Business advisor and active transport advocate Simon Telfer has announced he will stand for the Wānaka Community Board (WCB) at the October local body elections.

“The Wānaka Community Board has an opportunity to reclaim its influence and respect. To lead our town in a future focused, positive and inspiring way,” Simon said.

“We need more energy on the board to champion initiatives on behalf of Wānaka, rather than just reactively responding to whatever is presented by [Queenstown Lakes District Council] QLDC staff.

“If elected, I will bring a fresh energy and a proactive attitude to the board, plus a track record of both working with, and challenging, QLDC.”

Simon has acted as a director and advisor to privately owned businesses across New Zealand for the past 20 years.

Since 2016 he’s served as a Bike Wānaka committee member, lobbying for the QLDC to purchase Sticky Forest from its Maori owners. 

He also leads Active Transport Wānaka’s advocacy to build a network of safe cycleways, including Aubrey Rd, Lakeside Rd, Ballantyne Rd and the SH84 underpass to date.

In 2020, as part of QLDC’s Covid-19 recovery, Simon chaired the district wide Regenerative Recovery Advisory Group which helped to re-imagine a diversified local economy and better community wellbeing over the medium and longer term. 

Simon said he is committed to ensuring QLDC gives Wānaka its fair share of resources and prioritisation.

Some of his priorities are ensuring people are at the “heart” of the Wānaka town centre redesign; constructing a network of safe and protected cycleways as quickly as possible; supporting local businesses; and empowering local volunteers.

“The next three years will see significant decisions around the future of Wānaka Airport, creation of the Mt Iron Reserve and rejuvenation of our town centre.  

He said he believes he is well placed to represent the community and contribute meaningfully to these discussions.

“I have an ‘environment first’ approach to further airport development, balanced with a need for the Wānaka community and businesses to have good connections with the rest of the country,” he said.

Simon lives in Wānaka with his wife, Jo Shearer, and two daughters who attend Mt Aspiring College.

Find more information on Simon here.

PHOTO: Supplied