Simon Telfer: Wānaka's future and could he be mayor?

Wānaka Community Board chair Simon Telfer loves bikes and loves Wānaka but could his intelligent and moderate approach take him higher up the local political ladder?

He's tells Crux in our latest podcast that the QLDC mayoralty is not on his radar, but he does have a continuing appetite to help improve the community, including finding a way to manage growth without encouraging an elitist approach to who we classify as the ideal tourist.

He's also diplomatically concerned that the QLDC might not be taking Wānaka's views on board as much as they could - or should.

On the subject of social media trolls being a reason for people not to stand in the next local elections his reply is clear - "Don't read the comments."

But he is sure that a Wānaka mayor will happen.

"I think it's only a matter of time that one day, when the timing is right, that the mayor of the district will happen to be a resident of Wānaka."

Asked if he felt there was more work to do with the Wānaka Community Board Mr Telfer had quite a long list.

"There's no finish line, absolutely no finish line. But I think we've got a clear sense of purpose. We get priorities set at the start of each year. We hold true to those things.

"We try and get a balance between those major, significant, substantive pieces of work and the small stuff that just makes a difference on a day to day basis, whether it's something aesthetically pleasing coming to town or there's a realignment of a path.

"So that's what I love about this community role. We do look at long term structural big change projects, but we can also, you know, occasionally just go, that's great. We got that pathway done."

Also in this weeks podcast, Kim Bowden and Peter Newport discuss the hidden process for reviewing the performance of QLDC CEO Mike Theelen, the dropping of a promising affordable housing plan and an attempt by our council to have another go at diversifying away from tourism and construction.