A Rare Opportunity for Local Healthcare
On 8 May 2024, Lakes Weekly Bulletin reported that 34 rest-home beds in the Lake Wakatipu Care Centre would soon be vacated as residents move to the new Arvida facility. Months later, their future use is still unclear.
For our community, this is more than an empty wing. It’s a chance to meet pressing needs that are currently underserved - from step-down recovery and rehabilitation, to dementia, respite, and mental health services. With Queenstown’s population growing and demand only increasing, we can’t let this facility sit idle.
As a Foundation, our role is to support Lakes District Hospital and advocate for solutions that reflect community needs. We understand decisions of this scale are complex, but we also believe in the importance of planning transparently, engaging locally, and moving with urgency. We stand ready to play our part - whether through fundraising, partnerships, or helping deliver the resources needed to make the best use of this space.
This is a pivotal moment. With foresight and collaboration, the vacant beds at the Care Centre could become a cornerstone of better healthcare for Queenstown.
