QLDC lifts development contributions for 2026–27

17th March 2026 By Staff Reporter | news@propertyticker.co.nz | @propertyticker

Queenstown Lakes District Council is proposing to increase development contributions for 2026–27, with most charges rising by around 3.8% in line with construction cost inflation.

The one-off levies, paid by developers to fund infrastructure such as water, wastewater, transport and reserves, are being updated to reflect ongoing growth and cost pressures across the district.

Examples include water supply contributions in Queenstown increasing from $5,192 to $5,335 per dwelling equivalent, and wastewater charges rising from $12,326 to $12,672.

The update also enables development contributions to be applied to granny flats, reflecting new legislation and additional infrastructure demand. 

Consultation closes 23 April 2026.

QLDC’s updated Development Contribution Policy can be seen here and the table of changes to development contributions for 2026-2027 can be seen here.