Media release, 19 May 2017

Wayne Hudson to Run in QLDC By-election

A fourth candidate has put his name forward to run in the Queenstown Lakes District Council by-election.

Wayne Hudson is a semi-retired commercial lawyer and for the last 30 years has focused on the technology business sector, advising on commercialising intellectual property, buying and selling tech businesses, capital-raising and structuring start-up businesses.

He currently works as a legal consultant through his company WHIPIT Limited, which assists technology start-up companies prepare for growth, investment and sale.

Wayne and his wife Jane moved from Auckland to Wanaka in 2014. He has been actively involved in the local community since moving, mentoring a number of Wanaka start-up businesses including Tourism Ticker, kin-2-kin, Insiteful, and MeMini.

He is also a mentor for the Angelic Drop-in Centre at the CUBE, Wanaka, and is a presenter and trained facilitator for the Wanaka Co.starters business development programme.

An experienced governance practitioner, Wayne is a director of a number of technology-driven companies and was on the steering group for the Centre for Space Science Technology in Alexandra.

Wayne is a keen sportsman and is the current President of the Wanaka Ski and Snowsports Club, a competitive cyclist and a member of the Wanaka Tramping Club. He is a former President of Cycling New Zealand and holds 17 national titles in fencing, having competed for New Zealand from 1975 to 1992.

Mr Hudson believes the main focus for Wanaka and its surrounding areas must be long-range infrastructure and asset planning.

“I strongly believe we need clear, considered and decisive planning for our area’s future. I will be a strong voice lobbying for Wanaka and its future needs and will work hard as part of the team of Wanaka Council and Community Board members to develop a sensitive approach to growth in order to enhance and protect our area,” Mr Hudson said.

“We do not want to be playing catch up on infrastructure issues (such as roading) the way Queenstown is, and we need early planning to cope with the pressures of our fast-growing area.”

“We also need to address water quality issues and maximise opportunities to develop, while still protecting recreational and tourism assets, such as the Sticky Forest, for all recreational users,” Mr Hudson said.

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