Jim Boult
House Talk | Episode 4: Is Growth a Problem?
Queenstown became famous pre-Covid for having a lot of poor-quality housing. House Talk looks at the issue of growth and asks if we need to move away from our obsession with expansion. Video
House Talk | Episode 5: The Awkward Threesome
Sometimes relationships just don't work. Is there any hope for reconciliation in the property market between the conflicting interest of developers, councils, and residents? Video
Cook Islands travel bubble possible by December
A travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands appears to be back on the cards. Audio
South Island, NSW travel bubble possible by Christmas
Christmas on Bondi Beach could be on the cards, as Australia considers allowing New Zealanders through the arrival gates.
Australian officials have intially suggested South Islanders could be allowed… Audio
Covid-19: South Island mayors want restrictions eased
Getting visitors into Queenstown and Nelson has been identified as critical for both South Island cities, where tourism and hospitality is a lifeblood.
Local leaders want restrictions around seating… Audio
Return to Level 2 a 'kick in guts' for South Island businesses
The return to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 has been described a 'kick in the guts' for South Island businesses which were just getting back on their feet.
Last night's announcement triggered a flood of… Audio
Queenstown locals encouraged to get free covid-19 tests
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult says people are rattled after a skiier who was recently in the town tested positive for Covid-19 in South Korea, and a community testing blitz is a responsible… Audio
Government rules out managed isolation Queenstown, Invercargill
The Government has ruled out housing managed isolation and quarantine facilities in Queenstown and Invercargill. Our Otago-Southland reporter Timothy Brown has more. Audio
Meet the Mayors: Queenstown Lakes' Jim Boult
It's the time of the week where we speak to one of our local leaders, today we're joined by Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult. Audio
$85m for Queenstown 'step in right direction' - Mayor Jim Boult
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult is welcoming the $85 million government boost for infrastructure projects in Queenstown, saying it is "no panacea" but a big step in the right direction. Video, Audio
Skyrocketing Jobseeker Numbers in Otago
Jobseeker numbers in Otago are skyrocketing because of the economic fall out of Covid-19. Those on the benefit have climbed almost 50 percent since February, but some areas are more hard hit than… Audio
Queenstown Mayor wary of managed isolation facilities
The government has not ruled out looking further afield to set up managed isolation facilities, but with the school holidays fast approaching, there is concern locals may put off travelling. Bus loads… Audio
Otago economy to be hit slowest to recover from pandemic shock
Otago will face the biggest economic struggle of any region in the post-pandemic recovery.
Westpac's latest roundup of the economic outlook for the regions has found all regions will experience a… Audio
Will the government's $400m tourism boost help save Queenstown?
The Government has announced a $400 million investment in tourism recovery today with a new fund receiving applications from today. Audio
Tourist towns ready for first post-lockdown long weekend
Bungy jumping, hot pools, jet-boat riding, mud baths or a quiet walk around a lake.
Top tourist towns Queenstown and Rotorua are expecting an influx of home-grown visitors this weekend, all looking… Audio
Tourists return to Queenstown after weeks of lockdown
Queenstown rolled out the welcome mat to domestic visitors today as passenger planes flew in for the first time since April 1.
The district has been reeling from thousands of job losses, with more… Video, Audio
Coronavirus: Queenstown Mayor bungy jumps to celebrate Level 2
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult is gearing up to welcome Alert Level 2 and easing of travel restrictions with an iconic Kiwi activity to start to the morning - a Bungy Jump.
Queenstown Lakes has been one… Audio
Level two, a path to recovery?
Domestic travel could begin as soon as mid-May. What will it mean for our crippled tourism industry, and regions facing soaring unemployment? And what will air travel look like once it resumes… Audio
Govt pledges NZ tourism reboot after Covid-19
The tourism industry is preparing for a shake-up after the government announced a reboot in the wake of Covid-19. Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis says the project will re-imagine the way tourism is… Audio