Free to read: How the Lakeview story has changed over the years

Analysis.

This investigation, funded by Crux paid subscribers, examines how a $2 billion Australian luxury property development in the centre of Queenstown started life as a “risk free investment” by the Queenstown Lakes District Council. In ten parts we will tell the story of how a large piece of ratepayer owned prime real estate, valued at $42 million in 2017, was turned into a black hole that so far has cost ratepayers over $100 million, increased rates and may not get built. Crux also acknowledges the role of Google’s Pinpoint investigative journalism tools and will publish, in the public interest, each part without a paywall three days after paid subscribers receive this content.

Real estate developers and sales teams have always fancied themselves as being good at their job - and generally they are. It’s a tough gig. Either you are good or you are out.

But sailing close to the wind is a skill that many real estate developers also value.

We get it. Things don’t sell themselves. But there are two golden, unbreakable rules about dealing with journalists.

Tell the truth.
Don’t ignore valid questions that affect you or your target community/customers.

The first point is obvious - the truth always comes out in the end and in that case any “untruths” told in the past can be remarkably sticky and problematic.