Nelson lights up for 150th celebrations

Council is 150 years old and to celebrate this milestone, the Civic House clock tower, Trafalgar Bridge, Upper Trafalgar Street and the Cathedral will be lit up blue and white from Monday, 9 December 2024 to Sunday, 15 December 2024 to mark a century and a half of service to the community.

Local history fans should look out for a display in the Civic House window this month. It will feature the robe and wig of the Town Clerk (a historic role now covered by the Chief Executive) along with the Mayoral robe, chair, hat and chain as well as a video presentation about the Mayoral robes.

The commemoration activities have been driven by Council’s Sesquicentennial Taskforce, led by Councillor Mel Courtney, and supported by the City of Nelson Civic Trust, to showcase the work and dedication of Council staff throughout the organisation's history.  

“It’s important to mark 150 years of Council. I’m especially pleased about the half-century timespan that will be commemorated in a new book as I was an elected member in 1974 and I’m back again 50 years later.”

The book, chronicling Council activities from 1974 to 2024, by Dr Paul Christoffel will be launched as part of Tuku 25 Whakatū, Nelson’s heritage festival. It is the third instalment in a series, each book capturing 50 years of Council's history. 

Also, as part of the sesquicentennial celebrations, Council will be hosting a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Isel Park on Sunday, 12 January 2025, offering cream scones to go with the picnic lunches families bring along as well as a very special prize for the best-loved or oldest bear! We hope you can join us to celebrate!