The Queenstown Lakes District Council is formally calling for nominations for the establishment of Wanaka and Wakatipu Urban Design Panels, as of this week.

In January this year the Council called for comment on a discussion paper, exploring existing shortcomings in the Council's ability to improve the urban design of buildings. In March the Wanaka Community Board resolved to establish an urban design panel, while an urban design forum at Queenstown reached the conclusion that a panel for the Wakatipu would also be acceptable.

"We have spent some time exploring how these panels operate elsewhere in order to develop a comprehensive draft terms of reference for panellists," Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field said.

The Council was looking for people with expertise, experience or insight in one or some of the following areas: architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and property. It is anticipated the panel will be made up of both industry professionals and members of the community.

"Members will be appointed for a year with the ability to serve for a maximum of three consecutive years," Mr Field said.

The Council was looking for professionals and individuals who were passionate about the district and its future and had a reasonable understanding of the Council's strategies, policies and the District Plan. Individuals could also register an expression of interest in a panellist position, with a given referee.

"This is an exciting new role which will see independent design advice fed into the Council process to the benefit of the entire community," Mr Field said.

For more information or a copy of the draft terms of reference people could contact Council administration officer Sallyanne Walker email sallya@qldc.govt.nz or phone 03 441 0499.

Nominations must be with the Council no later than 5pm Friday September 10, 2004.

ENDS

For further information contact Duncan Field 03 441 0499.

By: Kiri