Let’s Talk About... Local Government

How things work, who gets to decide, and where you fit in.

Ever wondered what our council actually does?

Who and how they make decisions about local services like water, sewage treatment, libraries, transport, where and how houses can be built…?

And did you know that you can vote if you have residency and have lived in Queenstown Tāhuna for at least a year?

This friendly, non-political community kōrero is for anyone curious about how local government works here in Aotearoa New Zealand – especially if you’ve come from somewhere with a different system or haven’t had much to do with voting before.

Join us for a relaxed a session where we’ll explore the following themes with Elections NZ and Councillor Esther Whitehead:

What local councils do and how they affect our daily life
Who can vote, who can stand for election, and how to do so.
Why your voice matters – and how our diverse community can be heard
An open space to ask questions, share experiences and build understanding

Whether you’re new to town, new to voting, or just want to learn more, you’re warmly invited to come along. No politicking, just space to learn, connect and grow together.

🗓️ Tuesday 15th July

📍 Queenstown Events Centre - Upstairs meeting room

☕ Tea and coffee

📚 Takeaway info to keep learning

🎟 Free to attend – please register to help us manage numbers

🌿 Keen to keep the conversation going?

Join us for a relaxed Coffee & Questions catch-up at Happiness House the following week – a cosy, informal chance to chat, revisit ideas, or ask anything that’s on your mind.

🗓️ Tuesday 22nd July

Presented by Happiness House in collaboration with Catalyst Trust, Queenstown Libraries and Citizens Advice Bureau