Economic development group closes regional gap

If you think getting Nelson and Tasman to work together is a big step, expect to be impressed by the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency's latest move.

It launched on Wednesday night a Top of the South economic development regional governance group which encompasses Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

Admittedly the move was foisted upon it by the Government, which called for the number of economic development regions to be cut from 26 to 14.

But Nelson EDA board chairwoman Robyn Reid told invited guests Wednesday night that the organisation had no problem following that approach. "I honestly believe we are only limited by our own fears and small-mindedness about small towns."

The Nelson Regional EDA and Marlborough Regional Development Trust will continue to operate separately but come together on joint projects under the governance group which includes representatives from both organisations and two independent appointees.

"Scarce" funding was available for economic development across the top of the south and the group needed to think wisely about how it would be allocated and that didn't mean a half or third shares, Mrs Reid said.

The group has already received its first bit of funding - $50,000 for a review of Marlborough's regional development strategy. A similar review of the Nelson regional development strategy has just been completed, with the final document being released at Wednesday night's function.

Mrs Reid said they now needed to look at the document, decide what the priorities were, how they would be implemented and who would take responsibility for them. "Next year is when the hard work starts." Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said Tasman had previously felt there wasn't sufficient recognition of what it had going on.

"Through this process I think there has been. I feel the work that's been done this time is a tribute to all of you."

Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall said: "It's a new dawn".

- © Fairfax NZ News