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Tasman rejects “rip-off” label
11 August 2009
Mayor Richard Kempthorne has today issued a statement in response to the Nelson Mail article from Monday 10 August implying that Tasman District Council is not pulling its weight with regard to funding regional facilities.
“After spending over $10.5 million on regional facilities since 2001, all but one of which is in Nelson, I was surprised to read the Nelson Mail’s inference that Tasman District Council is in some way not pulling its weight when it comes to the funding of regional facilities” said Mayor Kempthorne. “I think generally Tasman District’s ratepayers would also be surprised at the Mail’s claim.”
Mayor Kempthorne agreed with Deputy Mayor Reece that the document on which the funding formula is based is “an exceptionally well written document”. He also added that Tasman District Council’s contribution to regional facilities and services has been based on the funding formula agreed between the two Councils.
“All of the facilities highlighted in the article, except the ASB Aquatic Centre, are located in Nelson and can be used as facilities for the region and by local residents. This can eliminate the need for the facilities to be replicated elsewhere in the City” continued Mayor Kempthorne. “However, Tasman also needs to provide facilities in the other 17 settlements that make up its District to meet the needs of its local communities. It’s worth noting that Tasman District Council has to provide facilities for 97 percent of the region’s territory yet doesn’t expect Nelson’s residents to contribute to the cost of these, even though they may travel to use them.”
Over the last few years, as well as contributing around $10.5 million to all regional facilities recommended by the Regional Funding Forum, Tasman has also invested $16.3 million in building similar facilities throughout its much larger District. These facilities include the Moutere Hills Community Centre, the Rotoiti Community Hall, the Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre and the Motueka Recreation Centre. Each enjoys high levels of use by both Tasman and Nelson residents.
“The Regional Funding Forum has already asked the staff of the two Councils to review the current funding split under the regional formula. Tasman District Council is more than willing to continue working with Nelson City Council to provide regional facilities and services to meet the needs of our communities” concluded Mayor Kempthorne.
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