Amalgamation Plan is Now in Residents' Hands

Thursday 16 June 2011

The proposed union of Tasman and Nelson is now in the hands of the residents, said Tasman’s Mayor Richard Kempthorne following today’s announcement by the Local Government Commission decision to move forward with the process started late last year.

The Local Government Commission has announced they will be releasing a draft reorganisation plan for a combined Tasman District and Nelson City. The draft is open for public submission and once this process closes then the Commission has another opportunity to decide whether to proceed or not.

“While Wellington may believe this is best for Tasman, it is now in the hands of residents”, said Mayor Kempthorne.

“I am urging the people of Tasman to take the time to review the draft plan and make a submission. Once finalised this plan will form the basis of what residents will be voting on and it will be too late to change it.

“The Council’s role and responsibility at this stage is to ensure Tasman residents have all the information they need to play a meaningful role in the process.

“We made our position very clear about what we thought about the proposed union at the time of the hearings last year. Until we have read the report we are not in a position to gauge whether the proposal will deliver the fair representation and cost efficiencies not already able to be achieved through shared services, however, our role is now focused on assisting residents to make their minds up either way.

“This is no longer about an election campaign outside of our District. It needs to be made about what is best for Tasman and how people wish to have their aspirations decided upon, by whom and what cost. While the process has been filled with unsubstantiated claims and supposed benefits, people have to look beyond those and ask ‘what are the real benefits and costs’.

“The Council is prepared to meet with any individuals or groups who would like further information or clarification of the issues as residents consider the proposal to amalgamate“.

If the Local Government Commission decides to proceed following this consultation process a final reorganisation plan will be the subject of a poll within the Tasman District and Nelson City with over 50% of electors who choose to vote in both areas having to approve it for it to succeed.

“While this process continues the Tasman District Council is committed to delivering the services and activities important to our community”, concluded Mayor Kempthorne.