Mayor of Tasman and the chair of Sport Tasman, Richard Kempthorne, and Andrew Petheram from Nelson District Council, discuss the story of Saxton Fields. They offer advice on how other councils can cooperate to produce lasting legacies.

One of the barriers to the development of excellent sport complexes in New Zealand is the relationship between neighbouring councils. Disagreements over funding, locations and other aspects of construction can break down negotiations, leading to councils building smaller, inferior facilities in their own region.

Saxton Fields is a large sporting complex, with internationally recognised facilities, that borders the Tasman and Nelson districts. Both councils have worked together to build this brilliant facility, overcoming all disagreements. The facility benefits the community and provides a quality investment for their ratepayers.