Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Nelson/Tasman council merger approved

Updated at 5:48 am on 1 February 2012

The Local Government Commission has approved the amalgamation of Nelson City and neighbouring Tasman District Councils.

It says a new Nelson-Tasman Council will be more economically efficient and will be better for regional planning.

Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio, who proposed the merger, says a combined council will also have more clout with central government.

However, Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says the economic argument is unproven and a merged council will cost rural ratepayers a voice in decision making.

A referendum will be held in April and, if at least 50% percent of electors in each area agree, a new council will be elected in October.

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