It seeks to actively direct the development of about 2400 high or medium-density homes, a town centre, two schools and a sports/community hub.
Last March, the government confirmed the fast-tracked process Queenstown’s council sought had been approved.
This March, an independent hearings panel shared its recommendation the variation be approved by Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.
But Lewers says, almost six months later, they’ve heard nothing.
"That raises a little bit of an eyebrow with me.
"We’re told there’s a housing crisis from the government, you’ve been sitting on a plan variation that would enable about 2400 homes, on a major transport route, [with] existing services — to a point.
"It’s a pretty good story to tell if you’re this government, going for houses.
"It’s coming up six months — no comms, not a word.
"Are we in a crisis, or aren’t we?"
