A council role created to support the work of the Wānaka Community Board (WCB) is empty for the second time in less than two years and the future of the position is yet to be decided. 

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) governance and stakeholder services manager Naell-Crosby Roe is now considering the future of the position.

“The governance and stakeholder services manager is reviewing the scope of the role and potentially replacing it with two positions that will share the responsibility with separate focuses on governance support for the Wānaka Community Board and community liaison in general,” a council spokesperson said.

The manager’s position was established after mayor Jim Boult campaigned in 2019 to win the hearts and minds of Wānaka Ward voters.

The role is empty again and council is considering the future of the position, with the possibility of adding two roles in its place. PHOTO: Wānaka App

One of the role’s key priorities was to ensure the WCB is making the most of its opportunities. 

The WCB has four elected members, one of whom is the chair, and is supported by three Wānaka Ward based councillors who also attend board meetings. 

Jess Garrett has resigned as QLDC Upper Clutha liaison manager and will finish this month, a year after starting in the role in December 2020. 

She is the second person to hold the role, replacing Robyn Steel, who spent approximately six months in the role starting in March 2020.

WCB chair Barry Bruce thanked Jessica for her “very capable work”.

“I wish Jess all the best for her future and look forward to working with the new staff that come in to support the board.”

No timeline has been provided for decisions around the future of the role.