Nelson Weekly
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Wednesday 5 July 2023
Page 4
Home after six months
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Semi-final rematch
PAGES 18-19
Amalgamation talks resurface MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
The amalgamation of Nelson City and Tasman District Councils is a question that should be discussed again, Nelson’s mayor suggests, as the Future for Local Government
review recommends significant reform of the sector. The review panel’s findings have been described as the most significant review of local government since the 1989 reforms and the 2002 Local Government Act. The panel believes “the struc-
ture and operation of councils will need to be renewed to ensure local government is fit for the future,” and suggests that the proposed regional boundaries outlined in the Government’s resource management reforms – in which Nelson and Tasman are
combined – should be the starting point of discussions. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith believes any changes to Nelson City Council should only be made if residents and councils support the move, an assertation agreed on by the review panel, but thinks
the topic of amalgamation is worth discussing. “We need to start a conversation about the future of local government in our region,” he says. “Reform is inevitable.”
SEE PAGE 2
Nelson lights up GORDON PREECE The five-day Te Ramaroa Light Festival in Nelson City sparked around 25,000 to 30,000 attendees during its first three nights. Organiser Michaela Blackman said this year’s event, which switched off on 4 July, had “exceeded expectations”. “It’s gone really well, in fact it has exceeded expectations, the numbers have been really high, the weather has been really good, it’s been really well received,” she says. “I think [the public] enjoyed the community stage and they’ve really enjoyed Cathedral Hill. All the installations up there are tipped
SEE PAGE 6
Nelson’s central city saw an influx of thousands for Te Ramaroa. Photo: Evan Barnes.
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