Motueka voters opposed amalgamation strongly

April 26th, 2012

The final count in the amalgamation referendum shows that voters in the Motueka ward, along with those in Lakes-Murchison, were the most strongly against the proposal, with 82.4% saying 'no' compared with the 74% for Tasman as a whole.

The Golden Bay ward came closest to a 'yes' vote, with 42% wanting amalgamation and 58% against. Voters in the Richmond ward were also less against the district-wide trend. But only about 15% of Lakes-Murchison voters preferred amalgamation.

The turnout across the Tasman district was 63.83%, being 22,563 voting papers excluding a few hundred special votes.

Ward	For	Against	(Total)
Golden Bay	1023	1382	(2405)
Lakes-Murchison	265	1524	(1789)
Moutere-Waimea	1535	4460	(5995)
Motueka	885	4150	(5035)
Richmond	2051	5243	(7294)

Comment by Chris Salt:
[Posted 30 April 2012]

Shortly after the poll result Nick Smith was interviewed on Morning Report. He said government should not let the pesky voters get in the way of doing what was 'best' for the region and he would be urging the new minister of local government to push ahead with malgmation. Let's hope the minister is more atuned to real democracy than our now fallen Nelson MP. This is the same MP who pushed through the ETS despite the fact that most people said they did not want it. Nick Smith's bumper sticker should read: Democracy 0, my way 375 - not out!

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Parkes Automotive, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel