Wānaka's first electorate office to open in coming weeks

Waitaki Member of Parliament Miles Anderson, whose electorate covers Wānaka to Oamaru, says his new Wānaka office will open in the coming weeks.

It's the first time the town has had an office for its local MP.

When asked why he was setting one up, Mr Anderson shares that Wānaka is now the biggest residential area in his electorate - and he acknowledges it's set to grow too. 

"To service the needs of the constituents down there, we felt it was best to have an office down there as well.

"Hopefully we'll have an official opening sometime in the next month."

His new spot will be located in Spencer Mall and staffed approximately 30 hours a week. 

At this stage it is unknown what set clinic days, if any, Mr Anderson will have in Wānaka, but he is committed to having a presence in the area.

"I will try," he says in response to questioning on when he'll be in town.

"I have spread myself over a big area."

Mr Anderson says he'll be conducting interviews for the person to work in the office, who will be charged with liaising with and listening to locals.

And, there's been 31 people who submitted an application for the role, with Mr Anderson pleased with the amount of interest. 

"I think the job appeals for people who are community minded...and connected into their communities."

He says right now it's a bit difficult to judge the right amount of opening hours needed for the office; but, after a few months, they'll reassess how it's going and make changes as needed. 

Main image: The location of the new office.