Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult will make a nationally significant announcement today - but just what that will be remains unclear.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday announced Mr Boult would be making an announcement at the council chambers at 12.15pm, on a matter significant to both the district and the nation.
The council would not discuss the announcement, but Mr Boult has been vocal about big-ticket items such as a bed tax and infrastructure funding.
The full council will then consider an ''urgent'' item at 1pm.
It comes ahead of a meeting packed with significant issues, from housing developments to rates hikes and the direction of Queenstown and Wanaka airports.
The most contentious item is likely to be a recommendation to approve Laurel Hills, the 156-home Ladies Mile special housing area that has angered Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate residents.
Council planners say it should be approved in principle, although they warn the council would have to address major traffic and transport issues.
Another contentious topic is the future of Queenstown's airport, which was subject to widespread public criticism last year over a bid to extend its noise boundaries.
Councillors today will consider Queenstown Airport Corporation's statement of intent 2020-22, which reiterates its decision to hold off on significant expansion of Queenstown Airport while focusing on the potential expansion of its Wanaka neighbour.
Meanwhile, a new solid waste system is set to make the district greener - and leave some residents' wallets lighter.
Also, councillors will be asked to approve public consultation on the draft 2019-20 annual plan.
The 10-year plan had signalled an average rates rise of 5.99% for the year.
That will jump to 8.72%.
According to the draft plan, the main reason for the increase is a new solid waste service set to launch on July 1.
