Councillor's Comment

As winter extends its icy grip on our daily activities, it focuses our attention on the seasonal shift in patterns for our Central City.

Often described as the Central Business District, I prefer the descriptor Central City as this better reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of Nelson City.

Some say our Central City is in decline or is it more a case of Nelson following the worldwide trend of seismic shifts in retail? As online offerings expand, and big-box retailers chase the new-build subdivisions, it puts more pressure on established centres.

Nelson is no different in this regard, but I refute the notion that our Central City is dying. Far from it. Nelson is home to a host of award-winning restaurants, the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, Nelson Provincial Museum, great bars, the Theatre Royal, outrageously good cafes, The Suter Art Gallery, a vibrant and growing arts scene with new additions such as The Bench jewellery school, the Refinery ArtSpace, numerous niche stores, our tranquil and beautiful Cathedral, plenty of free and low-cost parking, and an enviably leafy and well laid out streetscape.

As a member of Council’s new City Revitalisation Taskforce, I’m enjoying the opportunity to help shepherd the Bridge to Better project, which will transform Bridge Street.

 At recent City Centre Business Forum meetings, the enthusiasm for events and how they can add vitality to our lives has been highlighted. Compare the following list of events in heading our way over the next few weeks with those in other settlements at the top of the south.

The Suter celebrates 125 years with an exhibition from its collection, thousands of people are expected for Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua, the national secondary schools competition from 24–28 June, followed by Te Huihui-o-Matariki on 28 June, NCMA hosts the Nelson Symphony Orchestra on 22 June, Nelson City Brass Soloists 27 June, Indian Music and Dance 4 July, the Theatre Royal has Smokefreerockquest 22 June, Mary Poppins 26-29 June, Mama Mia 5-14 July, Finding Nemo 9-14 July and plenty more. We also have the farmers’ market every Wednesday and the amazing Nelson Market every Saturday.

The plethora of events during winter suggests there is plenty to see and do (and eat and drink) in Nelson. Our Central City hosts more events, cultural institutions, and hospitality venues than any other city centre in Te Tauihu. I argue it’s not dead, it’s uniquely dynamic!