QLDC Appoints Impact Assessment Consultants

Date:
Nov 13, 2019

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed professional services firm MartinJenkins as provider of the Economic and Social Impact Assessments, key strategic projects committed to by Mayor Jim Boult and his Council in August.

Reflecting their significant and relevant expertise in a strong proposal, MartinJenkins has been selected by QLDC as the preferred supplier over a number of other highly-credible organisations. The evaluation process was completed through the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) and assessment of proposals undertaken by a panel of five, including two external, independent assessors from Wakatipu and Upper Clutha, who are a practising economist and a management consultant.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen advised that the evaluation panel was confident that the process had identified the most well-developed and integrated proposal.

“Across all aspects of the evaluation criteria, MartinJenkins scored highly making them the most compelling proposal. From having the capacity to deliver with a named, expert team, to a robust methodology and integrated approach to all three aspects of the economic and social assessments and stakeholder engagement; we have identified a partner that can deliver a thorough and comprehensive project.”

“In 2018, MartinJenkins undertook a comprehensive study into the effects of increasing tourism on the local infrastructure and the resulting cost to the local rate-paying resident population. This important analysis provided insights that enabled the Council to present its case to central government for a visitor levy. MartinJenkins’ understanding of the local context and challenges gives them the chance to hit the ground running and build a well-rounded picture through the social and economic impact assessments,” said Mr Theelen.

MartinJenkins Director, Nick Davis, said that his team is looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to this important project.

“We understand how important this issue is to the different communities across the Queenstown Lakes district. It is critical that we have a rigorous framework that includes consideration of social, environmental and economic benefits and costs, and that the study is able to capture and reflect the views of the community.”

Mayor Boult was confident that the MartinJenkins assessments would deliver the objective clarity needed for the Council to set an appropriate future direction for QAC, which both responds to concerns regarding the effects on the environment and informs decisions regarding noise boundaries in Queenstown and development of scheduled flights in Wānaka.

“This work will deliver new, fact based information through a variety of proven social and economic assessment models. MartinJenkins are experts in this field and will bring a great deal of insight to underpin future strategic direction. And this will be supported by comprehensive engagement that gives voice to all perspectives in the community.”

“The future of the airports has developed into a key strategic issue for our district. As Councillors we are obliged to objectively consider the facts when determining key strategic matters. I would ask all stakeholders to take the same approach in this district-wide conversation,” said Mayor Boult.

The next steps in the process will see the teams from QLDC and MartinJenkins come together to shape up the programme of work and agree project timelines. This will include defining the most effective methods for engaging with key stakeholders and to ensure that a representative voice can be heard from across the demographic spectrum in the district.

“Our airports form an important and integral part of our district’s infrastructure. They are an essential gateway to the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world. We hear stories of too many tourists and how any development or growth in the airports will just bring more here, but let’s remember that the community and our economy both benefit from having this significant gateway on our doorstep. It’s now for these independent social and economic impact assessments to objectively evaluate exactly what the pros and cons are for our whole district,” said Mayor Boult.

The outputs from the assessments will be used as a foundation for informing the Queenstown Airport Corporation 2020-2022 Statement of Intent that will be drafted for March 2020.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

Details and background for MartinJenkins can be found here: www.martinjenkins.co.nz