Telfer to stand again for community board
Simon Telfer, the current chair of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB), has announced he will stand again for the board at this year’s local body elections.
“It has been a privilege to chair the community board over the past three years, but there is plenty of unfinished business,” he said.
“We need continued strong leadership to ensure Wānaka and the Upper Clutha receive an equitable share of [Queenstown Lakes District Council] QLDC funding and prioritisation.”
Simon said priority projects for the ward include increased sports fields and facilities, safer pedestrian crossing points in the town centre, a clearer future for Wānaka Airport, a new roundabout at the Golf Course/Ballantyne Road intersection, and protection of our natural environment, especially our two lakes.
“I’d also like the $5M+ languishing in the Wānaka Asset Sales (Scurr Heights) Reserve to be invested into community infrastructure as soon as possible,” he said.
“The idea of a community facility in Albert Town has my support.”
Simon said the highlights from his three years on the board included “leading last year’s community health public meeting, completing Mt Iron’s reserve management plan, expanding our walking and biking network, commencing Wānaka Airport’s future review and empowering the community to invest the Scurr Heights Fund”.
As a trustee of the Armstrong Trust he was also proud of championing large donations to Te Kura o Titiea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Foundation, Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, and After Hours Urgent Care service, he said.
“I’ve been fully committed to my elected role over the past three years, attending 200 community engagements, making hundreds of phone calls and sending 4,900 emails.
“If re-elected I commit to ensuring QLDC gives the Upper Clutha its equitable share of resources and prioritisation; Developing more sports fields and facilities; Acting as a guardian for our beautiful natural environment; People being at the heart of Wānaka’s town centre redevelopment; and supporting our not for profit community, especially Health Action Wānaka.”
Over the past 25 years Simon has acted as a director and advisor to privately owned businesses across New Zealand. He is a patron of the Festival of Colour and supporter of a number of local artists.
He lives in Wānaka with his wife, Jo Shearer, and two daughters who attend MAC.
