What does a place need to feel like somewhere people want to live and stay?

As the Queenstown Lakes District evolves, the question is not just what we build, but how people live, connect and belong here.

Across the world, cities, towns and regions are facing the same challenge. Culture is not an add-on. It is essential to social connection, community wellbeing and long-term economic resilience.

This forum brings together local, national and international perspectives to explore what’s happening here, what’s working elsewhere, and what this means in practice for this place.

From studios and venues to public space, heritage and access, this is about the infrastructure behind everyday life — the part you don’t always see, but feel and the role it plays in how a place functions, not just how it looks.

This is about what comes next.

Where is culture already working well?
Where is it under strain?
What is missing — and what would unlock more?

Come along. Add your perspective.

Speaker line up to be announced soon!

This event is supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council, Mountain Club and TomTom Productions.