A newly-formed group promoting the creation of a roller skating rink wants to bring a non-competitive, social and fun all-seasons sport to Wānaka.

The group, called Wānaka Rollers, recently shared the roller rink idea publicly and 150 people are already behind it.

“It’s all pretty fresh, it’s all happened this week,” group organiser Amanda McHolm said.

“I thought it might be a great way of bringing people together - families, youth - and try to create a bit more fun all year round.”

Amanda has been keen to see a roller rink established in Wānaka for some time and said the opportunity to submit an expression of interest (EOI) in the new sports, community and youth centre sparked her into action.

Her goal is to get young people involved in a non-competitive sport for their health and wellbeing, she said.

“It’s hard to be depressed when you’re roller skating.

“There is a variety of people in the community with interest expressed, so it is a matter of balancing that and delivering something that is of benefit to the community.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) invited local community groups and sport and recreation clubs to submit EOI for the new centre (located in the former Mitre 10 building and expected to be operational from June next year) late last month.

Amanda visited the site this week to assess its suitability for a roller rink and said she plans to make a submission.

Skate NZ said roller sports is a major form of recreation for many young New Zealanders and there are 20 clubs across the country. 

There are no clubs in the Queenstown Lakes district although the Queenstown Events Centre does host roller activities.

Find out more about Wānaka Rollers here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App