Two long-term Wānaka residents are stepping up to coordinate support for potential candidates in the upcoming local body elections, in a bid to do “something positive” for local body politics.

Both Meg Taylor and Andy Oxley were shoulder tapped to stand for local government, and while they both declined, Andy told the Wānaka App, “we turned it around and thought what can we do?”

The answer, Stand Up Wānaka (which includes Hāwea, Albert Town, Luggate, Cardrona and Makarora), is in the early days of building a support strategy for those thinking of standing for council or the Wānaka Community Board (WCB). 

“We are simply looking to support and encourage strong, effective and diverse Wānaka representation.”

The pair have had extensive talks with existing and past councillors as well as with locals with a range of useful skills and resources. While interest has been “overwhelming” to support candidates, there has been some interest from people in putting their names forward for the ballot, Andy said, but “not an avalanche”.

This year Wānaka/Upper Clutha Ward voters can vote for a new mayor, and - for the first time - four rather than three Wānaka councillors. Members of the Upper Clutha community won the fight to retain the WCB this year, so there will also be four seats on the board to vote for.

“You don’t need to be a brain surgeon, you just need to be passionate about Wānaka and care about Wānaka and be a person with good common sense and a good work ethic and a love of the community,” Andy said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council will launch a guide to candidates soon, but Stand Up Wānaka aims to offer even more free information and support, Andy said. 

The group will provide a panel of people available to offer support; someone would give a potential candidate one hour of their time, and after the initial session, the support person could offer more support if they wish.

Meg and Andy will manage the referral service and collation of free information. 

The women have emphasised the initiative is bi-partisan.

They are both members of the Wānaka Stakeholders Group but are “at pains” to say Stand Up Wānaka has nothing to do with that group.

“Everything we do here will be available for everyone, whether they are pro-development, vegan Green, or whatever,” Andy said.

Nominations open for candidates on July 15, but Stand Up Wānaka will hold an information evening before that; date to be confirmed.

People can message Stand Up Wānaka to say if they are interested in either supporting or standing, either via the group’s Facebook page or directly to Meg or Andy ([email protected], 027 443 9049; [email protected],  021 107 5520).

PHOTO: Supplied