Councillor's Comment: Slice of paradise

​Word is out on what Nelsonians have long known – Tāhunanui Beach is world class.

This slice of paradise in the heart of Nelson was eighth in the South Pacific category for TripAdvisor’s 2023 edition of its annual best beaches awards. It’s the second year in a row Tāhunanui Beach has made top-10 list in the South Pacific category. Kaiteriteri Beach also had a top-10 placing in 2022.

These rankings are based on ratings and reviews on the TripAdvisor website so it’s the people who have dug their toes into the warm sand of Tāhunanui Beach or taken a dip in the usually gentle waves who have rated it so highly. 

But some of the facilities at Tāhunanui don’t match the world-class status of the beach. In fact, sporting clubs such as football, rugby and touch that use Tāhunanui are growing out of their facilities. 

The Nelson Surf Life Saving Club, whose equipment is stored across different sites including shipping containers on the edge of the Tāhunanui sports field, would thrive if it was part of a proper facility based at the beach. This would give the club the ability to grow and be more accessible.

Nelson City Council proposes allocating $100,000 in its Annual Plan 2023/24 for a feasibility study into a new community facility to house the surf club and, possibly, other sporting groups. All good ideas require good community input so please share your views on this proposal. Consultation closes on Sunday, 30 April, on this matter and any other item in the Annual Plan 2023/24 Consultation Document.

Please give us your feedback on how we can make the most of our word-class Tāhunanui Beach and the Tāhunanui Recreation Reserve for the community.