Longterm parking option for workers

AFTER reading about staff accommodation issues for Wanaka and Queenstown, I was left thinking what about workers who have vans or would consider living in their van or camper over the summer but have nowhere to park?

Rather than removing such options surely it would be useful to create a longterm parking option for workers. This is the kind of initiative which could immediately help many people who are struggling to find somewhere to live. Worker housing is great but it takes time to build.

Tiny houses could be an excellent option for staff who are looking for more private accommodation rather than been housed in essentially dorms or large shared buildings. Tiny houses could be a more costeffective solution, also with a suitable village atmosphere, and give couples more privacy.

Right now many in Wanaka and Queenstown living in some form of accommodation on wheels face an uncertain future, with no support from the council. Nelson has over 100 permanent sites at their campground and this is extremely useful for seasonal and permanent workers in the area. Just as essential in the QLDC I’d say.

But here we get lumped with a council that’s only interested in large commercial developments.

When Wanaka wanted a recycling centre some years back the council said no, not interested. But the community did it anyway and created one of the best recycling centres in the country. So perhaps it’s up to us residents to make it happen again. Jason Barnett

Wanaka [Abridged]