Advisory group formed after Wakatipu land acquisition

The move follows the Diocese of Dunedin’s purchase of a 2.4-hectare property near Lake Hayes for the relocation of St Joseph’s, Queenstown.

The Bishop’s Advisory Group will frame a “vision for Catholic education and being church in the Wakatipu Basin to guide developments for the next 15 years”.

In order to shape future developments, the advisory group will formulate a draft vision, and the Queenstown parish and school will use a synodal process to give feedback. The draft will be circulated in December to give time for reflection and discernment over the holiday period and feedback will be gathered in the New Year.

The local Ministry of Education roll projections are being used to analyse needs and inform decision-making.

The land purchased by the Diocese is between the Shotover River and Lake Hayes, and is at the edge of the 120-hectare Ladies Miles corridor that has been rezoned for major residential and lesser commercial development.

Earlier this year, Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley confirmed the land purchase ‘‘after several years of evaluation and negotiation’’. Factors in the decision to buy the land included capacity constraints for St Joseph’s School and the growth and development of the region.

FULL STORY

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin – News (Catholic Diocese of Dunedin)

Development may include Catholic church, primary school | Otago Daily Times Online News (Otago Daily Times)