News » NCC Media Release

21.01.16

Joint development agency established 19 January 2016

The merger of the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency (NREDA) and Nelson Tasman Tourism (NTT) has taken a further step forward as the Nelson City Council resolved to establish the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) as a Council Controlled 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” Mr Palmer said.

Other members of the board have been confirmed as:

• Mr Kevin Armstrong
• Mr Martin Byrne
• Mr Chris Jackson
• Ms Sharon McGuire
• Mr Robin Whalley

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 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.

Mayor Rachel Reese was pleased to see progress on an area that was highlighted in the Long Term Plan. “I would like to acknowledge all the hard work of the Transition Group that helped make recommendations for the creation of this new entity. Thanks must go to John Palmer, Martin Byrne, Chris Jackson, Paul Dalzell, and Phil Taylor for their time, energy and efforts in developing the recommendations that have been approved by Council.

“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 1 July 2016.

Ends

Contact:

Mayor Rachel Reese. Phone: 03 546 0242

John Palmer. Phone: 03 542 3763

link to Media Release:  http://nelson.govt.nz/council/news/recent-media-releases-and-news