Wanaka is gearing up to host the New Zealand Community Boards Conference next week. Close to 200 board delegates will descend on the town.
''Local communities, local leadership'' is the theme of the conference, which runs from May 9 to 11.
Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks said the conference would focus on empowering communities by giving them opportunities to be heard through their ''grass-roots representatives''.
The conference is held every two years, alternating between North Island and South Island hosts. It is the first time it has been held in Wanaka.
Mr Cocks said 193 delegates had registered for the event, which was well up on figures at the 2011 conference.
''There's a good representation from throughout the country, right from the Far North to Southland ... we've had a really good uptake with it and we're at our limit now.''
The conference would benefit the Wanaka economy during a quiet time of year, he said.
The conference will be held at the Lake Wanaka Centre and the Wanaka Masonic Lodge. Social events on the programme will take place at Edgewater.
