Locals will have the chance to vote on everything from Wanaka’s best cafe to its top skiing trail in a new initiative by Lake Wanaka Tourism (LWT).

The organisation has this week launched a local’s choice campaign where residents’ top picks in a range of categories, from hospitality, arts and culture to sport and recreation industries, will be discovered.

“This initiative is a way for us to acknowledge the incredible businesses, and individuals who make Wanaka such a special place,” LWT general manager Tim Barke said.

The initial nomination period, now open, will run until February 15, 2021 with final selections, closing March 3, 2021.

Nominees will be celebrated at an event on March 30, and the winners will be revealed in a three-page spread in the Upper Clutha Messenger in the March 31 edition, and via the Wanaka App and Radio Wanaka. 

As it did with last year’s ‘LoveWanaka, Supporting Local’ campaign, business support organisation Ignite Wanaka is once again backing the new initiative. 

“Last year was tough for many businesses, so what better way to start the first quarter of the year than with a celebration, a pat on the back for your favourite Wanaka things,” Ignite Wanaka executive officer Naomi Lindsay said.

“Part of our values is to celebrate the success of our business community and we’re always looking at ways of celebrating those small wins, daily, weekly, monthly. It’s these small wins and acknowledgements that can lead to the bigger achievements.”

LWT digital marketing executive Jessie Byrne is encouraging people to share the survey with friends and family.     

“Let’s get this out to as many people in the community as possible,” she said. 

“It will take about ten minutes to complete and this is your opportunity to give your Wanaka favourites a well-earned pat on the back.”

Vote on everything from your favourite sustainability initiative to your top picnic spot via the link here.

PHOTO: @freeridenewzealand