Our Nelson Issue 194 – 24 April 2024

Two-way option chosen for transformation of Bridge Street
A new street layout as part of the upgrade of Bridge Street was approved at a full meeting of Council on Thursday, 11 April, allowing the project to progress to the developed design stage.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith called the decision for a two-way layout in the Bridge to Better project an important milestone in progressing the design. 
“Bridge Street businesses and property owners will be key drivers for a successful revitalisation. So, it's fitting the decision reflects the engagement with Bridge Street businesses, who favoured two-way, and it enables our planning and engineering professionals to develop the detailed infrastructure upgrade and street layout. We will now engage with the wider community to feed into the developed design stage. 
“It is important we progress this project as quickly as possible. The City Revitalisation Summit reinforced the need for investment. Construction costs are increasing, the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund contribution is fixed so any cost overruns will fall on Council.” 
The street layout options were informed by an extensive six-month engagement campaign with key stakeholders including iwi, Bridge Street businesses and community groups. This resulted in elected members being presented with two options for Bridge Street involving either a one-way or two-way street. 
Both options increased the number of people-friendly spaces by reducing the width of the carriageway, increasing the amount of green space, and removing the kerb to create a flush surface that will be ideal for public events such as festivals, markets, and parades. 
Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the confirmed direction for the Bridge to Better project means work on the design development, which will be informed by engagement with the community, can now move forward.   
“This project creates exciting opportunities to make Bridge Street, even on an ordinary day, a far more pleasant place to spend time. We all know how good Nelson is when we come together for events like New Year’s Eve and Light Nelson and when you look at the flexibility around space that the new layout allows, the opportunity for bigger and better events is clear.” 
During the engagement period Bridge Street businesses were asked to fill out a survey outlining their values, priorities, and preference for one-way vs two-way street layout. Over half of the businesses on Bridge Street (52) filled in the survey. 
“The survey results were very interesting. When asked what businesses required to succeed, the two things that most people agreed on were vibrant hospitality (90.4% of respondents) and a safe, clean environment (86.5% of respondents). We received a variety of views on parking, and while it remained a key priority for around 60% of respondents, it was clear that businesses on the street have a holistic view of what is needed to revitalise our city centre,” says Alec. 
“Both options presented to Councillors involved a reduction of parking on Bridge Street between 50% and 60%. Engagement showed support for this when combined with plans to mitigate parking loss such as shifting to higher turnover time limit (eg. P60) and creating offset parking elsewhere.” 
Two-Way Street Layout 
A two-way street where traffic and cyclists would share the same traffic lane that would be narrower than the existing lanes with cycle markings that communicate the sharing situation. 
This option has wider footpaths than the existing layout that allow more space for outdoor dining and seating areas. Space could still be provided for greenery, cycle parking and pedestrian activation as with the one-way option. 
The two-way option was chosen by Councillors for a variety of reasons including: 
It was the preference of businesses on Bridge Street (58% two-way vs 42% one-way).
It leaves open the possibility of moving to a one-way street if Hardy Street goes one-way at a later date.
This option allows for greater flexibility for future development and investment in the central city.Councillor Pete Rainey says Bridge to Better is a tremendously exciting project for the city. 
“I think this is just the start of exciting things to come for our city centre and I am really looking forward to seeing what future investment projects surround Bridge to Better. To my mind, a two-way layout in Bridge Street from the outset allows for the flexibility required to enable future plans, whatever they may be.” 
What happens next: 
The Bridge to Better project will now progress its design development, which will allow the team to partner with a main contractor to get early insights in preparation of physical works.   
Alec says engagement with the wider public will also begin, with feedback sought on the street layout that will be heard as part of Long Term Plan deliberations.  
“People will be able to take a look at the street layout and read the feedback provided by key stakeholders before they give us their view. 
“What we want to ask people is whether there’s anything we’ve missed before we get to a stage in the design where it is too late to make changes. This isn’t about the nuts and bolts, nor is it about the premise behind Bridge to Better itself, it’s an opportunity for people to look at the street layout and tell us what they might add or take away.” 
More information about the Bridge to Better project is available at: shape.nelson.govt.nz/
bridge-better.  
The street layout illustrations and engagement information will be available on this page.
Engagement is now open to the public.

Go to Bridge to Better on shape.nelson.govt.nz to see how the space on Bridge Street could be used.
Is there anything that we have missed with the spatial allocation for the street layout? Let us know what better looks like for you. Feedback closes 14 May.

The Pump Track’s back
The Pump Track at the Maitai Recreation Hub, damaged beyond repair in the August 2022 floods, is being rebuilt.
Group Manager Community Services Andrew White acknowledged the feeling in the community after August 2022.
"A lot of people were pretty upset when it was destroyed in the floods, a mere three months after it was opened to the public. We’re pleased to be able to bring this track back to the biking community.
"It will be built in a new location (further towards the Maitai Road and further away from the river) and will include improvements to the soak pits and drainage. Due to positive feedback, the design will remain the same."
Contractors started work last week and the project is expected to take four weeks.
We understand there'll be some excited BMX-biking kids out there after hearing this news, but please make sure children (and keen adults!) keep clear of the site until it’s fully completed.

Soft plastics collection
Nelson City Council is pleased to support a trial by the Packaging Forum to test collecting soft plastics in Nelson. 
The Packaging Forum intends to run the industry-led and funded pilot with a small number of households for six months, using their own collector and separate kerbside containers.
The trial will provide data which will assist the Packaging Forum to develop their future soft plastic collection plans.
Nelson City Council’s Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, says it’s great news for the city.
“We’re really happy to support the Packaging Forum’s soft plastic collection trial.
“While it is entirely separate from our own kerbside recycling collection service, we commend the Forum for the innovative steps they are taking in this space, and we wish them every success for the programme,” he says. 
The Packaging Forum will be issuing separate crates to a small number of participating households, similar to our current glass recycling collection crates but a different colour, to avoid confusion.
It is important to note this is separate from NCC’s current kerbside recycling programme and householders should not place soft plastics in their yellow-top bins, as these cannot be recycled through our facilities.
For households not involved in the trial, but who would still like to recycle their soft plastics, the Packaging Forum continues to offer soft plastic drops offs at a range of stores in the region. 
recycling.kiwi.nz/store-locator

Community partnerships
Engagement within Nelson’s former refugee and migrant community has never been stronger, according to Nelson City Council’s Welcoming Communities Coordinator, Bill Huppler. 
He says communication and collaboration with the former refugee and migrant youth population has seen a real surge with the recent development of a wide range of programmes and events, including two sports tournaments.
“Last year we supported the organisation of the Multicultural Cricket Tournament at which we were so lucky to have several Blackcaps and Bangladeshi cricket team members in attendance.
“Then in March this year we held our Multicultural Football Tournament with a fantastic turnout of 16 teams from a variety of cultures.
“Events like these, along with the hugely successful annual Multicultural Festival to which NCC contributes $20,000, are meaningful ways of connecting communities within our region,” he says.
Another area in which Bill has seen huge growth is in Nelson City Council’s Community Investment Fund. 
There used to be very few applications from refugee and migrant communities but the latest funding round in November 2023 saw almost 40% of the funding allocated distributed to these communities, including funding for Victory Community Centre to produce video resources, in the communities' languages, to support their preparation for, and resilience to, Civil Defence Emergencies. 
NCC’s online engagement platform Shape Nelson has also risen to the challenge with pages now translated into 12 of the languages readily heard within Nelson, with work in the pipeline for this to increase where possible.
Bill started at NCC in June 2021, having moved from Auckland after a decade in the community sports and recreation sector. 
He took on the role of Welcoming Communities Coordinator in May 2022, and his enthusiasm for the job is infectious.
“For me it’s about going out and talking to people, making a connection and building meaningful relationships from a position of trust.
“I want to start every relationship with a give – this is what we as an organisation can do to help you. I believe by doing this we are showing an understanding and respect for their position in the community, and their time.
“It could be as simple as providing a venue for their national day, or it could be having conversations with the broader council workforce, but it’s all about being a face that is seen,” he says.
Bill’s role also involves supporting the refugee, migrant and newcomer communities through their greatest needs. 
These are social isolation, housing vulnerability, access to work and education opportunities, poverty and community wellbeing.
Bill says he sees himself as a navigator and a connector between those in need and the organisations and programmes in place to support them. 
“Most of us when we wake up in the morning check our phones to see what’s the latest news, or what’s on social media, but a former refugee from Burma for example is reaching for their phone to see if their loved ones back home are still alive.
“I would ask that all of us really try to be more mindful about the ongoing trauma so many of these communities are living with every day,” he says.
Bill says he’s come across many who believe we are not a diverse community but in fact there are 155 different nationalities that live in Nelson and 23.9% of all Nelsonians were born overseas. There are more than 2000 people living here from refugee backgrounds.
Asked how he would like to see Nelson and its refugee population work together Bill says it’s a two-way street for organisations and businesses.
”Come and talk, engage with the former refugee and migrant communities and ask how you can help them, and also find out what they can do for your organisation as well.”

Nelson’s Long Term Plan 2024    –    2034
Beyond the storm | Kei tua i te āwhā
Visit nelson.govt.nz to read Nelson’s Long Term Plan Consultation Document 2024-2034 and make a submission. 
We have eight key issues for the community to provide feedback on.
Remember to get your feedback in by 28 April 2024

Community partnerships
Engagement within Nelson’s former refugee and migrant community has never been stronger, according to Nelson City Council’s Welcoming Communities Coordinator, Bill Huppler. 
He says communication and collaboration with the former refugee and migrant youth population has seen a real surge with the recent development of a wide range of programmes and events, including two sports tournaments.
“Last year we supported the organisation of the Multicultural Cricket Tournament at which we were so lucky to have several Blackcaps and Bangladeshi cricket team members in attendance.
“Then in March this year we held our Multicultural Football Tournament with a fantastic turnout of 16 teams from a variety of cultures.
“Events like these, along with the hugely successful annual Multicultural Festival to which NCC contributes $20,000, are meaningful ways of connecting communities within our region,” he says.
Another area in which Bill has seen huge growth is in Nelson City Council’s Community Investment Fund. 
There used to be very few applications from refugee and migrant communities but the latest funding round in November 2023 saw almost 40% of the funding allocated distributed to these communities, including funding for Victory Community Centre to produce video resources, in the communities' languages, to support their preparation for, and resilience to, Civil Defence Emergencies. 
NCC’s online engagement platform Shape Nelson has also risen to the challenge with pages now translated into 12 of the languages readily heard within Nelson, with work in the pipeline for this to increase where possible.
Bill started at NCC in June 2021, having moved from Auckland after a decade in the community sports and recreation sector. 
He took on the role of Welcoming Communities Coordinator in May 2022, and his enthusiasm for the job is infectious.
“For me it’s about going out and talking to people, making a connection and building meaningful relationships from a position of trust.
“I want to start every relationship with a give – this is what we as an organisation can do to help you. I believe by doing this we are showing an understanding and respect for their position in the community, and their time.
“It could be as simple as providing a venue for their national day, or it could be having conversations with the broader council workforce, but it’s all about being a face that is seen,” he says.
Bill’s role also involves supporting the refugee, migrant and newcomer communities through their greatest needs. 
These are social isolation, housing vulnerability, access to work and education opportunities, poverty and community wellbeing.
Bill says he sees himself as a navigator and a connector between those in need and the organisations and programmes in place to support them. 
“Most of us when we wake up in the morning check our phones to see what’s the latest news, or what’s on social media, but a former refugee from Burma for example is reaching for their phone to see if their loved ones back home are still alive.
“I would ask that all of us really try to be more mindful about the ongoing trauma so many of these communities are living with every day,” he says.
Bill says he’s come across many who believe we are not a diverse community but in fact there are 155 different nationalities that live in Nelson and 23.9% of all Nelsonians were born overseas. There are more than 2000 people living here from refugee backgrounds.
Asked how he would like to see Nelson and its refugee population work together Bill says it’s a two-way street for organisations and businesses.
”Come and talk, engage with the former refugee and migrant communities and ask how you can help them, and also find out what they can do for your organisation as well.”

Recovery Taskforce visits slip sites
Mayor Nick Smith and Councillors Matty Anderson and Trudie Brand of Nelson City Council’s Recovery Taskforce recently visited three sites damaged by slips during the August 2022 severe weather event to see how remediation work is progressing. 
Cable Bay
Three major slips undermined Cable Bay Road causing it to be reduced to a single lane in places.
Repair work involves installing concrete blocks, timber retaining walls and ground anchors tied to the underlying rock. 
Work is expected to take four months to complete.
The Brook
A slip from Tantragee Reserve caused damage to properties at 131 and 133 Brook Street below.
Repair work involves removing slip debris, earthworks, constructing a debris fence, and remedial planting. Work is expected to be finished by mid-June 2024 (subject to weather). 
Maitai
Two slips occurred at one location near the Clouston Street Bridge on Maitai Valley Road, one from Botanical Hill onto the road (over-slip) and another on the underside of the road where the riverbank and road shoulder were undermined by floodwater and slipped into the river (under-slip).
The over-slip will be remediated with earthworks and an engineered debris catchfence to protect road users from rockfall and enable the reopening of the footpath to pedestrians.
The under-slip will be repaired with an embedded palisade wall secured with ground anchors beneath a precast concrete wall supporting the road carriageway.
Work is expected to take around four months to complete.

Macrocarpa stays put with safety measures in place
Contractors will be on site to begin work this week, increasing the dune and fencing to extend around the old macrocarpa tree at the Lions Playground at Tāhunanui Beach. While the tree is solid and does not pose a risk of falling, and has become something of a feature in the landscape, an external Playsafe inspector did identify it as a play risk. Its proximity to the playground and large branches is an invitation for kids to 
climb it.
Group Manager Community Services Andrew White acknowledged Council’s responsibility to make sure its playgrounds are safe.
“If we get professional advice that we need to make a change we must take it seriously. The initial Playsafe report outlines several options including the removal of the tree. However, we thought that option was extreme given the affection people have for the macrocarpa in that spot. Compromises included turning the tree into a play element in itself, but this option was not possible to achieve at a reasonable cost given the challenges of constructing a safe and aesthetically acceptable structure adjacent to a tree. A third option involved cutting the tree back substantially.
“Our parks team worked with Playsafe to find a solution that kept the tree in the spot we’re all familiar with while making sure safety concerns were addressed. There will be more going on at the Tāhunanui playground in the near future with the Nelson Host Lions Club finalising its designs for the replacement of the train, which collapsed last year.”

Saxton Creek upgrade completed
The $40 million, 2km-long Saxton Creek upgrade project, between Champion Road and State Highway 6, is now complete, increasing its ability to handle a 1-in-100-year flood event, up from a 1-in-5-year flood event.
“The completion of this $40 million upgrade of Saxton Creek hugely improves the resilience of this southern corner of Nelson City,” says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.
“This major investment is well justified given the strategic importance of protecting the road link between Nelson and Richmond and the scale of commercial, residential and recreational development in the area.  
“I know firsthand of the devastation to businesses and homes from previous flooding in this area, and heard the pleas for improved infrastructure. It has required a huge team effort of engineers, contractors, Council staff and adjacent property owners to get this extensive project completed.”
Extreme weather events in December 2011 and April 2013 caused significant flooding to both commercial and residential properties in the Saxton area.  
The project’s primary aim was to minimise damage to property in future weather events.  
Split into four stages, with construction beginning in February 2016, the project team had to overcome several challenges including disruption to the work programme from the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather events.  
“This is one of the most complicated and complex projects that Council has been involved in,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis.  
“The creek travelled through residential areas with up-and-coming subdivisions, through reserves, across main roads, through industrial estates, compounded by the effects of some horrendous weather events, and a global pandemic thrown into the mix.” 
While stream upgrades usually start downstream and progressively work upstream, the work was reversed to cater for the subdivisions at the upstream end and to dovetail with work Tasman District Council needed to do along Champion Road.
These early stages were especially challenging as Council had to work with up to 40 individual residential landowners, which included ownership changes several times over the course of design work.   
“Sometimes, we would be on the verge of concluding negotiations with a homeowner, and then we’d be required to start again from scratch,” says Louverdis. 
Capital Projects Manager Rebecca Dawkins says this project, more than most, required dedicated oversight.  
“Our project managers generally have five to eight projects on the go, but the Saxton Creek upgrade and stage 4 in particular, required a dedicated project manager. The requirements to liaise with businesses, residents and the community, apply for and maintain resource consents and monitor budgets was a huge piece of work internally. If you asked Council, we’d say this was the most complex part of the job for us, but for contractors, they’d say water,” she says. 
What to do with all the water? 
The creek had to be redirected through pipes to ensure it could continue to flow, while allowing the contractors to work. There were also tidal fluctuations that required contractors to plan their work schedule around the daily tides. Installing fish passages allowed contractors to move a population of large eels.  
“We needed to understand fish spawning seasons, fish habitats and behaviours,” says Dawkins.
“Fish require gravel along riverbeds and baffles in the culvert to rest in and plants along the riverbed to provide shade.” 
Maintaining access through Main Road Stoke was another priority.  
“We are keenly aware that there are only two routes between Nelson and Richmond; we knew the disruption closing Main Road Stoke would cause. Contractors needed to undertake the project without closing the road,” says Louverdis.  
Over the eight construction years of the project, Nelson experienced more than its fair share of major weather events, predominately Cyclone Fehi and Gita in 2018, followed by the August 2022 weather event, and another major flood in May 2023. In the 2022 weather event, the amount of water passing through the diversion pipes was so considerable that the large concrete blocks anchoring the pipes shifted.  
“Water drains away but it leaves a massive mess behind it. You have days of clean up before you can even consider continuing with the project,” says Dawkins.  
“During the August 2022 weather event, the contractors and commercial property owners were on site all night trying to manage the flow of water and miminise the impact. The August and May weather events were real setbacks for this project.” 
The project also required some unique solutions to unique engineering problems. The culvert under Main Road Stoke is made of 68 L-shaped blocks. Each block weighs 23 tonnes and had to be placed into the creek by a crane.
The rock armouring along the creek in stages 1 – 3 used approximately 4,500 tonnes of rock and 3,000 tonnes of concrete for the pre-cast sections in the culvert along with a total of 112,000 contractor, consultant and Nelson City Council staff hours.  
“This project created 27 jobs for Nelsonians, 20 of them in construction. We used five local subcontractors alongside the main contractor Downer,” says Dawkins. 
Councillor Pete Rainey sat on Council in 2011 when the floods triggered the culvert upgrade, and sits on Council today.
“The floods and the associated rain bomb were such localised events - and took us all by surprise really,” he says.
“It was hard to believe so much damage and mayhem could occur in such a localised area. I take my hat off to our infrastructure team at Council for the amazing work over all of the stages of the project and in particular to Alec Louverdis who has approached this huge multifaceted project with so much determination and professionalism. They, and Alec in particular, should feel very proud of the achievement in reaching this milestone.” 
No project can ever ensure 100% certainty against weather events, but projects like this go a long way towards minimising the impact weather events have on communities.  
“We’ve tried to improve the amenity of the area, too,” says Louverdis.
“There are some lovely boardwalks from Champion Road through Saxton Field and walking loops that we’ve built alongside the river.  
“All that’s left on the to-do list is some planting along the culvert. We’ve solved a problem with engineering, but we’ve also made the area more desirable for the community.”

eBus numbers soar, OnDemand to end
A record-breaking month in March has helped the eBus service record more than 250,000 journeys in the first quarter of 2024.
While patronage for the overall eBus service has been very strong, this has not carried over to Stoke OnDemand, resulting in a Council decision to bring this part of the service to an end. 
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said March was the biggest month, with 91,687 journeys, since the eBus launch in August 2023 and 27 February had a record 4061 journeys in a day.
“I am particularly encouraged that the eBus patronage this year – in January, February and March – is more than double the same months in 2023 for the former NBus service and that usage continues to growth month-on-month. 
“The growth is so strong, the eBus could make the million mark in passenger journeys this year.” 
Nelson City Councillor Campbell Rollo takes the bus several times a week and says he’s noticed the increase in passengers. 
"I’m seeing strong growth in passenger numbers, not just at peak times, but throughout the day. It's been really cool to see so many different people catching buses throughout the region, whether they’re on a family trip down to the beach or heading off to work in the city. I’m also looking forward to the trial this month with muzzled dogs being allowed aboard at non-peak times.  
“From 1 May, 2000 local Total Mobility card holders will be able to use the eBus for free at any time of day with a support person, if required. As the Chair of the Accessibility for All Forum, I want to encourage accessibility wherever I can and this is one way to make life easier for people who might find getting around challenging.” 
The decision to end the OnDemand service was taken once patronage fell to financially unsustainable levels.   
OnDemand started with 142 journeys in its first month, comparable to the Stoke Loop, but patronage declined from September and was down to just 48 in February and 52 in March. 
Mayor Nick says OnDemand usage is so low – at only 12 journeys per week – and the cost so high – $215 per journey – that it is not viable. 
“The OnDemand service has not worked because the new eBus route along Nayland Road has met much of the need and local retirement villages have good courtesy coaches. We are also finding that people with mobility issues are using taxis under the Council’s Total Mobility scheme, which provides a 75% subsidy and a door-to-door service.”

Annual front and back country cull begins in May
Nelson City Council, Ngāti Koata and Tasman Pine Forests Ltd (TPFL) have contracted a team of professional hunters, Trap and Trigger Ltd, to carry out a cull of wild goats, pigs and deer across our front and back country reserves. 
This year’s cull will take place Wednesday 1 May to Saturday 18 May and will require the full closure of reserves.
Front country hunting will take place in Eureka Park and the Atmore, Tantragee (including Codgers), Brook Conservation, and Marsden Valley reserves. Hunting will also occur on nearby Ngāti Koata land around Fringed Hill, Groom Creek, and Codgers. These reserves and areas will be closed during the week but reopen to all users during weekends from midnight Friday till 11:59pm Sunday. 
Back country hunting will take place in the Maitai and Roding Water reserves. These reserves will be fully closed during the cull. However, the Coppermine Trail will be open on weekends.
Warning signs and/or barriers will be in place at entry points for each reserve.
Hunters will use suppressed (silenced) rifles with subsonic (quiet) ammunition in areas closer to residential zones. They’ll also use dogs, thermal imaging, drones, and helicopters to complete their work. 
Acting Group Manager Community Services Martin Croft says annual culls are necessary to protect our native flora and fauna from pests.
“Goats and deer can quickly eat all the plants that make up the understory of a forest, and pigs dig up and destroy the soil, killing seedlings and saplings and eating many native invertebrates in the process,” he says.
“Since the annual cull programme started, the number of animals culled each year has been declining while the land area covered has continued to expand, indicating a lower density of animals in the reserves.
“However, keeping the number of ungulates in reserves as low as possible must be an ongoing effort to keep numbers under control and allow our forests time to regenerate.”
This will be the fifth year Council has conducted a cull in these reserves. Recent reports of deer, goats and pigs near tracks and households indicate numbers are increasing again to the point where a cull is required.
Meat will be retrieved from the hunt in coordination with Ngāti Koata hunters, who will work alongside Trap and Trigger Ltd to retrieve carcasses  that are easily accessible.
For more information and a map of cull areas, visit our.nelson.govt.nz/stories/annual-front-and-back-country-cull-begins-in-may

Mayor’s Message
I want to use this last opportunity to encourage feedback on Council’s draft Long Term Plan 2024-34, with submissions closing this Sunday, 28 April. This is the most important consultation Council does during its three-year term. The Long Term Plan outlines how we much we’ll charge in rates, how we’ll spend about $170 million a year of public money and how we’ll manage our community’s $2.4 billion of assets.
I understand that people are sceptical about the value of submissions and whether Council takes any notice. Our individual voices in a city of 56,000 will always be small but they matter. We already have more than 600 submissions with a wide range of opinions. My commitment is to read every submission and personally reply to every submitter. They do influence our thinking. The quality of the case rather than the number of submissions has the greatest impact.
The most difficult part of this process is managing budgets. We receive hundreds of requests from residents wanting new infrastructure, services or funding for community organisations. These are often modest but when added together amount to much larger rate increases. We rarely get submissions seeking a reduction in spending. My view is that the proposed 8.2% rate hike and $300 storm charge is at the upper limit of what ratepayers can afford.
The economic environment has become more difficult since Council approved the draft rate rise last year. We have businesses and households not just facing hikes in their mortgage and living costs but hundreds of households also facing a loss of income. The demise of 170 jobs at Tāhunanui’s health products manufacturer Alaron Products is huge for the city. I am aware of many other Nelson companies laying off staff and reducing hours. Nor is Nelson exempt from the public sector job losses as the Government tries to get on top of its deficit of more than $9 billion.
These financial challenges do not mean we should stop investing. A city doing nothing goes backwards. We need to be focused on getting value for money and leveraging other funding. The $78 million Bridge to Better project is getting $36 million from Government and the proposed Tāhunanui Beach surf lifesaving facility depends on 50% being raised by the club.
Our goal is a final Long Term Plan in June that has broad community support, enhances in our city’s future prosperity and wellbeing and invests public money wisely.

Long Term Plan – Other Consultations feedback
In addition to our main Long Term Plan consultation document, Nelson City Council is reviewing and updating a range of other policies as we develop our Long Term Plan. 
Many of them directly support our plan and reflect the priorities and work programmes that we want to progress over the next 10 years. We want to hear from you on these changes as well. The policies we are consulting on are:
Significance and Engagement Policy
Revenue and Financing Policy
Policy on Remission and Postponement of Rates on Māori Freehold Land, Rates Postponement Policy and Rates Remission Policy
Development Contributions Policy
Schedule of Fees and Charges
Go to nelson.govt.nz to have your say on any of the above draft policies you are interested in by 28 April.

Trafalgar footbridge replacement
The Trafalgar footbridge, which spans Saltwater Creek between the Trafalgar Centre and Haven Road, is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
 This work will begin on Monday 20 May and is expected to finish in early June. Council has been working closely with Auckland Point School and the Trafalgar Centre events team to ensure this work is done outside of any major events, and so the school had time to prepare parents.
The replacement bridge has been designed by an artist who has other pieces of work around Nelson, including at Broadgreen Intermediate and Birchwood School. The existing bridge abutments are in good condition and will not be replaced.
The new bridge will be used by pedestrians and cyclists, but won't be open to vehicles.

Stallholders wanted for kapa haka event 
Te Tauihu o te Waka a Maui Maōri Cultural Council is seeking expressions of interest from kai and Toi Māori stallholders for Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua o Aotearoa / National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition coming to Whakatū Nelson. 
The event runs from Tuesday 25 June to Friday 28 June 2024 at Trafalgar Centre. 
Applications close Friday 3 May.
Please contact Huia at huia.rentoul@ncc.govt.nz for more information.

Councillor’s Comment
My goal is to make Nelson the most accessible city in New Zealand. As the recently appointed Chair of the Nelson-Tasman regional Accessibility for All Forum, I like hearing of developments that will make our region more accessible. That’s why I was delighted with Council’s decision that from 1 May 2024, Total Mobility card holders will be able to use the eBus for free with a support person, if required. This is a great way to make transport more accessible for people who have mobility issues.
 The Accessibility for All (A4A) Forum is a joint venture between Tasman District and Nelson City councils, with the support of many community organisations. My thanks to previous Chair Malcolm Saunders for the great service he gave to the region. I am keen to build on his legacy and put accessibility at the forefront of Council.
 This forum is where practical solutions to accessibility barriers in consultation with Council projects are developed and discussed. We may not always get it right but our ambition to ensure facilities and activities are inclusive.
 Previously, A4A members worked on the development of an accessibility checklist for businesses. The resulting brochure was produced with support from both councils. A4A, with help from CCS Disability Action, also successfully sought funding to purchase accessible beach chairs.
 Accessibility is often a topic that gets raised when Council misses a step or fails to take everyone on the journey. However, we are focused on doing better. In Council’s draft Long Term Plan 2024-34, we propose developing a Council-wide approach to improving accessibility and conducting an audit of Council facilities with funding earmarked for the work. This is an exciting step for Council to take with the goal of developing a tool kit Council can use across the board.
 We’d also like you to be part of this journey, whether it’s making sure the designated mobility carparks are left clear for our mobility card holders or encouraging and helping our less-mobile friends and family take the eBus under the Total Mobility scheme extension, together we can make sure Nelson truly is en route to being the most accessible city in New Zealand.
 The A4A Forum meets four times a year. If you would like to join us, reach out as there is plenty of room for expansion. Share your experiences, challenges and suggestions and help us develop an inclusive environment for everyone.

ANZAC Day Thursday 25 April 2024
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
ANZAC Dawn Service 
ANZAC Park, Nelson, 5.30am– 7.00am
March will assemble at the new starting position on Para Para Road (Trafalgar Centre car park) then progresses to Anzac Park for the traditional dawn service. This is a free event, but donations to RSA via the national poppy appeal will be taken.
ANZAC Wreath 
Laying Ceremonies
Led by Nelson RSA, these short commemoration ceremonies are an opportunity for people to gather and reflect in a personal and more private way. This is a free event, but donations to RSA via the national poppy appeal will be taken. No bookings required. Times and locations: 
8.00am – 8.15am at Wakapuaka Servicemen’s Cemetery
8.30am – 8.45am at Queen’s Gardens, Boer War Statue
9.00am – 9.15am at Pikimai War Memorial, Cathedral Hill
10.00 – 10.30am at Marsden Valley Servicemen’s Cemetery
Nelson/Stoke Civic 
Anzac Service 
Nayland College, 11.00am – 12.00pm
This is a free event, but donations to RSA via the national poppy appeal will be taken.

Meetings
Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee - to hear submissions to the Joint Speed Management Plan (if required) - Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond
9.30am each day	29 and 30 Apr
Council meeting
9am	2 May
Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit
9.30am	3-May
Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit
1pm	3 May
Hearing Panel
9am	7 May
Council meeting - to hear submissions to draft Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (if required)
9am each day	9 and 10 May
Saxton Field Committee - Boardroom, Sports House, 142 Saxton Road East, Saxton Field Complex
9.30am	17 May
Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit
9.30am	17 May
Council meeting - to deliberate on submissions to draft Long Term Plan 2024-2034 
9am each day	23 and 24 May
Regional Pest Management Joint Committee - to hear submissions to Partial Review of Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029 (if required) - Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond
9.30am	27 May
Chief Executive Employment Committee - Mayor's Office, Floor 2A, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
1pm	29 May
Change to meeting
Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee - to deliberate on submissions to Regional Land Transport and Regional Public Transport Plans - Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond, previously advertised to take place on 17 April 2024 at 9.30am

It’s On… at a Council venue near you
Saxton Field
Club Pre-Season Hockey Tournament – 
Saturday 27 April, 10am – 5pm
U13/U15/U18 Hockey Development Program II – 
Thursday 2 – Thursday 30 May, 4pm – 8:30pm
Hockey Open Day – Saturday 4 May, 10:30am – 12:30pm
U18 Men’s and Women’s Hockey Stirling & Dodson Cup – Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 May, 9am – 2pm
Nelson Hockey Junior Program II – Thursday 16 May – Thursday 20 June, 3:45pm – 6:30pm
Super League Hockey Competition – Saturday 18 May, 
8am – 8pm
Trafalgar Centre
NBS Nelson Giants vs Taranaki Airs – Sunday 28 April, 6:30pm
Six60 The Grassroots Tour – Tuesday 30 April, 7pm
NBS Nelson Giants vs Tauranga Whai – Sunday 19 May, 6:30pm
Trafalgar Park
ANZAC Dawn Service – Thursday 25 April, 5:30am – 7am
Founders Heritage Park
Hours: 10am – 4:30pm Daily
Melrose House
Hours: Monday: 9am – 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday: 9am – 4pm, closed public holidays
Isel House and Park
Summer Hours to 30 April: Tuesday to Friday: 10am – 3pm, Saturday 12pm – 4pm, Sunday and Monday - closed, closed public holidays
Winter Hours: Closed from 1 May – 30 September
Nelson Public Libraries:
Elma Turner Library
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am – 6pm
Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
Live Music Series: Bryce Wastney – Sunday 28 April, 2pm
Kōrero te reo Māori – Saturday 4 & 18 May, 10am – 11am
A World of Words: One Writer’s Journey – Sunday 5 May, 
2pm – 3:30pm
NZ Music Month: Polly and the Minstrel – Wednesday 8 May, 12:30pm
NZ Music Month: Off Your Rockers – Thursday 9 May, 12:30pm
NZ Music Month: Paul Bond – Saturday 11 May, 12:30pm
Sundy Craft Club – Comic Book Shoes – Sunday 12 May, 1pm
NZ Music Month: Alvaro Moreno – Saturday 18 May, 12:30pm
Nightingale Library Memorial 
Hours: Monday – Friday: 12pm – 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm
Nellie Knitters – 24 & 29 April and 6, 15 & 20 May, 1pm – 4pm
Stoke Library
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Sunday: Closed
Museums and Galleries:
Broadgreen House and Samuels Rose Gardens
Summer hours to 30 April: 10:30am – 4:30pm Daily
Winter hours 1 May to 30 September: 12pm – 3pm Daily 
The Suter Art Gallery & Theatre
Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm Daily
Refinery ArtSpace 
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm, Saturday 
from 10am – 2pm
Exhibition: Cross Country Weavers 50th Anniversary – 
Friday 17 May to Friday 14 June, during opening hours
Changing Threads Contemporary Textile Fibre Art Awards – Friday 17 May to Saturday 15 June, during opening hours
Bailee Lobb Artist Talk – Saturday 18 May, 11am
Drop Spindle Spinning Workshop with Annie Mackenzie – Sunday 19 May, 10am – 2pm
Professional Weavers Network Talk – Wednesday 22 May, 11am
Nelson Provincial Museum 
Hours: Weekdays from 10am – 5pm, Weekends & Public Holidays from 10am – 4:30pm
Animal Antics: The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards – Friday 15 December – Sunday 5 May, during opening hours

Conewatch: Ongoing Projects

Project name	Likely end date	Location	Benefit	
Tahuna Hills Stormwater Upgrade – Catchment 3 	January to May 24 	Grenville Terrace, Days Track and Moncrief Ave 	Stormwater upgrade and geotechnical risk mitigation   	
Cable Bay Road Slip Repairs 	February 2024 –June 2024. 
Road Closures as required between 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm. Notifications by Community group txt from contractor with road closure dates for the week ahead.	Cable Bay Road 6km towards beach	To repair the Cable Bay Road damaged in the August 22 storm 	
Slip 2 – 131/233 Brook Street Slip Remediation  	March – June 2024 	Brook Street at Coppermine Trail start near Blick Terrace  	Property protection  	
Maitai Road Slip Repairs 	Mar 2024 – July 2024 	Maitai Road at Nile Street Intersection 	Repair edge of road after 
August 2022 Event 	
Maitai Hub & Golf Course Recovery - Pump Track Reinstatement  	April/May 2024 	336 Maitai Valley Road 	Re-construction of flood damaged pump track at the Maitai Hub 	
Marsden Valley Trail Head Carpark 	April 2024 – June 2024 	Top of Marsden Valley Road 	New carpark for users of Barnicoat Range 	
Glen Creek Culvert Upgrade 	April 2024 – June 2024 	Brook St and Glen Greek (top end of road) 	Upgrade Culvert and repair the road back to two lanes after August 2022 Event 	
City to Maitai Hub Track Upgrade - Sunday Hole Boardwalk 	15 April – June 2024 	Sunday Hole swimming area of the Maitai river on Maitai valley Road 	Improvement to the walking/cycle track around Sunday Hole on the true left side of the river 	
NRSBU Rising Main Duplication Section 5–7	Section 5 in businesses property starts in May 2024	kotua place stoke / businesses property 	Improve network capacity and resilience  	
Saltwater Creek Footbridge Replacement – Trafalgar Centre Footbridge 	May – June 2024 	Footbridge from Trafalgar Centre to Haven Rd	Continue this service, old bridge is structurally end of life. Add iwi art to enhance cultural significance	

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