Nelson City Council’s Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034 adopted

Following months of work to create a Long Term Plan that sets out a clear vision for Whakatū Nelson for the next 10 years, Council has adopted the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP) with elected members voting unanimously to support it. Council also approved the 2024/25 schedule of fees and charges.

The adoption follows engagement with the community, where we received a record number of 1537 submissions through our LTP consultation process held in April and heard from 111 organisations and individuals who then took the opportunity to speak at the hearings in May. This high level of public engagement has helped to reshape and improve this plan so that it reflects the needs of our community while acknowledging the challenges that are in front of us.  

The title of this LTP ‘Beyond the storm’ Kei tua i te āwhā reflects not only the ongoing recovery from the August 2022 severe weather event but also the economic environment we are living in, faced with the highest inflation and interest rates in decades and increased costs for Council in areas we cannot control such as depreciation and insurance. 

 The LTP includes an 8.2% average rates increase in the first year, alongside a $300 Storm Recovery Charge. Council has prioritised keeping our rates rises as low as possible while maintaining core services, paying for the August 2022 storm recovery, and continuing to invest in the projects that will make the most difference to Nelson’s future.
 “While the 2024/25 rates rise is lower than most other councils around the country, I’m very conscious that this average 8.2% increase comes at a time when households and businesses are already under huge financial pressure,” says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.   

“The single biggest driver of the increase is the cost of infrastructure. Over the next decade, Council plans to spend $523 million on wastewater, drinking water, stormwater and flood protection infrastructure, and a further $303 million on roads and other transport infrastructure. We would be doing Nelson residents a disservice if we pulled back on these investments.  

 “The storm recovery charge is to cover the $87.2 million estimated cost to Council of the August 2022 storm, which includes the contribution of $26.3 million we have secured in support from Government, resulting in a net cost of $60.9 million. It is the cost of fixing the damage and building back better.”

The LTP contains key issues that elected members decided on, including the following.
Buyout of Private Properties affected by slips  

Elected members agreed to accept the Central Government buy-out support offer, which will now be used to purchase up to 17 slip affected properties, and to apply amended eligibility buy-out principles. 
The principles now include residential properties that are not the primary residence of an owner as well as the primary residence of an owner.  

Percentage value payouts for primary residences will be to a maximum of 95% of valuation if insured and 80% if uninsured. All valuations will be taken from before the August 2022 weather event.

Percentage value payouts for non-primary residences will be to a maximum of 95% of their valuation if insured and 80% if uninsured. This payout will be taken from remaining funds once all eligible primary residence properties are confirmed, and Council valuations obtained.  

If the potential payout to insured non-primary residence properties falls below 80% of valuation, Council can re-assess the application of the eligibility buy-out principles to ensure an equitable outcome.  

Council's approach to forestry 
Elected members agreed to the option to exit commercial forestry over time. Over 1000 of the submissions Council received commented on the issue with a strong majority in favour of Council’s proposal to exit commercial forestry over time and to instead grow a continuous canopy of mixed species. This will enable Council to take a holistic approach to management of its native and exotic forests and develop a long-term asset for the community with improved environmental, recreational and social outcomes, particularly on the city fringe.

Marina CCO proposal
Council has agreed to establish an Asset-Owning Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for the Nelson Marina by 1 July 2025. This approach will set it up in a way to best deliver the Nelson Marina Masterplan, while maintaining 100% Council ownership of the CCO.  

The majority of the over 750 submissions that commented on this matter supported transitioning to either Council’s proposal of an Asset-Owning Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) or an Asset-Owning Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO). 

The Marina’s debt will be removed from Council’s balance sheet debt levels and any increased commercial returns from Marina activities will be reinvested in improvements to the Marina.   

Housing Reserve 
Elected members agreed to broaden the purpose of the Housing Reserve Fund to enable it to be used to provide enduring support to reduce housing vulnerability in line with the majority of approximately 800 submissions that commented on the issue. This decision supports Council’s desire that the Fund be used for assets and services that continue to provide support to the community over the long term.  

This change will assist Council to support and work with partners to provide innovative solutions for our vulnerable and highest need residents, in addition to continuing to support the delivery of social and affordable housing.     

All-weather sports turf 
Council decided not to proceed with the proposal to build a new all-weather sports turf and agreed instead to retain a programme of upgrading existing sports fields from the Long Term Plan 2021-2031. 

A focus on improved lighting and drainage will provide greater accessibility and inclusivity benefits and lower environmental impacts than an all-weather turf. Submissions to this key issue were divided with just over half of the almost 900 submitters that provided feedback opposing the all-weather turf proposal. 

 
Facilities at Tāhunanui Beach for Nelson Surf Life Saving Club 
Council agreed to support construction of a new facility for the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club and upgrade the changing facilities at the sports ground in line with the majority of the almost 1000 submissions that commented. 
Council decided to cap its capital funding contribution to the new lifesaving facility at either $1.65 million or 50% of the total capital costs (whichever is the lesser amount) with the rest of costs to be covered by the club.     

 
Arts Hub 
Council has agreed to purchase an existing building to establish an arts hub in the city centre to support the arts sector and the implementation of He Tātai Whetū, Whakatū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy. 

The majority of approximately 900 submissions commenting on the issue supported the initiative and an amendment during Council deliberations means that the purchase can take place sooner than planned.   

Council’s decision enables the arts hub to be delivered two years earlier than planned. It supports the arts sector by further activating arts in the city centre and using the hub to house the new arts development agency to deliver better outcomes for the sector. 

Fees and charges 
For a full list of current fees and charges visit the Nelson City Council website nelson.govt.nz/services/fees-and-charges 

Council is seeking your feedback on the future of the crematorium services at Wakupuaka Cemetery. 
For more information and to make a submission, visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/planned-crematorium-fees-and-charges  

There will be an increase of 17.7% for solid waste charges at the Nelson Waste Recovery Centre. This has been brought in to match the increase set by the Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit (NTRLBU). 

 
 There will also be some changes to Library fees. Visit the library website for full details nelsonpubliclibraries.co.nz
The full Long Term Plan document will be available by the end of July, visit nelson.govt.nz for more information.

for more information.