Our Nelson Issue 161, 18 January 2023

Financial relief approved for Nelsonians affected by August storm event
At a Council meeting on 15 December 2022, elected members approved an extension to the current rates remission policy for red and yellow placarded properties that were unable to be occupied as of 30 November 2022.
Those affected will be eligible for full rates remissions for a period of up to five years, or until the home is reoccupied. All eligible property owners are being personally contacted and provided with application forms. Property owners who have already completed a rates remissions application form will have the additional remission automatically applied and backdated.
Previous rates remissions for these properties only covered services unable to use while a property was unoccupied, such as water and stormwater charges. The December report recommended increasing this remission of rates to cover the total rates bill for all red and yellow placarded properties that cannot be occupied overnight. The change to total rates remission represents an additional average household saving of $2,166 per annum.
Mayor Nick Smith said the proposal to extend rates relief for homeowners recognises the stress people are still under from the storm.
“The extra support is focused on those whose homes are so badly damaged that they cannot be occupied. This extra support comes at a cost to ratepayers but it is about Nelsonians supporting each other through tough times and will help the worst affected families and assist in their recovery.”
Applications for remissions close on 20 February 2023. 
If you are eligible for rates remissions but have not yet been contacted by Council, please call 03 546 0200 or email customer.service@ncc.govt.nz.

Mayoral Relief Fund fully paid out
The Mayoral Relief Fund closed on 30 November 2022 and has granted funds to more than 250 households.
At a Council meeting on 15 December, elected members voted in favour of a proposal from Mayor Nick Smith to add an additional $50,000 of funding for the Mayoral Relief Fund from Nelson City Council to cover a shortfall, after additional funding was declined by the Government. This step was taken because of concern that applications would be declined without this additional funding.
Mayor Nick said demand for the Mayoral Relief Fund exceeded its initial funds.
“Many residents are now facing financial difficulties due to burdening costs of reinstating their land, including damages that are outside of insurance and EQC criteria such as fencing for stock control, roading and access to properties and water tanks. 
“The Mayoral Relief Fund can never fully compensate for the huge losses people have suffered from the floods, but it is an important source of support for the worst affected.”
The $50,000 funding approved by Council brings the overall Mayoral Relief Fund to $789,000, made up of $390,000 from Government (50%), $349,000 from private donations (44%) and $50,000 from ratepayers (6%).

Don’t wait till it’s too late to conserve water
With a warmer than average summer predicted for Whakatū Nelson, it’s important to start thinking now about ways we can conserve water. NIWA forecasting predicts temperatures are likely to be above average, and that marine heatwave conditions will result in high heat and humidity at times. There is an elevated risk for dry spells as fewer westerly winds are expected.
The earlier we begin conserving, the longer we may have before water restrictions are needed. 
Nelson City Council has a list of easy water-saving tips we can all use to help conserve water. Remember, every drop helps. 
Water saving tips
There are lots of simple ways you can conserve water – and every drop helps.
·	Put a bowl in the sink when washing your vegetables, then reuse the water on your garden
·	Choose drought-tolerant trees and plants for your garden
·	Avoid watering your garden or crops during the heat of the day
·	Compost mulch around trees and shrubs
·	Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
·	Use a bucket to wash the car rather than a hose
·	Stick to shorter showers
·	Put a bottle full of water in your toilet cistern to reduce flush water
·	Fix any dripping taps
Visit nelson.govt.nz/water-conservation-1282 for a handy printout of these tips.

A day out at Saxton Oval
The T20 Super Smash is headed to Nelson, bringing family fun and cricket action to Saxton Oval.
The Central Stags and Hinds take on Otago in a T20 doubleheader on Saturday 21 January. But before the big match, there’s a chance for the kids to meet and test their skills in some cricket games with Stags and Hinds players, and maybe even win tickets for Saturday’s match.
Friday 20 January – Meet players from the Stags and Hinds. Games, tickets, giveaways and more. Saxton Oval 1:45pm-3:30pm.
Saturday 21 January – T20 Super Smash, with food trucks, giveaways and inflatables for a great day out with family and friends. Gates open 10am.
Tickets available from cdcricket.flicket.co.nz

Nelson Buskers Festival
KOHA
Thu 19 – sun 22 Jan Nelson and Māpua
Incredible performers from around the world visit Nelson’s streets for four days only! Bring cash to show your appreciation. 
Top of Trafalgar Street: 19 - 20 Jan  11am - 2:30pm, 21 Jan 10:30am - 2pm
On the Church Steps: 21 - 22 Jan 6pm
Māpua Wharf: 22 Jan 11am - 2:30pm
Buskers at the Boathouse (R18): 19 - 20 Jan, tickets from eventfinda.co.nz 
itson.co.nz

NELSON DISTRICT LICENSING COMMITTEE
APPLICATIONS FOR COMMISSIONER/CHAIR INVITED
Nelson City Council’s District Licensing Committee (DLC) deals with alcohol licensing matters within our City. The Committee is responsible for making decisions on all alcohol license applications (including special licenses) and Manager's Certificate applications, renewals and temporary authorities under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Council is seeking to appoint a Commissioner/Chair to the District Licensing Committee for a term of five years. Applications are now sought for this role.
Applications (including a cover letter which outlines your experience against the necessary competencies and a CV containing at least two referees) can be emailed to michelle.joubert@ncc.govt.nz or posted to Michelle Joubert, Nelson City Council, PO Box 645, Nelson 7010. Applications close 10 February 2023.
To check your eligibility to be included and find out more about the role, please visit the careers page on Nelson City Council’s website: careers.nelsonagovt.nz 

Meetings
The following meetings of the Nelson City Council have been scheduled. 
Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit
10:30am	26 Jan
Saxton Field Committee - Boardroom,  Sports House, 142 Saxton Road East,  Saxton Field Complex, Nelson
9:30am	7 Feb
Council
9am	9 Feb
Hearing Panel - Rūma Waimārama
8:30am	10 Feb
Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee - Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond
2pm	10 Feb
Audit, Risk and Finance Committee
9am	24 Feb
Chief Executive Employment Committee - Rūma Whakatū
2pm	24 Feb
For a full list of Council meetings go to: nelson.govt.nz/meetings
To read the latest updates or sign up for Our Nelson by email go to: our.nelson.govt.nz