Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown community funds

The Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Funds exist to accelerate grassroots environmental action. By inviting visitors and the visitor industry to give back and play a part in protecting and regenerating the environment, these initiatives are driving real and lasting impact where it counts – ensuring the future of the Queenstown Lakes region is safeguarded for generations to come.

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Tangible progress on the ground

Since launching in 2023, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have raised over $300,000 for local environmental initiatives, supporting hands-on restoration efforts and creating opportunities for long-term impact.

2023-2026 by the numbers:

·        $308,345+ raised.

·        $245,000 allocated via annual impact grants tolocal environmental organisations.

·        $60,000 invested into the Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown endowment funds, creating afinancial foundation for future generations.

·        10,550 native trees planted via industry and volunteer support.

·        1,225+ visitor volunteer opportunities shared

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This funding has supported over 16 organisations across the region, from biodiversity monitoring in Queenstown to zero-waste campaigns and freshwater protection in Wānaka. These projects not only protect ecosystems but also create educational opportunities for locals and visitors to minimise their impacts and connect with the environment. Check out more of the supported projects for Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown.

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Why it matters

The Community Funds reflect a shift in how tourism can operate – from simply reducing harm to actively regenerating the environment. It empowers visitors to be part of the solution, creating a culture of giving that strengthens community resilience and creates resources for action.

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The funds also respond directly to local concerns. In a region facing climate pressures, infrastructure constraints, waste challenges, and biodiversity loss, this model enables the tourism industry to contribute to environmental wellbeing. The funding model balances immediate environmental needs with long-term regeneration through both the grants and the endowment process.

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Looking to the future

The work is only beginning. With growing donor networks, business partnerships, and visitor engagement through online platforms, the funds are set to expand their impact. A key part of this future focus is long-term endowment growth, ensuring today’s contributions translate into lasting support for tomorrow’s challenges.

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Connection to the Destination Management Plan

The Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Funds support the Destination Management Plan’s pillars of enriching communities and restoring the environment. By funding climate, conservation, and biodiversity projects, they support the Carbon Zero by 2030 keystone project, while also strengthening community engagement and reinforcing the principle of kaitiakitaka.

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Everyone has a role to play in this mission. Visitors can donate directly through the Love Wānaka or Love Queenstown websites or at key locations through the district. Local businesses can become Impact Partners, embedding giving into their operations, while residents can volunteer or join community planting days. Each action helps ensure the visitor economy leaves a positive and lasting environmental impact in the Queenstown Lakes region.

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To find out more visit loveqt.co.nz or lovewanaka.co.nz.

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If you have any questions, feedback, or comments, please reach out through the contact form.