Council Support for Local Government Commission Consultation Crucial

Aldo Miccio says it is crucial that the Nelson City Council and the Tasman District Council support the Local Government Commission’s consultation into whether or not to develop a One Council model for the region.

This week, the 10% of electors signatures required for the amalgamation study petition has been achieved, and the petition has been certified. The Local Government Commission will now come to the region to consult and decide whether or not to develop a reorganisation scheme for the region based on the union of the Nelson City Council and the Tasman District Council.

Aldo Miccio says he is pleased he has furthered the amalgamation debate as he had promised when he ran for Council three years ago.

“I do believe that a One Council model for our region is inevitable over the next few years, but the intention behind my amalgamation study petition was to allow us to see, debate and vote on the best model for our region, rather than wait for central government to impose a model on us,” Miccio says. “Having analysed the options to move the debate forward, my belief remains that this region should make the most of the legislative mechanisms within the Local Government Act (2002), so that we get a democratic vote on this important issue.”

“Now we await the Commission’s consultation with key players so it can decide whether or not to develop a draft reorganisation scheme,” he says. “However, I do fear that either of the Councils may wish to stymie the Local Government Commission’s process, which I believe would be a disservice to their ratepayers. The Local Government Commission’s time and expertise should be respected, as should the voice of the thousands who want this study to happen.

“I call upon those who supported the petition to impress upon the Mayors of our two Councils to embrace this independent investigation, because the ratepayers in their areas deserve to be able to vote by referendum on this major issue and not have a decision forced upon them by central government or councils,” he says. “It must be the communities’ own decision.”

ENDS

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