Abbeyfield Wānaka

23/08/2026

Could there be new ways to help community projects find the land they need?

An article discussed at last Thursday’s Community Board/QLDC meeting caught our attention. It outlined a new system being developed to help community organisations seeking land and other assets for community purposes.
For Abbeyfield Wānaka, it raises an interesting question.

Instead of only asking:
“Can we find someone who will donate a piece of land to Abbeyfield?”
Perhaps there are other ways of looking at the challenge:
“Could existing or future community assets be used, leased or partnered in ways that help deliver affordable housing for older locals?”

There are examples of different approaches being used elsewhere, including long-term community leases and partnerships between councils, landowners and community organisations.
Perhaps most relevant to us, Alexandra Abbeyfield is demonstrating how a project can come together through a combination of private and Council land.

We don't know whether any of these approaches will ultimately have a role to play in Wānaka, but we think it's fantastic to see new ways of thinking about how community assets can support community needs.

Our goal remains unchanged: to create an Abbeyfield House for 12–14 older locals, providing affordable, secure and connected homes where people can continue to live independently in the community they call home.

It's really encouraging to see the conversation about community assets and community needs continuing and congrats to the Community Board and council for exploring these options. Simon Telfer: Chair of Wānaka/UC Community Board Quentin Smith - Deputy mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District Abbeyfield New Zealand Inc Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust Community Link Upper Clutha Kathy Dedo for Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board

QLDC and WUCCB outline a new system and call for land mapping to better support Upper Clutha community groups seeking space.

21/08/2026

When even a Government MP says a policy has "zero logic", it's worth asking some serious questions.

National MP Greg Fleming has publicly criticised the Government's planned cap on charitable donation tax credits, describing it as an error and arguing there are more targeted ways to address concerns about misuse without discouraging genuine charitable giving.

Inland Revenue's position is that there is no conclusive evidence that donation tax credits increase charitable giving. But if the evidence is inconclusive, shouldn't we be very careful about introducing changes that could reduce donations to charities and community organisations?

At Abbeyfield Wanaka we see firsthand the difference philanthropy makes. Donations help create and sustain affordable, supportive housing for older people, many of whom are vulnerable to isolation, rising living costs, and housing insecurity. The demand for suitable housing for older residents in the area continues to grow, yet supply remains far too limited.

Every donation helps organisations like ours provide safe homes, build community connections, and support older people to live with independence.

If the concern is abuse of the current system, then surely the answer is to target the abuse, not create barriers that could discourage peoplefrom giving. As Greg Fleming put it, this feels like using a "sledgehammer to crack a walnut”.

New Zealand needs more philanthropic giving, not less. Communities, charities, and the people they support are already under pressure.If there is even a possibility that this change could reduce charitable donations, is that a risk worth taking?
Quentin Smith - Deputy mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District Abbeyfield New Zealand Inc Community Link Upper Clutha Wanaka Community Hub Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust Radio Wānaka Miles Anderson MP for Waitaki Simon Telfer: Chair of Wānaka/UC Community Board
We'd love to hear your thoughts.

A first-term National MP has criticised a tax change the government has introduced, saying a plan to cap the donation tax credit has "zero" logic.

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

Wānaka is growing fast. It's also ageing.

A recent RNZ story highlighted a new national report warning of the growing challenges facing older New Zealanders and the increasing pressure on our aged-care system.

But ageing well is about more than care.

It's about having a safe, affordable place to live. Staying connected to friends and community. Maintaining independence and continuing to feel that you belong.

For many people in our community, these things matter every day.

That's why Abbeyfield Wānaka exists.

We're working towards creating a housing option that offers companionship, security and independence, helping local older people remain part of the community they know and love.

As Wānaka grows and changes, we believe housing for older people must be part of the conversation.

Abbeyfield Wānaka is proud to be part of the solution.

Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust Quentin Smith - Deputy mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District Kathy Dedo for Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board Abbeyfield New Zealand Inc Community Link Upper Clutha Simon Telfer: Chair of Wānaka/UC Community Board

Read the RNZ story here:

An advisory group tasked with assessing the aged care model is sounding the alarm, saying the system is "at a turning point" and "major systemic reform must start now".

18/07/2026

Thank You, Wānaka!

What an incredible day!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to the Abbeyfield Wānaka Winter Fayre today. It was wonderful to see the Community Hub buzzing with people enjoying the stalls, entertainment, delicious food, raffles and catching up with friends old and new.

To our amazing stallholders, thank you for bringing your creativity, craftsmanship and enthusiasm. You helped make the Fayre a vibrant celebration of our local community.

To the many local businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle prizes, food and other support, thank you for your kindness. Your generosity made a real difference and helped create a fantastic day for everyone who attended.

And finally, thank you to our volunteers and organising team. Events like this don't happen without many hours of planning and plenty of helping hands behind the scenes.

Every person who came along has helped support Abbeyfield Wānaka's vision of creating an affordable, supportive home where local older people can continue living independently while remaining connected to the community they love.

We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by our community and look forward to sharing more photos from a wonderful day. Thank you for being part of it. Community Link Upper Clutha Wanaka Community Hub Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust Abbeyfield New Zealand Inc

18/07/2026

Mount Aspiring College Economics students handing over a donation to Meg Taylor from Abbeyfield Wānaka.

We appreciate your donation and admire your business acumen. We'll done.

18/07/2026

HUGE thank you to the Lady Lions of Wānaka. I would love to post a pic of all the lovingly made baking but it went too quickly.

We know you are all volunteers just like our Abbeyfield Wānaka team and we appreciate you beyond words today for showing up and working with the amazing Dellas in the kitchen.

18/07/2026

Thanks so much to St Columbas Church for sponsoring the sausage sizzle. It was a huge hit and we appreciate you. 🙏

Pictured left to right.
Caroline from St Columbas.
Chris Shield Chair of Abbeyfield Wānaka
Jane from St Columbas
David Gibbs Media and Comms Abbeyfield Wānaka

18/07/2026

Margaret Amor. Singer songwriter from QT thank you for being there and entertaining the adults and the kids. You made the day special. Xx

18/07/2026

Wanaka Ukelele Band first entertainers up. Awesome way to get us started leading into the first raffle. Thank you for being there.

We gave away over $3700 worth of prizes. So many happy people.