Councillor's Comment - Councillor Nigel Skeggs
I want to share some genuinely exciting news about what's happening in our region because I think every Nelsonian should know just how bright our future is looking.
We've long known that the sea is in Nelson's DNA. Our fishing heritage, our port, our marina, our love of boats – it's woven into the fabric of who we are. But right now, something truly remarkable is taking shape, and I couldn't be more proud of the direction we're heading.
Earlier this year, the brand-new Calwell facility opened at Port Nelson – a $29 million investment that includes one of the most powerful boat hoists in the Southern Hemisphere, a massive 550-tonne travel lift to complement the existing 2,400-tonne slipway. This is exactly the kind of world-class infrastructure that puts Nelson firmly on the radar of marine operators across New Zealand and beyond – and it's already attracting ambitious businesses keen to plant their flag here.
Right next door, Nelson Marina has received $13 million in Government financial support to carry out its own exciting transformation. A brand-new 110-tonne travel lift has already arrived, and a stunning new marine service centre is currently being designed – a purpose-built hub bringing together workshops, offices and retail space for the growing number of marine companies choosing our city as their home. The masterplan envisions 40 businesses operating at the marina by 2027. We are genuinely, proudly becoming New Zealand's yacht-maintenance capital.
What excites me most, though, is the bigger picture. This isn't just about boats – it’s about building a smarter, bolder, more innovative economy for all of us. The Cawthron Institute and Plant & Food Research, alongside a number of exciting technology start-ups, are doing world-leading marine science right here in Nelson – from sustainable aquaculture to cutting-edge ocean intelligence technology. And the new Blue House in the port precinct – home to our blue economy cluster Moananui – is already connecting businesses, researchers and innovators in ways that are generating real, tangible results.
And the jobs? NMIT is ready. With marine engineering qualifications, aquaculture training and outstanding modern facilities, our polytechnic is perfectly placed to train the next generation of blue economy workers.
Nelson's blue economy currently contributes $332 million to our regional GDP and supports 3,700 local jobs through more than 300 companies. And we're just getting started.
The ocean has always been ours. Now, more than ever, we're making the most of it.
