Jim Boult – Inclusionary Housing / Affordable Housing
Leading through growth, affordability, and community pressure
In this episode, we sit down with Jim Boult, former Mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District and a lifelong resident of the region. Jim has been at the centre of local leadership, navigating the pressures of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing communities while advocating for solutions to some of its toughest challenges.
Our conversation takes a close look at the housing crisis in the Queenstown Lakes District — from affordability and the impact on migrant and seasonal workers, to the strain on infrastructure and the wider implications for regional growth.
We dive into policy solutions, including the role of inclusionary zoning as a potential tool to ensure more affordable homes are delivered alongside private development. Jim reflects on what has and hasn’t worked in Queenstown, and what lessons can be applied across New Zealand as other towns and cities face similar pressures.
