Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board sworn in

Simon Telfer has been appointed chair of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for a second term. 

Telfer was appointed at the board’s first meeting today at the Lake Wānaka Centre. 

Kathy Dedo was appointed deputy chair. 

Telfer said the board gathered before swearing in to build trust and get to know each other further. 

“We talked about how we wanted to work together, how we wanted to be treated, what support we needed. So we made some really good progress on that.” 

The board also spoke about initial priorities for the term and what they had heard from the community about what was important. 

“There was social cohesion, that was a theme that came through, affordability both in housing and how to live day to day, protection of the environment - especially water. The community’s told us that they want to continue to be communicated with and engaged with and to be listened to.  

“The final theme was around movement of people and transport and learning from Queenstown challenges.” 

Telfer was looking forward to leading the board again. 

“We've got a really progressive board. A board that is really engaged or that brings a balance of fresh ideas and deep knowledge of the community so there's some long-standing community members there and we've got some fresh thinking. 

“We’ll make the most of everyday this term. I've been on record as saying that it's Wānaka’s time.” 

The community board is made up of elected members Telfer, Dedo, John Wellington and Chris Hadfield. They are joined by three councillors appointed to the board: Niki Gladding, Nicola King and Cody Tucker.  

Gladding was also sworn in as a QLDC councillor at the meeting after being unable to attend the earlier swearing in of councillors due to ill health.

The board’s first ordinary meeting is scheduled for December 16. 

Main image: Credit Jodie James