A number of accomplished locals are represented on the reference groups set up to assist with the review and development of the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) new regional policy statement.

The regional policy statement (RPS) sets the direction for future management of Otago's natural and physical resources and provides the foundation for the development of regional plans and district plans.

ORC policy and science strategy general manager Gwyneth Elsum said the council was thrilled with the high calibre of applicants to the reference groups.

“We sent out the call for people to get involved in these reference groups and have their input on the future of Otago’s natural and physical resources in mid-May, and we received over 190 applications. It was great to get such an enthusiastic response, and from a diverse group of people – many of whom might not typically engage with regional council issues.”

From a total of 192 applications, 92 - including five from the Upper Clutha - were selected to cover the range of topics.

“The participants in these groups include experts in policy, science, and industry, and people with knowledge and experience of the issues. The first three groups of tranche one have already met this week,” Gwyneth said.

Five locals are among those contributing their expertise to the future management of Otago’s natural and physical resources. PHOTO: Wanaka App

The urban form and development reference group includes Garth Falconer from Reset Urban Design and Anne Salmond from Salmond Architecture, both of whom are from Wanaka.

Garth is a practising urban designer with 30 years’ experience working on spatial plans and districts plans. He is the author of Living in Paradox An Urban Design History of NZ 2015.

Anne is a registered architect who works across residential, rural, community, retail, hospitality and commercial areas, and has a particular interest and experience in sustainability and energy efficiency.

Bronwyn Bain, also from Wanaka, is a member of the coastal environment reference group. Bronwyn, who has a passion for preserving and growing the biodiversity at her doorstep, has spent the past six years actively undertaking conservation work, protecting the Nuggets area from pollution, poaching, protecting wildlife, mammals and birdlife.

The ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity reference group has two Wanaka members: Don Robertson and Nancy Latham.

Nancy was economic services manager for the northern half of the South lsland for Beef+Lamb NZ and through that role gained an in-depth understanding and appreciation of farming systems and the interconnections with the natural environment.

Don Robertson is chair of the Guardians of Lake Wānaka, a member of the Guardians of Lake Hāwea, and a trustee of the Upper Clutha Lakes Trust. Don has a 40-year background in marine fisheries science and management, marine ecology, biodiversity and biosecurity. He has held senior central government positions at the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and NIWA, served on a range of NZ Royal Society Committees relating to marine science and Antarctic science, and was a member of the NZ delegation for the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) for 15 years.

Don is also a member of the land and freshwater reference group.

Councillors decided in April to adopt an alternative approach for gathering community input into the new RPS, due to the disruption of COVID-19. The newly formed reference groups enable small, representative groups to give input and provide feedback about the proposed content of each topic of the RPS.