Arrowtown Village Association

04/06/2026

It’s that time of year again…

Crisp still mornings and settling smoke, particularly over the north-east of town. It can take just one domestic fire to cause quite the fog.

Please remember to use efficient burners with clean dry wood. 🔥

You can track Arrowtown’s air quality here - https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/otago-region/air-quality/arrowtown/arrowtown

25/05/2026

The AVA has been investigating traffic incidents at Millbrook Corner. Offical data hasn't been easy to find and appears to vary between sources but as locals we all know this intersection can be challenging.

We recently installed a sound monitor to identify car horns as an indicator of the number of near miss and warning signals. Our first survey picked up 6 on a Saturday.

Following a brief article in The Loop a number of readers reached out in support and to share stories. One with a response from QLDC following a reported incident -

“This is an intersection that Council see some value in improving. Some elected members have also petitioned for changes to be made here. This project can will be prioritised for delivery in accordance with Council’s Minor Improvements Framework or funded via the Long Term Plan.”

Whilst solutions can take time and money, we are interested in your views and if you would support a roundabout or any alternative? Image AI generated, illustrative only.

24/05/2026

Our quarterly newsletter is here, are you on our distribution list? 📧

The AVA needs to maintain an active list of subscribed members, if you'd like to join the club and receive member updates - let us know! [email protected]

10/05/2026

Got a call about home heating? Don’t worry — it’s not a scam. 👍

Between now and 8 June, some residents in Arrowtown may receive a phone call from Symphony Research about how they heat their homes. We know unexpected calls can raise red flags, so we want to reassure you this is a legitimate survey being carried out on behalf of ORC. ✅

The survey is being completed by an independent research company and takes around 5–7 minutes. It asks questions about things like:
• what type of heating you use (e.g. heat pump or wood burner)
• how often you use it
• how much fuel (like firewood) you typically use.

No identifiable information is requested and your responses are anonymous.

This survey helps us build a clearer picture of heating and burning habits across our communities, to understand what’s contributing to air quality issues and plan effective, practical solutions for the future.

If you get the call, just know it’s safe to take part. You’ll be helping create a more accurate picture of air quality in your town.

Thanks for helping us better understand Otago’s air and how we can improve it for everyone. 💙

07/05/2026

As Mark moves south he is leaving behind a strong legacy of community action protecting our village.

It only took 11 years for retired engineer Mark Hosie to make his mark in his beloved Arrowtown, celebrated recently for his role in motivating the local troops to victory in the battle to retain the quaint, historic town’s gold-rush era charm.After a long, 45-year association with the town, visit...

04/05/2026

Business Round Up ⛽

https://mailchi.mp/arrowtown/may2026?e=937c146512

04/05/2026

Full Council Meeting, Arrowtown - Thu 7th May, 1pm

This months meeting is being held at Arrowtown Community Centre/Rugby Club and is open to public attendance.

https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-meetings/7-may-2026-full-council-meeting/

29/04/2026

Delays at Edith Cavell Bridge, Arthurs Point next week..

Mon 4th - Thu 7th May (8am to 5pm)

Edith Cavell Bridge will be receiving some tender loving care next week as contractors complete essential cleaning and inspection works on the heritage structure.

For this work to be carried out safely, traffic management will be in place on the bridge and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays from Monday 4 May through to Thursday 7 May (8.00am-5.00pm each day).

Signage will be set-up either side of the bridge ahead of time to remind road users.

Thanks for your understanding!

14/04/2026

The AVA and Friends of Arrowtown Village have lodged an appeal challenging the removal of the Arrowtown Design Guidelines as a reference document for developments in the Suburban Residential (SRZ) and Medium Density Residential Zones (MDRZ).

https://www.qldc.govt.nz/media/ffchjtvn/notice-of-appeal-arrowtown-village-association.pdf

Arrowtown’s character does not stop at the edge of the Historic Zone. For more than 30 years, the Design Guidelines have played a critical role in shaping the wider village and protecting the character that makes Arrowtown special. As development pressure increases and examples emerge that stretch or contradict this guidance, their importance only grows.

If we want Arrowtown to remain a place of "special character", these guidelines must be protected, respected and consistently applied.

Various groups including the Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association (APBA), Arrowtown Charitable Trust and Arrowtown Planning Advisory Group (APAG) intend to join the appeal as s274 parties.

Todd Walker Law have acted on our behalf, pro bono and at reduced rates throughout this process, successfully challenging the Urban Intensification Variation. But the fight is not over...!

Support is required to cover lodgement fees and expenses related to this appeal. If you can, please donate to the following trust account;

Todd & Walker Law Ltd
06-0949-0265814-02
Particulars: Arrowtown
Code: Donation
Reference: 56578

13/04/2026

After public consultation last year QLDC has published the Arrowtown Riverside Reserves Concept Development Plan.

There are currently no plans or funding to move forward with any aspect of the plan but the AVA welcomes a community developed concept which provides a degree of consensus on future development or ad hoc changes.

Some aspects of the plan do not align with AVA recommendations or the perspective of every community member. However, any significant changes would still be subject to separate consultations were they to be actioned.

www.qldc.govt.nz/media/msbjuavh/qldc-arrowtown-riverside-reserves-development-plan.pdf