the council to maintain advocacy for transport solutions.
Next Steps | Our next points of action
- POW is set to attend the upcoming ORC meeting on March 19th in Queenstown (open public forum) to continue pushing for the bus connection. This meeting will be with the full ORC council.
- We need the support of community members to keep sharing/signing our letter, help participate in open forums with the council, and to engage in policy discussions by contacting your local and regional MP’s – all this maintains pressure on decision-makers.
- Elect supportive representatives in the next local election – ensuring a Wanaka/Queenstown-based representative and climate champion is on the council means they can advocate for issues important to the area and the outdoor community from within.
- Prepare for the next Regional Plan & Transport Consultation (2027) – early planning is key to securing a place in the long-term transport strategy with public submissions open in the years prior to finalisation.
Movement Forward
The meeting reinforced that there is strong community support for a Wanaka-Queenstown public transport link. The councillors in attendance understand the community need for such and are in support of the idea. However, maintaining advocacy will be critical in putting pressure on the council as a whole to secure funding for the network.
By staying vocal, mobilising public support, and ensuring strong local representation, POW and the wider community we will continue to push for a sustainable, accessible, and environmentally friendly transport solution for the region.