Queenstown housing crisis bites, tourism giants buy staff accommodation

PHOTO: DEBBIE JAMIESON/STUFF – Mayor Jim Boult says assisting developers with workers’ accommodation projects was high on council’s list.

Queenstown’s tourism giants are purchasing and renting residential properties to house workers who are struggling to find somewhere to live.

Queenstown Lakes District mayor Jim Boult said the lack of workers accommodation was an “ongoing” issue for the town where house prices are the most expensive in New Zealand.

“It will not get resolved until we get some purpose-built seasonal accommodation for workers.”

Solving it was a high priority for council who would assist the right developer, he said. “It amazes me how some young folks still manage to find places.”

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