Wanaka and Queenstown Chambers sign agreement

Wanaka and Queenstown Chambers sign agreement for closer ties

Queenstown and Wanaka Chambers of Commerce have signed an agreement to formalise a closer working relationship.

Queenstown Chamber chair Craig Douglas and Ignite Wanaka chair Bridget Legnavsky yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding that enables the Queenstown and Wanaka business communities to work more closely on projects and issues of mutual interest.

Both Chambers have held a long-standing supportive relationship with each other and also belong to the national Chamber network, which supports business communities nationwide.

The MOU has been in discussion since the end of 2017 and the detail has been worked on over the past couple of months, Queenstown Chamber CEO Ann Lockhart says.

“Queenstown and Wanaka business communities have shared opportunities and challenges, and the chambers have been discussing ways to join forces on a number of projects,” says Ann. “Our issues such as housing and labour force shortages span the Queenstown Lakes and our advocacy is stronger with a united voice.

“The MOU is a formal step for us to focus on these issues, and collaborate with networking opportunities and some major events,” Lockhart says.

Douglas says the move makes sense as the towns deal with unprecedented growth: “With a combined membership of more than 900, this provides us strength in numbers when it comes to lobbying central government and supporting local council with its infrastructure and economic demands. We collectively represent the single largest business voice in the Queenstown Lakes region.”

Legnavsky says the MOU enables the potential to share resources and knowledge, benefitting both Queenstown and Wanaka: “We see real benefit in working together. Both Queenstown and Wanaka business communities have got so much to offer and we look forward to enhancing the information exchange between the two chambers, as well as helping grow capability for all businesses, for the benefit of the region.”

Two nominated people from each Chamber will meet bimonthly regarding common business issues.

There will also be twice-yearly joint Business After 6 events.

ENDS

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