The Wanaka community had a chance to hear from local election candidates this evening, and one thing was clear from all corners: they want the Upper Clutha to be heard.

The six local candidates for council were grilled for about an hour and a half about growth, the airport, consultation and the climate emergency. The Lake Wanaka Centre was packed with over 300 attendees, who had voted on the preferred candidate questions when they arrived.

Lincoln Haworth, the youngest candidate, drily pointed out that we are, right now, in the middle of the ‘Community Open Days’ consultation with Wanaka Airport.

“I signed up to the Wanaka Airport Online Consultation Portal in November 2018. Since then, I’ve received one email update. Apparently to get a second email you have to actually stand for council,” said Haworth. 

Read this report in full here.