Southerners take pride in self-governance

Wanaka has more than skiing, boating and the Warbirds airshow going for it. It has a model of local democracy that puts Auckland to shame.

At least that is the view of Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks, who says the Central Otago township of 5000 has more local say than any community in New Zealand.

Every function that can be legally carried out by the board has been delegated from over the hill by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, he says.

This has resulted in Wanaka recommending its own rates and making decisions on everything from the swimming pool, sports fields and footpaths to pensioner housing and the controversial issue of setting a growth boundary. What is more, the board monitors the performance of all contractors, budgets, performance measures and service standards.

Lately, the seven board members have approved a $10 million sports facility, extended the skateboard park and sealed a number of metal roads.

Mr Cocks said the board had to get projects into the council annual plan, but once that happened the council could not overturn a decision of the community board.

"People are very happy. They feel empowered, they have got representation and things are happening."