Clarification offered over the council amalgamation process

September 25th

Confusion has already arisen over what the Nelson/Tasman amalgamation process will entail and what input voters will have, leading Motueka Community Board chairman David Ogilvie to offer a clear explanation of the steps ahead and how people can make their opinions known and indicate their preferences.

With a "No" petition already underway (read our story here) and strong opinions flying at last week's "Meet the Candidates" meeting (reported here), it is clear that most people - even those close to council operations - are not yet properly acquainted with the details of the process ahead. Most people believe that the first and only input they will have will be a simple Yes/No vote at a poll.

David has provided Motueka Online with the document put out by the Local Government Commission (LGC) which now controls the process, describing the various steps along the way from now. The document makes it clear that there are several steps to work through before any polling, and David stresses that people who have opinions about the possibility of amalgamation take the time and effort to make submissions as permitted.

So here are the steps in the process:

The LGC invites public submission, from individuals or organisations, on the proposal (for the union of Nelson City and Tasman District), with a closing date of Monday November 8th. David urges that this is an opportunity to say what you think; it's not a Yes/No vote.

Submissions may be made on any matter relevant to the proposal, including:
- Whether or not the proposal should proceed;
- Whether some variation of the proposal should be adopted (that is, allowing us to suggest alternatives);
- The advantages and disadvantages of the proposal compared to the status quo; and
- If the proposal is implemented, details that could be included in a draft reorganisation scheme such as representation arrangements and community board structures and functions.
The Commission gives the submissions received to the representative of those who signed the petition (in this case, presumably Aldo Miccio) and provides an opportunity for him to withdraw the proposal.
If the proposal is not withdrawn, the Commission will likely meet with the two local authorities, the representative of electors, relevant government agencies, effective Maori organisations, and those other people and organisations who have made submissions. This is usually done at hearings in the affected areas.
The commission may carry out other investigations and enquiries so that it has enough information on which to make a decision.
The Commission then decides whether to issue a draft reorganisation scheme, based on the proposal or on a modification or variation of the proposal, or not to proceed with the proposal.
If the Commission issues a draft reorganisation scheme, it then invites submissions on the draft scheme. The scheme includes the detail of how a proposal would be implemented.
The Commission considers submissions received on the draft. It then decides whether to issue a final reorganisation scheme based on the draft scheme, with or without modifications, or to decline to proceed with the scheme.
If the Commission issues a final reorganisation scheme, two polls are held, one poll of the electors of Nelson City and one poll of the electors of Tasman District.
If polls are required, a final scheme would be implemented if a majority of those who vote in each poll in favour of the final scheme - that is, both have to have a majority voting "Yes".

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