Commission calls for alternatives to Golden Bay local board application

The Local Government Commission is calling for alternative applications to one received from the ‘Working Group for a Golden Bay local board’ seeking the establishment of a Golden Bay local board. This follows the Commission’s decision in November last year to assess the application.

The application is for the establishment of a local board to cover the area of the present Golden Bay Ward of Tasman District. If approved, the new board would replace the existing Golden Bay Community Board.

A copy of the application and additional information about the process, local boards and how to make an alternative application is available on the Commission’s website here: Establishment of Golden Bay local board in Tasman District 

The call for alternative applications is the next step in the process of dealing with applications as set out in the Local Government Act 2002. It provides the opportunity for members of the public who may have other ideas about local government in the affected area to put these forward for consideration. Any person, group or organisation can make an alternative application.

In the case of this application for a Golden Bay local board, an alternative application can relate to local government arrangements in Golden Bay, other parts of Tasman District or the district as a whole. It may not, however, propose the abolition of Tasman District or its union with another district, or propose any changes to the boundaries of Tasman District or the functions of Tasman District Council.

Alternative applications must be received at the Local Government Commission by Monday, 10 June 2019. They should be emailed to: info@lgc.govt.nz or posted to Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Commission, PO Box 5362, Wellington 6140.

The Commission will consider all alternatives received alongside the original (Golden Bay) application as well as any other options the Commission may consider appropriate including any combination of the applications it has received. It will then identify “the reasonably practicable options” (as defined in the legislation) and also its “preferred option”. If its preferred option is not the status quo (i.e. no change to current arrangements), the Commission will then produce a draft reorganisation proposal for consultation with the Tasman District community.

Donald Riezebos
Chief Executive Officer