Simon Telfer to stand again for Wānaka Community Board

The following statement has been received from Simon Telfer.

"It has been a privilege to chair the Community Board over the past three years, but there is plenty of unfinished business.

We need continued strong leadership to ensure Wānaka and the Upper Clutha receive an equitable share of QLDC funding and prioritisation.

Priority projects for the Ward include increased sports fields and facilities, safer pedestrian crossing points in the town centre, a clearer future for Wānaka Airport, a new roundabout at the Golf Course / Ballantyne Road intersection and protection of our natural environment, especially our two lakes.

I’d also like the $5m+ languishing in the Wānaka Asset Sales (Scurr Heights) Reserve to be invested in to community infrastructure as soon as possible. The idea of a community facility in Albert Town has my support.

Highlights from my first three years on the Community Board have included leading last year’s community health public meeting, completing Mt Iron’s reserve management plan, expanding our walking and biking network, commencing Wānaka Airport’s future review and empowering the community to invest the Scurr Heights Fund. As a Trustee of the Armstrong Trust I was proud of championing large donations to the Mt Aspiring College Foundation, Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust and After Hours Urgent Care service.

I’ve been fully committed to my elected role over the past three years, attending 200 community engagements, making hundreds of phone calls and sending 4,900 emails!

If re-elected I commit to:  

• Ensuring QLDC gives the Upper Clutha its equitable share of resources and prioritisation
• Developing more sports fields and facilities
• Acting as a guardian for our beautiful natural environment
• People being at the heart of Wānaka’s town centre redevelopment
• Supporting our not for profit community, especially Health Action Wānaka

About Simon

Over the last 25 years Simon has acted as a director and advisor to privately owned businesses across New Zealand.

Simon is a patron of the Festival of Colour and supporter of a number of local artists.

He lives in Wānaka with his wife, Jo Shearer, and two daughters who attend Mt Aspiring College."

More information on Simon can be found at https://www.facebook.com/voteforsimon