A joint statement from Technology Queenstown, Queenstown Airport, and Destination Queenstown

Technology Queenstown today welcomed two new organisations to its foundation membership, with Queenstown Airport and Destination Queenstown joining the strong lineup of strategic partners backing efforts to build a robust technology ecosystem for the Queenstown Lakes District.

Strategic support from the local airport and regional tourism organisation will strengthen alignment across organisations working to support a more diverse, resilient and future-focused Queenstown Lakes economy.

"What we know from studying established tech-sector ecosystems abroad is that having a local university and airport involved is a key success factor. We've already achieved a lot with Otago University and now I'm excited to see what we can do in partnership with Queenstown Airport," says Technology Queenstown Founder Roger Sharp.

Today's announcement was also celebrated by Technology Queenstown Chief Executive Sarah Russell.

"We have a strong alignment with both Destination Queenstown and Queenstown Airport around leveraging travel tech to make visitor experiences better and operators more efficient, so I'm thrilled to welcome these two local and strategically important foundation members."

"Destination Queenstown plays a critical role in shaping a resilient and high-performing visitor economy, combining destination marketing, industry capability, strategic planning and stewardship. Queenstown Airport is a critical piece of infrastructure that is part of the community fabric while connecting the region to the rest of the world."

"We definitely do not take for granted having an international airport, which is central to facilitating a world-class tech economy that thrives on global business connectivity and access," adds Sarah.

With growing support across the district, including its foundation members, Technology Queenstown is getting on and doing what is needed to diversify the local economy by pursuing the ambitious goal of generating $1 billion in annual tech sector GDP by 2043, creating a pipeline of high-value employment pathways in the region.

Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O'Hare says: "It is the long-term outlook and ambition that we see value in.

Supporting Technology Queenstown is closely aligned to Queenstown Airport's own thoughtful planning for today and for generations to come – driven by a responsibility to support our community, enhance the traveller experience, and protect the natural environment that makes out place so unique."

Destination Queenstown Chief Executive Mat Wood says: "A strategic focus of Destination Queenstown is supporting a resilient, productive and future-ready visitor economy. We see strong alignment with Technology Queenstown's work, particularly in the area of travel tech, where innovation can help improve visitor experiences, support operators and contribute to the long-term resilience of the district."

Technology Queenstown's foundation members include Accenture, One NZ, Genesis Energy, SBS Bank, University of Otago, Russell McVeagh, Queenstown Resort College, North Ridge Partners, and the NZX, with Destination Queenstown and Queenstown Airport's membership adding strategic local support.

Strategic partners: Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O'Hare, Queenstown Airport General Manager Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Sara Irvine, Technology Queenstown Founder Roger Sharp, Technology Queenstown Chief Executive Sarah Russell, and Destination Queenstown Chair Richard Thomas