Friday 24th July, embargoed until midday

Petition seeks a review of Council amalgamation options

Today, a petition for a review of Council amalgamation options for the Nelson Tasman region has been launched.

Nelson City Councillor Aldo Miccio has initiated the petition, which seeks the signatures of 10% of Nelson and 10% of Tasman registered voters, in accordance with the Local Government Act (2002). If these signatures are achieved, the Local Government Commissioner will investigate and recommend the best amalgamation model for the region. People can then vote on the Commissioner’s recommended model, or the status quo, at a poll.

Aldo Miccio believes it is time for the region’s residents to be given an informed choice about amalgamation.

“The issue has been raised regularly for years, but we’ve never actually seen the detail of the best amalgamation model for the region,” Miccio says. “By seeking a Local Government Commission review and consultation process, we will at last get the chance to look at the recommended ‘One Council’ model for our unique needs.

“This petition is all about informed choice,” he says. “The people of Nelson and Tasman like to be informed, and I respect that. They do not want to be railroaded into a governance model that they don’t want, and that is why I have chosen a process that involves full consultation by the Local Government Commissioner, and the ability for the public to choose the local government structure they want.

“Signing this petition does not mean the Nelson and Tasman Councils will be automatically amalgamated. A signature means that you want to look at the options, so you can vote on the best model for the region, whether you are from central Nelson, or from Richmond, Murchison, Mapua, Motueka, or Golden Bay. Everyone’s views on this counts, and this process will ensure they are informed views.

"We need to work towards facilitating the creation of a vibrant, growing economy that nurtures and inspires its communities; its people, its organisations and clubs, and its business sector, while also actively attracting other people from outside the region to visit and relocate here.

“To achieve this, we need a single, shared identity and purpose, the ability to maximise opportunities and respond to the urban and rural community’s needs, local government transparency and accountability, and greater economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing.” Miccio concludes.

Petitions will be available at various retail outlets throughout the wider region, and signatures will be sought over the next few months.

ENDS

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