Top of the South Agreement Supported by Tasman

<p>Tasman District Council has thrown its support behind the proposed Top of the South accord, already agreed to by Marlborough District Council.</p> <p>A Memorandum of Understanding between Tasman District, Marlborough District and Nelson City Councils provides the political mandate for the Chief Executives to progress joint purchasing and shared services proposals.</p> <p>The aim is to use shared services to achieve each, or all, of the three following objectives; improved or more resilient services; value for money and savings; good quality infrastructure, local services and performance of regulatory functions.</p> <p>Tasman and Nelson already share a number of services and while Marlborough is involved in a small number of these the agreement to move forward will allow the three local bodies to give a greater commitment to ongoing collaboration in sharing services and procurement.</p> <p>&ldquo;This development is a natural progression of the relationships we share already with our neighbouring authorities&rdquo;, said Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne. &ldquo;Such arrangements have proven to assist in the cost effective delivery of essential services to our ratepayers.&rdquo;</p> <p>&ldquo;As a partner we are committed to meeting the needs of our ratepayers and residents by taking advantage of the proposed joint approach to meet the unique needs of our respective areas.&rdquo;</p> <p>&ldquo;This agreement will formalise what is happening already, with each Council able to identify any opportunity where the sharing of resources and expertise might be beneficial, and with recognition being given to the unique demands and aspirations of each area.&rdquo;</p>