The McKay Jetty is considered unsafe and in 2010 the Queenstown Lakes District Council proposed demolishing it.
However, after public submissions opposed demolition the council looked at other options, including a $40,000 makeover.
At its meeting yesterday, the community board agreed the jetty should be retained and made safe.
Speaking to the meeting from the North Island via Skype, Cr Ella Lawton said she had had discussions with the Wanaka Yacht Club about a ''partnership'' arrangement so the cost of repairs did not fall ''fully on the shoulders of council''.
She recommended the community board defer the matter until after the yacht club had discussed its involvement, at a meeting in December.
Cr Calum McLeod moved the jetty be included in the Wanaka foreshore draft reserve management plan and the cost of the upgrade be considered for next year's budget.
Cr McLeod said the jetty was a popular place for photographers.
Board member Ross McRobie, while supportive of the jetty being retained, questioned its usefulness as a boating facility when the lake was at a low level.
General manager infrastructure and assets Erik Barnes said he did not know what depth of water was at the end of the jetty.
