'Zombie town' fears grow as Queenstown reaches breaking point
A housing crisis is deepening in New Zealand's famous tourist town of Queenstown. According to RNZ, the high cost of living is pricing out locals and fuelling fears the town could become a 'zombie town'.
A housing crisis is deepening in Queenstown, New Zealand's famous mountain-and-lake town. According to RNZ, the 'real cost of living in paradise' is becoming ever heavier, with high housing costs driving locals out of the area.
With tourist demand strong, house prices and rents have climbed beyond what many service-sector workers can afford. Local stakeholders warn that if workers cannot find places to live, businesses could face staffing shortages.
Experts voice concern that, without an increase in permanent housing supply, the town could lose its vibrancy and turn into a 'zombie town'. Proposed remedies centre on calls for investment in affordable housing and worker accommodation.
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