During the public forum, resident Andrew Millar told the board it was "patently obvious" new builds in the district were typically on the higher end of the market, and that the problem was only getting worse.
While he acknowledged the community board did not have the power to change council policies, he said they were in a position to "initiate and facilitate discussion" on the issue as community representatives.
Board member Lyal Cocks said he couldn’t see any reason why the board shouldn’t consult with the community on the issue, but cautioned this would not necessarily translate into a formal submission voted on by all board members.
"I’d support the community board listening to the community and any ideas that come through, maybe forwarding through to council."
Queenstown Lakes District Council representative Michelle Morss said council was pursuing the affordable housing issue through several avenues, including last year’s joint housing action plan and the spatial plan.
"It’s a challenge that’s complex, and there’s lots of actors in this space that need to play a role."
She said there was "no harm" in continuing the debate if community members believed there had been "gaps in the conversation".
Board members approved measures including temporary road closures for the Wānaka A&P Show next month.
McDougall St from Ardmore St to Brownston St will be closed between March 6 and 10, as well as additional closures of some streets south of Pembroke Park on March 8 and 9.
The board also voted in favour of the council’s adoption of development plans for Lismore Park and Peninsula Bay, an updated Tree Policy, the vesting of new reserves on Orchard Rd and at Mt Iron Junction, and an easement for the installation of underground piping and cables on reserve land at Beacon Point.
