Mayor's Message

I have spent a good part of this month advocating Nelson’s case with Ministers. It matters a great deal as Government spends ten times as much as Council in our city.

Tasman Mayor Tim King, NRDA Chair Sarah-Jane Weir and I presented the Prime Minister with our joint councils’ economic development plan for the region. It highlights major infrastructure challenges such as the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital, the Hope Bypass and flood protection upgrades as well as economic opportunities flowing from the Waimea dam, the Nelson Marina masterplan and open-ocean aquaculture.

Nelson did particularly poorly out of the $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund under the previous Government. Our region has 5% of New Zealand’s provincial population but we got only 1% of the fund. Northland got 10 times and the East Coast 15 times per capita as much as our region. My meetings with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have been about securing a far better share of the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund. His enthusiasm for the blue economy is an opportunity for us.

The most important project for the region is the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital, which is well behind schedule. Earthquake strengthening of the two main tower blocks is required by November 2028. I was heartened when former Health Minister Andrew Little in January 2021 pledged “absolutely” that construction would begin by October 2023. This was not achieved and the only progress was funding for design work. It is critical for Nelson that real work begins on addressing the acute bed shortage and seismic risks. I was reassured by the Prime Minister’s knowledge of the problem and commitment to progressing this critical project. 

Council has inherited a financial headache with the contaminated wood waste exposed by erosion at Tāhunanui Beach that must be removed. I’ve been lobbying Environment Minister Penny Simmonds for assistance so the full $6 million cost does not fall on ratepayers. At my meeting with Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, I sought his support for the reintroduction of kiwi into Nelson’s treasured Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. I have also been working with Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell on finalising the $12.3 million support package for Council’s storm recovery work.

The Government has a tough job with large deficits, high inflation and soaring debt it has inherited. We will need to be focused, diplomatic and realistic to ensure Nelson gets the investment and support we need.