LINK Upper Clutha

About

LINK Upper Clutha is a locally-driven, central government-supported entity focused on connecting people, organisations and infrastructure to ensure a united approach to community development and social and economic enterprise.

Story

Community collaboration incubator LINK Upper Clutha is a central government-supported, locally-driven community development effort in Wanaka, identifying actions our community can take to preserve what’s special about our place and keep us connected as we grow.

Since forming in 2016, LINK has undertaken the first comprehensive study of community assets and services in the region. In September 2016 it brought global community development expert Jim Diers to Wanaka to talk about what it means to build a successful community. In Feburary 2017, it launched the '3 Questions' campaign to find out what people love about this place and how to preserve it in the face of growth.

Based on what LINK has heard so far, the team has already been working on neighbourhood connection, supporting community groups that are forming and evolving, and using asset map data to connect individuals and groups.

Additional projects will emerge from answers to the 3 Questions, with strategic goals set in late March. LINK is looking for the small changes people want to be more connected. Better engagement with each other will lead to better solutions on the big issues.

LINK is guided by a Steering Group of diverse community leaders, chaired by Councillor Ella Lawton. Governance is provided by the Alpine Community Development Trust, and funding by the Department of Internal Affairs.