Nick Smith - Nelson MP, Minister National Government

Smith wants Council model refined

20 July 2011

Nelson MP Nick Smith has recommended the Local Government Commission refine its model for a single council in the region to reduce costs and to provide better representation.

“I believe the Commission has done a pretty good job. I have represented both Nelson and Tasman as an MP and I am in no doubt the region would be better served by a single council. The public will get better value for its rates, from avoiding the duplication of services and the endless bickering that goes on between the two Councils,” Dr Smith said.

Dr Smith’s formal submission proposes changes to the reorganisation proposal around the ward structure, community boards and the name of the new Council.

“I am a strong supporter of the ward structure. It results in better representation and fairer elections. Voters make a far better choice of Councillor when asked to select two or three out of eight candidates whereas selecting seven from 21 becomes too much of a lottery. I believe three wards in Nelson of Atawhai-Wakapuaka, City, and Stoke-Tahunanui would work better.

“The community board structure is very important for Motueka and Golden Bay and needs to be strengthened. However, I do not support new community boards right across the region. It will just add unnecessary costs. The smaller rural communities like Murchison, Tapawera, Mapua and Lake Rotoiti are better served by independent community associations. In Nelson and Richmond, the Council is better to interact with those communities through organisations like Commerce Nelson, the Residents Association, Nelson Grey Power and the Nelson Ethnic Council rather than by creating new community boards.

“I also favour the new Council being named the Nelson District Council. Nelson has been the name for the whole region since 1842 and the name ‘District’ makes plain it includes the rural hinterland. The name ‘Nelson’ covers the region already with so many organisations and entities such as the Nelson Mail, Nelson Lakes and the Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board. It is significant that Nelson winegrowers are all in Tasman but use the Nelson name because of its global recognition. The proposed double banger name is too politically correct and, if we are to have one Council, should have one name.

“I am publicly releasing my submission to the Commission so people know where I stand. I have long supported a single Council for the region but I am also respectful that the final decision has to rest with the public by way of a referendum.”

See here for Nick's amalgamation submission

ENDS