No 891
LOCALLY OWNED SINCE FOREVER
6 March - 13 March
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
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152 IN SI
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How to GSD – getting community “stuff” done in Queenstown The proposed cycle and pedestrian bridge crossing of SH6 was made public this week. A few groups, Lightfoot and Queenstown Trails Trust included, have been working on this project for several years. It’s a win for walkers and cyclists but also great news for the whole community – a gap in the travel network is bridged and more climate-friendly movement will be possible. But why has community advocacy been so successful for this particular project? I had some time to reflect as we received news that the geo-tech investigation was underway and that a public announcement would soon come. What got this project over the line? It boils down to three key tips that I’ll share for others wanting to GSD: Know the need and show it. You need to fully understand the problem. This means gathering data. Yes, a few locals will clock me as that creepy woman with the camera often spotted (illegally?) filming movement on SH6, and doing unsolicited interviews with people trying to cross a busy road. It’s because good visual evidence of a problem helps to support the ‘hard’ data – traffic movements, population growth, national speed limits etc. We are hard-wired to tune into people’s stories, so sharing tales about near misses and showing the danger helped others to see the need. Collaborate. One voice means nothing. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini – my strength is not as an individual, but as a collective. If you want to achieve anything, aligning yourself and your project with as many other groups as possible, will lead to a better outcome. Diversity of perspective helps to refine initial ideas. Evidencing the widespread appeal of your project is crucial. A great place to start is with your local Community Association. These groups wield power in Queenstown and are there to help the community get it what it needs. Consider how your project might benefit young people (ECE’s and schools will want to talk to you) or older people (Greypower, U3A, Rotary, Lions). Be Constructive. Once you’ve got a solid project, start with the people at QLDC or other relevant entities. They actually want the best outcome too, because, guess what? Most of them are part of the community. So, be constructive and stay above board. As you’re working through a project that involves multiple stakeholders with someone else holding the purse strings, decisions might be made that you’re not happy with. Queenstown Whinge won’t get you far. Stay constructive while you’re negotiating for a better outcome. And remember, you’re only allowed to complain to a small number of trusted individuals who understand what it’s like to be that creepy person with the camera. Amanda Robinson - The Lightfoot Initiative
Four thousand mountain bikers, runners and walkers took on the Motatapu over the weekend, which made a successful return after two years of Covid cancellations. Check out page 8 for more. Photo: Motatapu