Much of the change has not been predicted, but all of it has impacted on our town, our people and our way of life.
In 2008, when the Queenstown Times launched, Five Mile was still going ahead under property developer Dave Henderson; the construction industry was booming; businesses were flourishing and tourism was buoyant.
In just a few short months, the landscape changed drastically - words like "recession" were commonplace; builders were out of work; businesses were closing down; tourism was suffering; and journalists spent a large amount of time writing about receiverships, mortgagee sales and liquidations.
The doom and gloom picture was quickly being painted and, while some would later say Queenstown survived the recession relatively unscathed, those who call this place home would perhaps argue the contrary.
We watched as our friends lost their jobs; we consoled people when their homes were taken from them; we rallied around when "Closed Down" signs covered windows of empty businesses; and we attended countless leaving parties for those who decided to try their luck elsewhere.
However, you only need to look back at the inaugural Queenstown Times, which hit the stands on April 14, 2008, to see it would take more than an economic crisis to halt our growth.
In our first edition, we asked a cross-section of people in our community about what Queenstown would look like in 50 years' time.
Remarkables Park developer Alastair Porter predicted more high quality hotels, conference centres, arts and culture centres and better access to the environment.
Hilton Queenstown and the Kawarau Hotel managed by Hilton - which opened in June - made the first prediction true; a conference centre was mooted by Prime Minister John Key at a function at the hotel the day after its opening, something which will be investigated; and Mr Key's initiative for national walking and cycling trails, which includes the Queenstown Trail (under construction), along with the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and Skyline's initiative to improve and construct trails at Ben Lomond, has certainly provided better access to our environment.
Speight's Ale House manager Clark Frew thought there "may be a primary school at Frankton" by 2058 and "also maybe a two-lane bridge over the Kawarau".
Remarkables Primary, at Frankton, opened last year and the New Zealand Transport Agency has plans in place for that long-awaited two-lane bridge.
Long-time local Mike Hansen thought Chinese visitors would become more prevalent - China Southern Air launched direct flights from Guangzhou to Auckland earlier this year, with the Chinese market identified as a key target for New Zealand and Queenstown, tourism.
Three years ago, when we asked former Destination Queenstown chief executive David Kennedy what would change by 2058, he responded with this: "Everything, except the positive attitude and spirit of the Wakatipuans".
They are but an example of how this town - despite, or perhaps as a result of, incredibly difficult economic conditions - has not only weathered the storms of the past three years, but thrived.
So, where to from here?
In this, our 500th edition, we ask some of the most innovative, inspiring and enthusiastic people in our community to answer that question, knowing whatever comes our way, Mr Kennedy's words will always ring true.
