HEAD OF LAKE WHAKATIPU
COMMUNITY UPDATE 45 | JUNE 2025
Kia ora koutou,
On 21 May, we reached a significant milestone when the Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy (the Strategy) was endorsed by ORC councillors.
The Strategy is a partnership between ORC, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Civil Defence Emergency Management Otago (CDEM) and the local community, and has been developed in collaboration with mana whenua representatives.
The first version of the Strategy brings together more than five years of work. This work programme has also contributed a substantial body of knowledge on natural hazards in the area, including an updated understanding of seismic risks and flood hazards. This information will support more informed and proactive decision making on adaptation for the Head of Lake Whakatipu area now and in the future.
During the feedback process, the draft Strategy received strong community support, with 80% of respondents agreeing with the Strategy's vision. Respondents regarded the Strategy as practical and science-based, and they appreciated that it was developed through an inclusive, collaborative process.
On that note, we'd like to thank everyone who contributed to the creation of the Strategy, which is a great example of community collaboration. The Strategy reflects this shared ownership and the need for coordinated planning to address the multiple challenges natural hazards present in this area.
There are two versions of the Strategy available on our website: the full version and an overview. You can access both using the links below:
Download the full Strategy document.
Download the Strategy overview document.
We plan to send the next edition of this newsletter in November, unless we have a significant community update in the meantime.
Implementation
We are now in the 'make it happen' implementation phase and will report back on how the Strategy Action Plan is progressing.
Progress on actions will be tracked on our website, and we will continue to send these newsletter updates a couple of times a year.
Progress on the integration of the Strategy
Queenstown Lakes District Council is looking for community feedback on their draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028, which includes an action to: "Partner with ORC and Glenorchy community to implement adaptation actions from the Head of the Lake Adaptation Strategy to address the climate-related hazards facing the community at the head of Lake Whakatipu."
Feedback closes Friday, 27 June 2025.
Information about the Alpine Fault
During our strategy feedback process, some of you asked for more information about the Alpine Fault and its risks.
Below are links to websites where you can learn more about the Alpine Fault:
Find out more
This adaptation programme was initiated because complex, increasing natural hazards in the Head of Lake Whakatipu require a comprehensive management response that takes a long-term view and encompasses all types of natural hazards.
This is your community, and we want to work with you to develop understanding and resilience.
If you have questions or need information:
Visit our website to learn more about the whole programme.
Read the reports.
Watch the presentations.
Get answers.
You can also speak to a member of the ORC Natural Hazards team on 0800 474 082 or email us for more information at headofthelake@orc.govt.nz.
We will provide responses to any emailed questions and facilitate answers from our consultants if needed.
Head of Lake Whakatipu newsletter sign-up
If you are currently not receiving our monthly newsletters, you can sign up here and view archives of past editions.
Contacts
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, please email us at headofthelake@orc.govt.nz.
Copyright (C) 2025, Otago Regional Council. All rights reserved.
