Our Nelson Issue 180 – 11 October 2023

Bridge to Better – a view from the street
Michael Walker and Naiane Denardin have been running the Bridge Street Backpackers since 2017. After years of travelling and working in some of the world's best hotels and restaurants, the Kiwi/Brazilian couple came to Nelson with the ambition to create the best backpackers in New Zealand.
As business operators and leaseholders, they’re pleased to see the proposed investment in infrastructure and amenities for Bridge Street. 
“If it's planned properly, I can only see the positives of providing a more attractive and functional conduit for both locals and visitors to access the businesses and attractions that the street connects,” says Michael.
During their travels, Paris and Copenhagen impressed them, with streets set-up to encourage walking and biking.
“We really enjoyed our time in Copenhagen. It was very bike-friendly to get from place to place and also incorporated some great pedestrian-only precincts. I think Nelson is on its way towards something similar but it does require us to think about how we accommodate shared spaces in our city, and the transport we use.”
Michael and Naiane see some disruption as inevitable once the Bridge to Better project gets underway.
“I anticipate disruption, but I am optimistic that if proper consultation is done, many of the obvious, and even some of the less obvious inconveniences, can be addressed in a timely manner. I’m hopeful that the end result will be an asset to the community and benefit everyone,” says Michael.
Matthew Kidson, whose family has owned the Bridge Street Backpackers building for over 30 years, agrees that Bridge Street needs some love.
“A lot of people are worried about the city. They see the empty buildings and the lack of investment. So, we're really keen to get this one going and see some benefits. We’re happy to take some short-term pain for some long-term gain.”
Matthew says that many people look to Melbourne as an attractive city with vigour, but you don’t need to go overseas to see examples of revitalised cities and towns.
“Blenheim has done some beautiful work around the riverfront and the Civic Centre. When I visit New Plymouth, I have it pointed out to me how much more go-ahead it is there, with the Len Lye Centre, the cycleway around the waterfront, Puke Ariki, and their various festivals. I know Taupo and Tauranga both have ambitious plans too. We're going to get left behind if we just do nothing. So, there's is a real need to reinvest and show the city some love. Do it right, and let the world know that we're open for business.”
Matthew says business and property owners will want to understand how the project is staged and be assured that all necessary work will be incorporated. 
“I'd be interested in knowing more about micro programming around trying to minimize disruption for the various business operators on the street. However, we're realistic that there will be some disruption. If you go anywhere that's thriving, there's construction everywhere and there is disruption. So, you can't have it both ways. You're either just sitting on a city of slow demise or you're taking some leaps forward.
“We need a vibrant inner city, not just for the tourists, but for the smart young people that come and work at places like the Cawthron. We need them messaging their friends saying, ‘Hey, I'm in Nelson, and there's a great scene here, I’m at a cool bar.’ We need more than just great weather and beautiful environment to attract and keep people,” says Matthew.
For Matthew, Nelson’s arts and cultural scene gives it an edge, and needs to be included in the Bridge to Better plans. 
“The times through winter when things have been really lively in town — almost like being back in North America or Europe in terms of the number of people walking through town — are when the likes of Te Ramaroa and the Four Lanes Festival are on. It shows you that when you encourage cultural events in the city, people will come and transform the city centre. So, when we are doing these landscape and infrastructure upgrade projects we need to look at all the ways we can enhance the city.”
Matthew is pleased that one aspect of the Bridge to Better project is infrastructure that will provide capacity for hundreds of city centre homes. 
“There’s not enough accommodation in the region as it is – and that’s before we bring all the workers required for the hospital construction project. Developers definitely want to understand what they can do in terms of converting first floor levels into apartments. Encouraging more housing in town means the inner city could be much more vibrant.”
Matthew says that inner city business owners like Michael and Naiane are the heroes of our economy. 
“They did it tough through the Covid years, but they kept delivering. They bring people into town, provide somewhere to stay and offer a good experience. So anything we can do to support them keeps everything humming.”

Adapt and thrive: Chris Wilkinson’s retail blueprint
Chris Wilkinson from First Retail Group Limited is acting as a commercial liaison between Bridge Street businesses and Nelson City Council for the Bridge To Better project.
Chris Wilkinson’s first business was a huge success in an industry that was disrupted by digital technology, an experience that led to him setting up First Retail Group Limited – a business that helps other businesses evolve and adapt during periods of change. 
“I launched my first 1-hour photo shop when I was 19 and soon built it into a successful chain. We got lucky and caught the eye of large international players in the sector and sold the business model to a supplier that expanded the concept, with his expertise on board, to the US. 
“But as we all know digital camera and smartphones completely disrupted the photo processing market, and it ended up being my first lesson in what businesses need to do to prepare for the future.” 
First Retail Group (FRG) was the product of that early experience and now works with consumer-facing sectors and destinations across Australasia and the Pacific Islands. They have also delivered projects in the US, UK and Dubai. 
“We do a lot of work with Councils and business communities to help adapt to the impacts and benefits of change. In NZ we've worked from Invercargill to Kaitaia – and many places between, on projects to regenerate their city centres. The Queenstown upgrade was an outcome of strategic planning we provided. We’ve also been involved with projects in Dunedin, Lower Hutt and Ōtaki, providing strategy and resilience planning and management. 
Chris says businesses all look for similar things when they are involved in a city upgrade that might prove disruptive. 
“Businesses want accessibility, efficiency, profile and to be among complementary offers and experiences that help attract people to areas – regularly and habitually,” he says. 
“You could describe what we provide as an independently-led, commercial guardianship model – something that is vital in to ensuring businesses are prepared for change and that all can benefit once work is complete. This work starts before the contracts are awarded, and continues throughout the works to ensure the project is as good a neighbour as it can be.” 
Once Bridge To Better is completed, the area will be far more appealing to people. There will be more places for people to spend their time, more green spaces, traffic will be calmed and there will be more opportunities for outdoor dining and entertainment. 
“Improved public spaces encourage people to spend more time in areas, relaxing and better interacting with the retail and hospitality offers around them,” says Chris. 
“With a greater focus by consumers on leisure, these types of businesses increasingly anchor our centres – and help attract retail spend too. People-focused public spaces support these priorities and uses well.” 
Chris is hopeful that his work will help the project avoid some of the pitfalls major construction work in city centres can face. 
“It's important to show businesses, who may have understandable concerns, that there is a strong guardianship approach across the life of the project that will support stakeholder trust and goodwill. 
“Put more simply – we are here to be open, consistent, and supportive.” 
Once complete, Chris says the project will create a precinct that retains and attracts businesses that reflect the values and aspirations of this unique part of New Zealand. 
“Already strong in its cafe and restaurant offer, I would expect Nelson could build an even better visitor experience through improved vibrancy, better demonstration of Bridge Street’s character and provenance and evolving a compelling mix of both retail and hospitality uses – along with amenities and experiences that speak to all age groups and audiences.” 
Finally, Chris says Nelson is by no means alone in transforming its city centre. 
“We've worked on lots of changes in streetspace projects in Wellington such as Dixon Street and Lombard Lane – which are now daily destinations for the First Retail team, while in Queenstown the recently completed Downtown area has made it a much better place to spend time in. 
“Around half our work is overseas, and we're seeing a significant shift toward these types of spaces in areas with similar climates and audiences that Nelson enjoys.” 
Keep track of the Bridge to Better project at shape.nelson.govt.nz/bridge-better
Project Mahitahi plantings survive flooding 
Project Mahitahi, funded by the Government’s Jobs for Nature initiative, is now in the fourth year of a five-year programme. 
As well as providing local employment opportunities, the project aims to plant 125,000 trees, restore 1.3 hectares of wetlands, and carry out pest plant and predator control in the Maitai/Mahitahi river catchment.
More than 24 hectares of pest plants have been dealt to in the ongoing battle against invasive weeds; old man’s beard, gorse, broom, climbing asparagus, blackberry and Himalayan honeysuckle are some of the most problematic species in the catchment. The field team is also regularly catching possums, rats and other predators across three trapping projects in the area.
The extreme weather event in August 2022 saw the Maitai River reach record levels, and this last year has shown the resiliency of both plants and people when it comes to bouncing back from adversity. While there was erosion throughout the catchment, many native trees planted on the riverside flattened by the floods have sprung back. Clearing the flood debris was a community effort, and Project Mahitahi stepped up to support the Civil Defence response in the huge clean-up task.
Crack willow proved to be a problematic source of flood debris, and the systematic removal of this pest plant from the riverbanks was stepped up this year, with older stumps being monitored for regrowth too. 15,000 new plants were dedicated to the spaces left by willow alone.
Planting this season has pushed the project over its target of 125,000 riparian (riverside) plants planted. The community contributed to the achievement of this huge milestone at various planting events, including with Enviroschools and Multicultural Nelson Tasman.
The richness of the community engagement with the mahi of restoring the catchment has grown, and the strengthening of a wider community understanding of the ecological issues and participation in solutions will be of long-term benefit to the health of the catchment.
Visitors to this year’s light festival, Te Ramaroa, were enthralled by Project Mahitahi’s Galaxiies installation, which drew inspiration from the sparkling inanga, or whitebait, that inhabit the waters of the awa. Young artists learned about ways to help protect our waterways and its inhabitants in the process of creating their artworks, and some took part in planting as a practical act of care.
Visit the new Project Mahitahi Storymap, which tells the stories of the river catchment and the ongoing work to restore its ecosystems and mauri (life force): nelson.govt.nz/project-mahitahi

Plan Change 29: Democracy in action 
Attendance has been high at a series of community meetings organised by Council for people to ask questions about Plan Change 29. 
“It’s fair to say that after the tea and biscuits there was some robust discussion,” says Mandy Bishop, Group Manager Environmental Management. “Our hope is that these meetings turn into well-informed submissions.” 
“If you want to make the most out of your submission, it’s best to provide context and alternatives. For instance, if you oppose an aspect of the plan change provide reasons and propose an alternative. If you support the proposed changes – explain why.” 
There is one more public meeting planned and we hope to see more members of our community involved: 
Atawhai/Nelson North: 
Thursday 12 October
7.30pm – 9pm
Clifton Terrace School Hall
Need help with an RMA submission?
Council has engaged a Friend of Submitters, Emily Bayliss, who is able to talk to people face-to-face and provide guidance on making a good submission to the plan at no charge to you. 
For those seeking assistance with their submission, Emily will be at NMIT (Mahitahi Colab building, 
322 Hardy Street) to assist submitters wishing to meet in person, on the dates below. Bookings are essential. Please phone 021 0843 5559 or email friendofsubmitters@baylissconsulting.co.nz 
Friend of submitters clinics 
Thursday 12 October 2023, 
9am – 4pm 
Thursday 19 October 2023, 
9am – 4pm 
Thursday 26 October 2023,
9am – 4pm
A new, resilient connection at the Maitai Hub 
First there was a bridge washed away in the August 2022 severe weather event, another bridge that was twisted by debris, then a temporary bridge, no bridge, and now, finally, a new permanent bridge that will provide a future-proofed connection between the Maitai Hub and nearby trails.
Situated between the carpark and the greens at Waahi Taakaro Golf Course, work on the new bridge foundations has begun with the bridge planned to be lifted into place later this year. The bridge is planned to be opened to the public early February 2024. 
“The new bridge will reinstate the link connecting walkers and cyclists to the network of trails in the Maitai Valley via the perimeter of the golf course,” says Group Manager Community Services Andrew White.
“The Maitai Recreation Hub opened to much fanfare in May 2022 and was incredibly popular before it was hammered by the August floods. Council is looking into new nearby, locations for the pump track that are less prone to flooding so Nelsonians can enjoy it again. The replacement of the Maitai Bridge is the first step in reconnecting this area for all recreational users.”
In the 2022 August floods, the two bridges on the Waahi Taakaro Golf Course were damaged. One was washed away, and the other was twisted by debris washed down the Maitai River. A temporary bridge was put in place to provide safe passage until the permanent bridge was constructed. During the May 2023 weather event the temporary bridge’s foundations were damaged and it was removed. As a result, the only access across the river has been through a ford.
Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the new bridge will be able to better cope with future severe weather events.
“Similar to many ongoing projects around Nelson City that are designed to make our city more resilient, contractors are taking a number of steps to ensure the new bridge can withstand further floods in the area.”
The new bridge will be built up from the existing ground level, which will allow more space for the Maitai River to pass under the bridge during future floods. Rock armouring will be used to protect the bridge abutments and the riverbank.
Precautions are being taken during the project to protect the ecology of the riverbanks, the health of the river and to create safe passage for fish. Work in the river will not start until the fish spawning season finishes, and when it does go ahead, there will be a river ecologist onsite. 
“This bridge is integral to the golf course and club,“ says Waahi Taakaro Golf Club Manager Peter Watson.
“I’m thrilled to see that it’s been designed not only for golfers, trundlers and golf carts, but it’s strong enough and wide enough to accommodate vehicles such as mowers and trucks that are essential to the maintenance of the course.” 
Council has budgeted $1.5 million to replace the bridge, a portion of which will be covered by insurance from the August severe weather event. 
“The damage and destruction of the two bridges across the Maitai River at the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club was testament to the power of the storm in August 2022,” says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.
“We are building back better, with the new bridge having greater flow capacity for the Maitai below and increased capacity above for golfers and vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists to access the network of trails in the valley. This $1.5 million investment is also good for the local economy, with all the contractors, structural engineers and fabricators being local companies.”
The whale is out of jail
Fans of Tāhunanui’s iconic whale were able to breathe a sigh of relief earlier this month after structural engineers gave the concrete cetacean the all-clear in a safety review of the 1960s concrete play equipment at the beach reserve. 
Following the collapse of the concrete train, Council staff checked the whale was safe for children to use. 
“We found some cracks on the whale’s back, which we can repair, but the whale is structurally sound,” says Group Manager Community Services Andrew White. 
“We also know a bit more about what happened with the train. The windows, when cut into the train carriages, exposed its internal steel reinforcing to salt water, causing it to rust over time. The rust expanded, weakening the train's structure and causing it to crack, which eventually led to its collapse.” 
Council is now liaising with the Nelson Lions Club as to what will replace the train. The whale is constructed differently to the train and contains concrete plaster and a mesh frame. 
It’s not the first time that the concrete equipment at Tāhunanui has ended up on the news, in 2020 one of the turtles was stolen and ended up in Blenheim before being retrieved by a Council staff member. 
If you notice any damage to any of playground equipment in Nelson, please report it via the Antenno App, or contact Council on 03 546 0200.

This month we’re on the lookout for two of our spikiest pests: variegated thistle and white-edged nightshade 
These prickly customers are most often found in areas of pasture but may also be present in disturbed forestry or new subdivisions that have been converted from pasture. They rapidly form dense stands that outcompete grasses and prevent people and livestock from accessing the land.
Variegated thistle (Silybum marianum) is a very large, spiny thistle. It forms dense clumps rapidly, and individual plants are often in excess of one metre in width with flower stems reaching up to 2.5 metres high.
At this time of year, keep an eye out for large rosettes of leaves with striking white veins and blotches. Large, single purple flowers are visible from November through to January, producing many dark, heavy seeds. The spines around the flower-head form a distinctive star pattern. 
The only similar species that it could be easily confused for is winged thistle (Carduus tenuiflorus). It is common in Nelson, but is much smaller and has cream-coloured patterning on the leaves. 
White-edged nightshade (Solanum marginatum) is unlikely to be mistaken for any other plant in New Zealand. Native to North Africa, it was originally introduced as an ornamental plant during the 1880s.
A conspicuous, thorny, multi-branched perennial shrub or small tree, white-edged nightshade can grow up to 5 metres tall and form impenetrable thickets. The leaves are green with white edges and prominent white veins, its lower surface chalky-white and velvet-like. There are sharp woody spines along the top and bottom of leaf veins, on the branches and the stem of the plant. 
In the Nelson Tasman region there are known sites in Dodson Valley and Brook Valley, on the Richmond foothills and in the Wairoa Gorge. 
The large green/yellow fruit resembles an unripe tomato up to 5 cm in diameter. The fruit is poisonous to humans and livestock and when plants are disturbed, fine hairs are released as a dust that can cause extreme respiratory tract irritation. 
The seed of both species is spread mostly by soil movement and machinery, though animals, birds and wind. The seeds can remain viable for up to 10 years for variegated thistle and 30+ years for white-edged nightshade, making eradication a long-term task requiring both patience and persistence.
Thanks to the efforts of rural landowners in Nelson and Tasman over the last 30 years, we only have a few small pockets of these pests remaining. 
Both species are listed as Progressive Containment pests and landowners with either of these species on their land are reminded that there is a requirement to destroy all adult and juvenile plants before flowering each season, and that these properties will be inspected annually. 
Small plants can be readily pulled or grubbed out as long as most of the taproot is removed. Large plants can be cut and stump treated or sprayed with a suitable herbicide.
If you see these pests or require further advice or information on other biosecurity threats, please contact Council’s biosecurity officer by emailing biosecurity@ncc.govt.nz or call 03 546 0200.
Mayor’s Message
This week, a year since our local elections, is a good time to reflect on progress. I am an old-fashioned democrat who, as much as possible, wants to be true to the commitments I made in seeking election.
My top priority was to lead an effective recovery from the August 2022 storm. We have fixed key infrastructure and successfully battled Government to secure, at $12.3 million, an equivalent offer of support as North Island storm-affected communities. We are building back better and tightening the planning rules to reduce future risks. The toughest part of the recovery work is the dozens of landslides and the last remaining 10 red-stickered properties. We have a plan for getting these sorted.
I committed to opposing the proposed $46 million library along the Maitai River. Council has shelved it. We have got on with fixing the ceiling tiles and structural problems in the Elma Turner Library, which will be fully reopened in early 2024.
I also committed to making progress on big issues such as housing and climate change. We have partnered with the community housing sector to get more affordable housing built. The eBus service, introduced on 1 August, is the most important step to date in reducing Nelson’s emissions.
A further ambition has been to lead a more collegial Council. Councillors are making a real effort to work together. The Deputy Mayor is proving to have wisdom beyond his years in helping to build a positive culture.
The most controversial issue of the 2022 local elections was the Government’s radical Three Waters Reform programme that had Nelson losing control of its $750 million of water infrastructure assets. 
The previous Council supported the changes. I did not want Nelson having to help pick up the cost of billions to fix Wellington’s neglected infrastructure. It rubbed salt in the wound that the Government also wanted to dismember Council’s Nelmac business.
Our Council has been successful in advocating for changes to the Three Waters reform. We are now separated from Wellington and Nelmac is to be left alone. The decisions about the rest of the reform, including proposals for co-governance, will be decided by the outcome of the General Election.
My first year has not been all plain sailing. Plan Change 29 should have been consulted on better. We need to listen carefully to public submissions to get these important planning rules right.
The biggest surprise in my first year as Mayor is how many things Council does. I’m still learning and appreciative of the support of Council staff and the community. I’m determined to do all I can to help our city prosper in difficult times.

Upper Trafalgar planters replaced
While the wooden boxes were pretty, they were only built out of temporary materials for a trial.
It was time they were removed, and replaced with a more permanent option.
The planters play an important part in creating a barrier around the licensed restaurants.
Last week, machinery was in place to remove the wooden planters and replace them with steel planters, screens and new plantings.
Council also took this time to remove the astro turf and to give the area a spring clean in time for summer!
Thank you for all the enquires to rehome the planter boxes. Council will be refurbishing them and relocating them to other areas through the city. If this plan changes, we will post about it on Facebook.

Spotted gecko spotted!
One of the recent highlights for conservation rangers in the Jobs for Nature Wakapuaka Whangamoa project was the discovery of gecko at one site.
Ink card tracking tunnels were used to identify the species as the Marlborough Mini – this gecko’s conservation status is at risk/declining. The welcome discovery led to some targeted pest plant control to preserve the gecko’s food source. The team has also completed two years of wasp control along the Cable Bay Walkway.
The Wakapuaka Whangamoa project employs a team of around 7 rangers (FTE 5.75) who continue to benefit from ongoing training in conservation field skills as part of an initiative set up with Kūmānu Environmental, including cultural guidance through a partnership with local Iwi, Ngāti Tama. 

Tāhunanui’s new ‘Connection Table’
A central stone to represent the world, a marble base to provide strength and a taonga that will bring people together for generations to come. Tāhunanui’s new ‘Connection Table’ was designed by renowned local artist and sculptor Maia Hegglun and installed by Watties.

Water meter reading begins
Our contractors will be visiting residences over the next two months to read water meters.
Please check and ensure your water meter box and the area surrounding it are clear and easily accessible for the meter readers to locate and read. Please move any pot plants that are sitting on the boxes. 
The meter readers are allowed to read the meters between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week, including Sundays and Public holidays. 
They will be identifiable by their hi-visibility vests with 'WATER METER READER' and “HireStage” on the back. They also carry ID with them which you may request to view. 
The meter readers will be starting in Tāhunanui then working their way through Stoke, the city centre, the Wood, Atawhai and, finally, the Glen near the end of November.
As part of the ongoing maintenance of the meters, some meters will be checked to see if they are still recording accurately. 
If you are home when this happens, the meter reader will let you know. If you are away, they will leave a letter in your letterbox letting you know that Council contractors have come by. 
The test requires the meter reader to fill a 10-litre bucket with water. If the meter needs to be replaced, the water will be turned off to do this. The whole check usually takes about 10 minutes. These checks will still be ongoing in December.
If your meter is not easily accessible for the readers (e.g. behind a locked fence) or if you have dogs, please call our Contractor’s help desk on 021 0266 6708 so that suitable arrangements can be made to have the meter read. 
Please be aware that if you don’t make a suitable arrangement or repeated visits are needed to obtain a meter reading, you could be charged a Special Water Meter reading fee of $34.41.
Invoicing
All water used through the meter is charged at $2.345 per cubic metre. This is inclusive of GST.
The invoices/statements are posted out usually within two weeks of the meter being read. 
Invoices will be due for payment on 20 December 2023. If your account has a balance of less than $10 or a credit of less than $10, no invoice will be sent.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Route 3 diverted while assessment takes place
Council has made the decision to divert Route 3 from 30 September until further notice to allow us to fully assess the works required to carry out repairs to Jenner Road.
The assessment will determine repair options and whether buses can return to Jenner Road and Emano Street. Until this decision is made buses will travel along St Vincent Street between Toi Toi Street and Totara Street.
 The bus stops on Jenner Road, Murphy Street and Emano Street will be temporarily closed. A temporary bus stop will open on St Vincent Street by the shops.
Many of the roads that the new eBus travels down were either already established bus routes, or frequently see heavy vehicle movements. It was anticipated that some maintenance and/or strengthening of underlying pavements would be required across the network as the buses started driving along the new routes. As areas have come to our attention, we’re carrying out repairs and strengthening the road through Council’s general road maintenance programme.

Ultimate Athlete
Ultimate Athlete is heading South for the next Ultimate Athlete Obstacle Course Race at Tahunanui Beach on Saturday 21 October. 
Obstacle Course Racing is the fastest growing mass participation sport in the world, combining functional fitness and fun it’s easy to see why.
The course is designed to challenge all fitness levels from kids through to pro athletes, with endurance and strength elements set over three distances. Choose to go it on alone or with a team.
You'll run/walk, climb, swing, and crawl your way through this one-of-a-kind course through sand and over trails!
For more information about the race visit their website ultimateathlete.co.nz/nelson-info

The walls come down, gently, at 41 Halifax Street
A Motorola logo covers the roof and while the phone company is still trucking on, the building at 41 Halifax Street has come to the end of the road. From Monday 9 October, work begins to deconstruct 41 Halifax Street, the old Nelson TV and Video building.
In early 2023, elected members voted to purchase the property with the intention of turning it into a car park.
“Projects around the city have required us to remove carparking,” says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.
“Upper Trafalgar Street was pedestrianised, spaces further down Trafalgar Street and in Montgomery Square were turned into bike racks and some spaces have been designated as a bus stop. This is a chance for Nelson City Council to add some parks back into the inner city.”
When and where possible, Council is deconstructing buildings rather than demolishing them.
The building contains asbestos and a licensed asbestos removal contractor has been appointed to safely remove and dispose of all asbestos-containing materials.
“Once the asbestos has been safely removed then we will send in the deconstruction team who will carefully pull apart materials that can be salvaged, like a beaver collecting wood for its dam,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis.
“Deconstruction is less disruptive and means less materials end up in landfill.”
Demolition requires the use of heavy machinery and often a traffic management plan. Nationally, the construction and demolition industry is one of the largest waste-producing industries representing up to 50% of all New Zealand waste. This is one way to help reduce that percentage.
The deconstruction process and asbestos removal is expected to take six weeks.
Contractors will be moving about the site in PPE, but there is no risk to surrounding businesses. Once the site has been cleared of asbestos the deconstruction team will remove what can be salvaged.
Doors, windows, internal fittings, shelving units, wiring will all be removed. Contractors will then begin the deconstruction of the building working from the roof downwards. Finally, the concrete walls will be removed, which will also be reused rather than ending up in landfill.
Councillor’s Comment
I am a newbie to serving on Council. I have done many things in the private world but nothing like this. I was not prepared for the myriad of rules and regulations we have to work under and it greatly restricts what can and can’t be achieved.
 I am on a taskforce looking into our 694ha of plantation forestry and how we should continue in the future. There are some wonderful opportunities for enhancing our city and recreational opportunities. This group has some excellent advisers and I hope we will be able to put in place their recommendations.
Climate change is going to bring huge challenges to Council and I believe we need to make our city more resilient. While it is usual to try and solve issues like this using legislation from above, I think in the case of climate change we need a bottom-up approach. Little things we can do as individuals is how it needs to change such as composting/bokashi our own waste and growing vegetables. It solves a waste problem with no cost and produces food with only our own sweat equity. Food does not come from a supermarket, which is just a middleman.
Proposed Plan Change 29 is a big change for Nelson; we need to get it right. We cannot keep building on our food-producing land. Stoke and The Wood was where our fruit and vegetables came from when I was a kid and now they’re residential. The next best land is being built on as well – here and in Richmond. We need to keep Nelson’s character and also build where it’s safe from the effects of climate change.
The planning that was in place 20 years 40 years or 60 years ago for our present housing, for better or worse, did not take into account the possibility of high-rise buildings or climate change. Proposed Plan Change 29 has some suggestions about where the rules could be changed, which would enable high-rise to be built more easily in some areas. Also, with all the new housing developments going on around the city we should maybe explore the possibility of “greenfield” high-rise development. We want to know what you think of these suggestions and hear what you think about the planning rules for housing in our city.
I urge you to have your say, there are people at council who can help you make a submission. I hope you take the opportunity to do so.

Changes to e-Bus timetable for Labour Day Monday 23 October:
The eBuses on Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be running, but on a reduced timetable. Route 5 and Route 6 will not run on a public holiday. When viewing the timetables at ebus.nz select the holidays tab to see the reduced timetables.

Meetings
The following meetings of the 
Nelson City Council have been scheduled. 
Council meeting
9am	19 Oct
Hearing Panel
1pm	20 Oct
Council meeting
9am	26 Oct
Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee – Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond
9am	27 Oct
Conewatch
Project name	Likely end date	Location	Benefit	
Atmore Terrace – Slip remediation and road reinstatement 	October 2023 	Hillside and road above 16 Atmore Terrace 	Reinstate road amenity and protection of lifeline services located within carriageway. Remove risk of further land subsidence 	
Awatea Place Wastewater Pump Station 	October 2023 	Awatea Place and Parkers Road 	Improve wastewater network capacity and protect environment from overflows 	
St Vincent Street Stormwater  	November 2023  	Intersection of St Vincent Street and Hastings Street	Improve stormwater network and reduce flooding risk  	
Domett Street Upgrade 	December 2023 	Reconstruction of Domett Street	Improved footpath and cycling facilities 	
NRSBU Rising Main Duplication – Martin Point Connection 	December 2023 	Connection of duplicate rising main to existing system at Martins Point 	Improve network capacity and resilience 	
Saxton Creek Upgrade Stage 4 	December 2023 	Main Road, Stoke 	Flood mitigation 	
NRSBU Rising Main Duplication Section 5-7 	February 2024 	Railway Reserve Cycle way, Elms Street – Kotua Place	Improve network capacity and resilience 	

It’s On... at a Council venue near you
Kirby Lane
Tune Up – Thursday 19 October, 5.30pm – 8pm
Under the Hood BBQ – Pop Up Restaurant – Saturday 28 October, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Saxton Field
FTSNT Kirikiti Tournament – Saturday 14 October and Saturday 11 November 
Nelson Hockey Association Summer Social Hockey – Wednesday 25 October – Wednesday 29 November
The Nelson Half – Sunday 5 November, from 7.30am
Saxton Stadium
After School Table Tennis Juniors – Mondays and Fridays during term time, 3.30pm – 5pm
Trafalgar Centre
Queen: It's a Kinda Magic – Friday 20 October, 8pm
Tragic Mike: Netflix & Chill – Saturday 21 October, 7pm
Te Mana Kuratahi – Primary Schools Kapa Haka National Championships – Monday 30 October – Thursday 2 November
Founders Heritage Park
Hours: 10am – 4.30pm Daily
A Night of Terror – R18+ Event – Thursday 19 October, 7pm – 10pm
A Night of Terror – Youth Event – Friday 20 October, 7pm – 10pm
Experience India – Diwali – Sunday 5 November, 12pm – 4pm
Trafalgar Street
Mask Carnivale – Friday 27 October, 4pm – 10pm
Melrose House
Hours: Monday: 9am – 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Isel House and Park
Hours: Now closed for the season. Opens again in October.
Isel Twilight Market – every Thursday, 4.30pm until dark
Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Community Centre
Nelson Orchid Club Show – Saturday 14 October, 10am – 2.30pm
Nelson Public Libraries:
Elma Turner Library 
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am – 6pm
Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
Library Knitters – every Thursday, 10am – 12pm
Author talk – Constance Barnicoat: a cool head and a sharp pen – Sunday 15 October, 2pm
Writing Funny Stories: Schools’ Workshops | Leela Chakraborti & Rajorshi Chakraborti – Wednesday 18 October, 1.30pm
Meet Luna at the Library – Saturday 21 October and Saturday 4 November, 3pm – 4pm
Kōrero te reo Māori – Saturday 21 October and Saturday 4 November, 10am – 11am
Literary Citizenship: A Workshop for Writers | Caroline Barron – Sunday 22 October, 3pm
Community Corner with Employable – Thursday 26 October, 10am – 12pm
Community Corner: Telehealth – Friday 27 October, 10am – 12pm
Live Music Series: Belli clarinetti – Sunday 29 October, 2pm
Meet you at the Church Steps, a social history of a Nelson landmark – Sunday 5 November, 2pm – 3.30pm
Nightingale Library Memorial 
Hours: Monday – Friday: 12pm – 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
Stoke Library
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Wednesday: 10am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Sunday: Closed
Museums and Galleries:
Broadgreen House and Samuels Rose Gardens
Summer hours: 10:30am - 4:30pm
Creative Bookbinding Weekend Workshop – Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 October, 10am – 4pm
Textile Collage Stitch Workshop – Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 October, 10am – 4pm
The Suter Art Gallery & Theatre
Hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm Daily
Exhibition: Kāryn Taylor: Future Philosophies – Sunday 18 June – Sunday 10 September, during opening hours
Exhibition: Gathered Voices – Highlights from the Fletcher Trust Collection – Thursday 31 August – Sunday 12 November, during opening hours
Exhibition: Nelson Suter Art Society – Saturday 16 September – Sunday 19 November, during opening hours
Exhibition: Kanohi kitea (The Seen Face) – Saturday 16 September – Sunday 19 November, during opening hours
Nelson Suter Art Society Spring Exhibition – Tuesday 10 – Sunday 29 October, during opening hours
The Eden Hore Collection – Wednesday 11 October, 6.30pm
Show Me Shorts – Friday 13 – Sunday 15 October, various times
Nelson Arts Festival: Catherine Bagnall – Thursday 19 – Sunday 29 October, during opening hours
Nelson Arts Festival: In The Temple | Catherine Bagnall & Jane Sayle – Thursday 19 October, 5.30pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Tools for Navigating Our Crazy World | Alia Bojilova & Victoria Bruce – Friday 20 October, 12.30pm
Nelson Arts Festival: When the Past Catches Up | Caroline Barron & Anne Tiernan – Friday 20 October, 3pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Wine O’Clock Myth Meets the Drinking Game | Lotta Dann (Mrs D) & Guyon Espiner – Friday 20 October, 6pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Kāwai: For Such a Time As This | Monty Soutar – Saturday 21 October, 11am
Nelson Arts Festival: End Times: The Question of Hope | Rebecca Priestly – Saturday 21 October, 1.30pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Dazzling New Voices | Emma Ling Sidnam, Airana Ngarewa & Colleen Maria Lenihan – Saturday 21 October, 4pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Celebration of Hiwa | Paula Morris & fellow contributors – Saturday 21 October, 5pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Can I Live? | Fehinti Balogun + Complicité – Sunday 22 October, 4pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Double Goer | Foster Group Dance – Tuesday 24 – Wednesday 25 October, 6.30pm
Nelson Arts Festival: Mokorua: Ngā Kōrero Mō Tōku Moko Kauae – My Story of Moko Kauae | Ariana Tikao – Saturday 28 October, 2pm
Nelson Arts Festival: By Whakatū Residency Sharing – Sunday 29 October, 12.30pm
Exhibition: Disruptive Order: Abstraction from The Suter’s Collection IV – Saturday 4 November – Sunday 24 March 2024, during opening hours
Refinery ArtSpace 
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm, Saturday from 10am – 2pm
Exhibition: Black Enough by Hope River – Monday 11 September – Saturday 14 October, during opening hours
Exhibition: Mother Mother – Monday 11 September – Saturday 14 October, during opening hours
Exhibition: Beauty Has No Borders – Monday 11 September – Saturday 14 October, during opening hours
Nelson Arts Festival: Sensory Self Portraits | Bailee Lobb – Thursday 19 – Saturday 28 October, various times
Nelson Arts Festival: Could Be Bigger | Elisabeth Pointon – Saturday 28 October, 1pm
Tōrua | Movement of the Human – Friday 27, during Mask Carnivale, Saturday 28 October, 10am and 12pm
Visual Art and Christ Church Cathedral Audio Described Tour – Saturday 28 October, 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Nelson Provincial Museum 
Hours: Weekdays from 10am – 5pm, Weekends & Public Holidays from 10am – 4.30pm 
Te Ara o Hine Rēhia – A Journey into the World of Kapa Haka by Melissa Banks – Thursday 19 – Sunday 29 October, during opening hours