Wānaka Community Board (WCB) deputy chair Ed Taylor is encouraging locals to get involved with this year’s local body elections.

Ed announced yesterday (Wednesday April 20) he won’t be standing again after serving two terms on the board.  

“For the most part it’s been a very rewarding experience and I would urge anyone who wants to be part of helping shape the town’s future to put their name forward,” he said.

WCB chair Barry Bruce expressed his appreciation for Ed’s substantial contribution to the board.

“Ed has the unique ability to envisage the long term future, a valuable attribute that has contributed hugely to our community and the community board,” Barry said,

“I'm sure Ed will continue to contribute and serve the Wānaka and Upper Clutha community in different ways.”

Ed says it’s been frustrating getting used to the time it takes for the wheels of local government to turn but nearing the end of his second term he’s starting to see a range of WCB driven projects come to fruition.

“There’s some real momentum now to complete a number of projects which we have been talking about for a long time. I’m especially looking forward to getting stage two of the Lakefront Development Plan completed over the next six months and also the roundabout at the Mt Iron/ Hāwea turnoff intersection.”

Ed is looking forward to progress on stage two of the Lakefront Development Plan. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Ed said he’d like to see some work done soon to address issues around downtown parking - before visitors start arriving again in big numbers next year.  

“Let’s not wait till we’re busy again; much easier to do these jobs when it’s quiet. We need to identify some more long-term parking options for workers. They may just have to walk a bit further than they’re used to.”

Ed believes the future looks bright for Wānaka.  

“With forecasts of a potential Wānaka population of anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 in the next two or three decades, the town is going to continue to change and evolve,” he said.

“The prospect of the Silverlight film studio is a great example of ways we can diversify our economy to take the pressure off tourism.”

Ed said he is also watching Christchurch International Airport’s proposal for an airport at Tarras with interest.  

“If you take a wider regional view it makes sense to have one airport which is able to service all the passenger and freight needs for this fast-growing region.”

“Wānaka will always be a desirable place to live and even when it becomes a small city it can still be a vibrant and fantastic place to live and raise families,” he said.

At this stage, only WCB members Quentin Smith (who is also a councillor), Chris Hadfield, and Barry Bruce have confirmed they will run again this year.

Quentin told the Wānaka App he has “every intention of standing again for the Wānaka/Upper Clutha Ward council seat, subject to any curveballs life throws in the next few months”.

Chris said he was “99 percent sure” he would stand again.

“My biggest issue is going to be how to get more of the locals engaged in the future issues and off their keyboards,” Chris said. 

Local body elections will be held on October 8, 2022 and candidate nominations officially open on Friday July 15.