The hui, convened by Wao Aotearoa and Community Link Upper Clutha, brought together a cross-sectoral group of community leaders, businesses and local government representatives to discuss how fuel disruption, supply chain pressure and rising costs may impact the Upper Clutha.
In a media release, Wao Aotearoa said "the overall sentiment from the group was clear: while global uncertainty is outside local control, how the community responds is not".
"By working together, sharing information and focusing on practical solutions, Wānaka has an opportunity to strengthen resilience — not just for the immediate period, but for the future."
The front-of-mind issue raised at the hui was wellbeing within the community.
Frontline organisations reported a noticeable rise in financial stress and wellbeing concerns, with demand for services such as food support rising.
But while there were challenges, the hui’s focus turned to the opportunity created by the current crisis, and the problems it has exposed with dependency on fossil fuels from far-off lands.
Priority areas identified by the hui were transport, food resilience, energy and community connection and wellbeing, and while these are very different issues, common themes of locality and reducing reliance on imported energy emerged.
In transport, there was a desire to expand active and shared transport options, building on existing initiatives like the school bike programme or carpooling, while exploring opportunities for improved public and community transport.
In food resilience, priorities identified were the strengthening of local food systems and the encouragement of early household-level preparation for supply shortages.
In energy, participants sought an increased focus on energy resilience and efficiency, while supporting a transition towards more local and renewable energy solutions.
In community connection and wellbeing, the focus of attendees turned to the strengthening of local support networks and ensuring access to services and information within the community.
