Braden Fastier/Stuff
Councillor Trindi Walker says she’s concerned “our community voice is not reflected” in the Long Term Plan 2021-31. The Long Term Plan had been prepared as if the three waters – drinking water, wastewater and storm water – would continue to be provided by the council. However, with the provision of water services nationally under review by the Government, that could lead to “significant changes”. For Tasman District Council, there was also uncertainty over the total cost of the Waimea dam “due to risks associated with the project, including any further Covid-19 related costs and the scale of work still required to complete the dam”.
Nelson Airport is a strategic asset owned jointly by Tasman District and Nelson City councils.
Tasman District councillors have aligned with the wishes of Nelson Airport representatives and agreed their preferred option is the establishment of a holding company as a funding vehicle only for the airport and Port Nelson. As the airport and port are owned jointly by Tasman District and Nelson City councils, Nelson City councillors must make that same choice in order for Tasman District Council’s preferred option to proceed. City councillors are tipped to consider the matter on Thursday. During their discussion on the options for the two strategic assets as they deliberated on the Tasman District Council Long Term Plan 2021-31, councillors first voted on a motion to retain the status quo, which was lost. The vote on a holding company as a funding vehicle only – option C – then passed. If Nelson City councillors also choose that option, the new company for the port and airport