In its role as an advocate for the wider Wanaka area, the Wanaka Community Board makes decisions and recommendations on everything from the upkeep of parks and reserves to the naming of streets. Three candidates have put their hands up to fill the empty seat on the board and represent the interests of the community. With voting now open, Wanaka reporter TimMiller asked those candidates why they should get your vote and what are the most pressing issues facing the Upper Clutha.
Alan Cutler
ALAN CUTLER
Why should people vote for you?
If people are interested in protecting and enhancing those natural values that attracted them to the district, if citizens value those qualities of the Upper Clutha basin that make it a desirable place to live and recreate in, and if residents wish to have an attractive and defined town centre and liveable urban environments then I will assist them.
What is the single most pressing issue facing the Upper Clutha?
Managing growth without compromising the character and quality of Wanaka. Potential adverse effects relate to traffic management and parking; stormwater, lake water and potable water; parks, open spaces and natural areas. There is no single solution but decision-makers must be aware of and sensitive to potential adverse effects and receptive to well-integrated good design and sustainable solutions.
If there was one thing you could change about the area what would it be?
Urban sprawl that fails to respect natural values or agreed and logical urban boundaries. Unfettered urban sprawl feeds into land banking and those parcels of vacant, undeveloped and poorly utilised land.I will advocate for better urban design and infill housing while opposing large developments that are insensitive to natural topography and landscape values.
Barry Bruce
BARRY BRUCE
Why should people vote for you?
I am enthusiastic about Wanaka’s future.I have a proven record in senior corporate management, business establishment and operation and good people skills. I have a detailed understanding of future growth projections for Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, and are familiar with transport and infrastructure requirements. I wish to ensure the qualities we love about Wanaka are foremost in all future planning and development considerations.
What is the single most pressing issue facing the Upper Clutha?
The most important issue currently is parking, particularly in Ardmore, Brownston, Helwick, Dungarvon Sts and car park areas. It is a priority to provide additional parking to reduce pressure on these streets.
We also need to encourage motorhomes and camper vans to park close by but not in the central business area.
If there was one thing you could change about the area what would it be?
Market pressures dictate our property market and prices.If I had any influence, I would give our younger generation the opportunity to own their own home in the Upper Clutha. I have witnessed many who cannot afford to live in the town they were brought up in and move away. We need these young people.
Jude Battson
JUDE BATTSON
Why should people vote for you?
I am accessible, approachable and listen to people. My achievements include road sealing, track, intersection, foreshore, sewerage, water and airport upgrades. I can slot easily into the community board and be updated and get to work. My approach is objective, strategic and sensible. Projects need a vision, a plan, funding and implementation by people suited to each of those roles to ensure accountability and value for money.
What is the single most pressing issue facing the Upper Clutha?
Each small community has priorities that include a hall at Luggate, no chlorination at Lake Hawea and Luggate, sewerage for Cardrona and roading at Makarora. For Wanaka, it’s traffic around the town and to include safe pedestrian and cycle connectivity.
If there was one thing you could change about the area what would it be?
A master plan with community input to look 20 to 30 years ahead so everyone knows what is being done to manage population and tourist growth.
