Nelson City Council has established a regional development agency which will control the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency and Nelson Tasman Tourism.
The transition group was appointed by the Nelson City Council last year to review how best to manage NREDA and NTT following the Tasman District Council’s decision to withdraw their support for the tourism promotions organisation.
An establishment board has been appointed, and will be chaired by John Palmer.
“I’m looking forward to putting a new organisation together to build on the work done to date, to put a clear focus on the opportunities for growth in the areas where Nelson has so much to offer,” says John.
The role of the new organisation is to facilitate the sustainable development of the region and enhance economic vitality.
The Establishment Board will look to appoint a transition manager to deal with the transition to the new entity before a chief executive is employed later this year.
Once the NRDA is fully established, governance of the agency will be handed over to the NRDA Board, which will be appointed by Nelson City Council following a recruitment process.
The activities of the Establishment Board will be funded through existing funding and equity within the NREDA and NTT, and existing staff will be transitioned to the new agency.
Other members of the board have been confirmed as Kevin Armstrong, Martin Byrne, Chris Jackson, Sharon McGuire and Robin Whalley.
Mayor Rachel Reese was pleased to see progress on an area that was highlighted in the council’s long term plan.
“It is encouraging to take this next step in creating this development agency. I have confidence in the new board to lead the new organisation through this establishment phase.”
The new agency is scheduled to commence operations on July 1.
