Steering group spokesman David Kennedy said the project was community-driven and aimed to bring together residents, businesses, local government and other agencies to debate important issues for the future of the district.
Recent forums which focused on the economic future and events strategy had been well supported, but it was now time to tackle the vision, which was "the greatest challenge", Mr Kennedy said.
"The key is uniting under one vision.
"If we can all agree where we want to go, it's a lot easier to agree on how to get there.
"The Shaping our Future forums are a way for everyone to be listened to."
Meetings are planned district-wide throughout this month, with people able to attend any of the sessions, but not necessarily in their own area.
"We want to unify this region so people shouldn't feel they can only attend their local forums.
"They are welcome to turn up to as many as they want and people who live in Queenstown, for example, might find it interesting to hear what Hawea residents have to say.
"We are definitely encouraging cross-pollination of our communities."
The steering group's goal was to find out how people envisaged the future direction of the district and would focus on the perception for the area in 50 years' time.
"There are a whole range of diverse issues which we want to see highlighted and discussed.
"Everyone will get their chance to have their say during the open discussions and all points will be listened to."
Mr Kennedy said following the "visioning" forums, priorities would be identified and further public forums will be held to identify the actions required to achieve the vision for the future.
"Without concrete action plans all of these forums could be seen as just 'talkfests'.
"Our goal is to turn Shaping our Future into a community think-tank that delivers something real."
People unable to attend meetings could also have their say through an online survey or by joining the conversation at www.shapingourfuture.org.nz.
Meeting dates
Shaping our Future meetings are planned for. -
September 8: Arrowtown
September 12: Glenorchy
September 13: Kingston
September 14: Hawea
September 19: Luggate
September 26: Wanaka
September 27: Makarora
September 28: Queenstown
