Councillor's Comment: Marina masterplan advances

​Council is progressing the exciting masterplan for the Nelson Marina with the appointment this month of the board for the new management company.

Nelson’s connection with the sea sets us apart from other cities. We are the largest fishing port in New Zealand. The Cawthron Institute does some of the smartest marine science. We are the centre of New Zealand’s growing aquaculture industry. Our name of Nelson comes from one of the greatest naval commanders in history, Admiral Horatio Nelson. Our beaches such as Tāhunanui and Kaiteriteri are regularly rated as the best in the country. We need to capitalise on these ocean links and I was pleased new Mayor Nick Smith asked me to lead the Marina and Tāhunanui Sports Facilities Taskforce, advancing this work.

I was involved with the previous Council’s good work on the Nelson Marina Masterplan. It foresees expanding our marina to enable us to host more boats and a new travel lift to enable a larger range of boats to be repaired and serviced in Nelson. It also involves the development of a new sea sports facility for the Nelson Rowing Club, the Iron Duke Sea Scouts, the TS Talisman Sea Cadets, the Nelson Canoe Club, the Nelson Surfski Club, the Maitahi Outrigger Canoe Club, Te Tai O Aorere Tasman Bay Outrigger Canoe Club, and the Whakatū Marae Waka Ama Club as well as providing a potential home for Te Tauihu iwi’s valued waka. 

Council believes the best way to deliver on the masterplan is with a new Marina Management company and specialist board. We have appointed Paul Steere as Chair. Paul has an extensive background in the marine sector as the Chief Executive of King Salmon and with community organisations such as Red Cross. He recently did an outstanding job in chairing the Nelson Airport company and the development of the new passenger terminal. The new marina board includes a director to be appointed by local iwi as well as those with skills in resource management, marina management and development.

I am pleased to be helping advance this work. Council made progress earlier this year in gaining port of entry accreditation for visiting international vessels. Setting up the new management council-controlled organisation is the next step. The benefits for Nelson are in economic development, improving the recreational facilities for many forms of sea sports and in enhancing Nelson’s brand as a marine centre of excellence.