Author: Matt Roswell

Our Nelson Issue 254 – 26 August 2026

Nelsonian’s put questions to Council at Civic Hub public meeting
Whether Council has already picked a preferred site, why the decision won't go to referendum, and what happens to existing businesses on the shortlisted sites were among the questions top-of-mind at a public meeting on the proposed Community Hub, Library and Civic Space.
More than 100 people attended the meeting at the Trafalgar Centre on Wednesday 12 August, where Mayor Nick Smith and Deputy Mayor and City Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Pete Rainey answered questions on the three shortlisted site options.
Consultation is open now on the three options, which are redevelopment of Civic House, taking in the Savings Bank and State Advances buildings on Trafalgar and Halifax Streets; a new build on leased land on Collingwood Street; and a new build on Church Street, next to the Nelson Provincial Museum, on land Council would buy.
Deputy Mayor Rainey said Council had put the three options out for consultation and had not chosen a preferred site. Mayor Nick said the same was true for Elected Members, and that in more than 20 meetings on the project, he had "not heard a single Councillor or staff member saying, ‘I’m only going to go with that one.’
“No matter what code you look for, this process is being done in good faith.”
Asked why the decision would not go to referendum, Mayor Nick said an election costs around $500,000, and that Council routinely makes decisions of similar or greater scale without a public vote, citing the $78 million Bridge to Better project and a $120 million sewerage project.
“That's our elected job,” he said. “That's why we’re here to listen.”
Asked what guarantee there was that the project would stay within budget, Mayor Nick pointed to Council’s recent record rather than offering an absolute guarantee: Bridge to Better, at $78 million and around two-thirds complete, was on time and on budget, and the newly opened Arts Hub was delivered on time, under budget.
The Free House, on the Collingwood Street site, was raised as an issue needing specific consideration.
Deputy Mayor Rainey said there was real value in what the Free House represented for the community, and that the Collingwood Street site’s scale meant Council would be able to give proper thought to incorporating that kind of community activity into a final design, should that option be chosen.
He encouraged people to submit outlining all that they valued about the Free House, so if that site was chosen, consideration could be given to how to incorporate or accommodate those elements.
“Due consideration will be given to what could possibly happen in terms of developing that site. Retail and hospitality are part of modern libraries, believe it or not, right around the world and in New Zealand.”
For more information about the Community Hub, Library and Civic Space consultation, including a video of the public meeting and the transcript, see shape.nelson.govt.nz. Submissions on the consultation are open on Shape Nelson now, and close on 6 September.

Lambing season is underway!
A friendly reminder to please keep your dogs under strict control when walking through the Grampians and Sir Stanley Whitehead Park.
Look out for signage and keep dogs on-lead where required. These spaces are shared with our woolly friends, and it's important to give them the peace they need.
If you come across a lamb that seems alone, don't worry. In most cases, the mother is grazing nearby or the farmer is keeping a watchful eye. These lambs are not abandoned; they are simply waiting for their mothers to return.

Proposed road and parking changes
Songer Street  - Proposed No Stopping
Princes Drive - Proposed No Stopping

For more details and to provide feedback, visit Road and Parking Changes at  shape.nelson.govt.nz/road-and-parking-changes. Feedback closes 12pm Wednesday 9 September.

Draft Reserves General Policies available for public submissions
Closing date and time: 5pm on Friday 23 October 2026
Nelson City Council has prepared Draft Reserves General Policies, which cover the management, use and development of its reserves (excluding Saxton Field). These policies will form the basis of Council’s reserve management plans going forward. Now is your chance to provide us with feedback on the Draft Reserves General Policies.
For more information please see the Shape Nelson Page at shape.nelson.govt.nz or to view a hard copy please visit the Council’s Customer Service Centre, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson or Council’s Libraries. 
Any person wishing to make a submission or objection on this proposal should do so through the submission form on Shape Nelson page at shape.nelson.govt.nz,  in an email to submissions@ncc.govt.nz, in writing (freepost) to Nelson City Council, WR59903, Nelson, 7040, or by delivering it to Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson.
Submissions and objections must be received no later than 5pm on Friday 23 October 2026. 
Anyone putting in a submission or objection can present their views at the hearing. Please confirm in your written submission or objection if you wish to be heard. 
This notice is being given under sections 41 and 119 of the Reserves Act 1977.

Proposed road closure  
Nelson Santa Parade 
Applicant: Santa Parade Reloaded Trust 
Event date and time: 1pm – 3pm, Sunday 29 November 2026 

Proposed Road Closures – streets, dates and times: 
The parade starts from Montgomery Square Carpark and heads north up Trafalgar Street, ending in Trafalgar Carpark via Hathaway Terrace. 
The following roads will be closed, access will be unavailable during these times, except in emergencies. 

Montgomery Square Carpark and entrances
Sunday 29 November 2026 
Time closed: 5am	Time open: 2pm

Park Street, Church Street and Hardy Street (between Rutherford Street and Morrison Street) 
Sunday 29 November 2026  
Time closed: 8.30am	Time open: 4pm

Hathaway Terrace and Trafalgar Street (between Hardy Street and Grove Street, including access to Trafalgar Park Lane, Trafalgar Carpark, Wakatu Lane, New Street and Halifax Street) 
Sunday 29 November 2026 
Time closed: 10.30am	Time open: 4pm

Bridge Street and Halifax Street – at intersections with Trafalgar Street
Sunday 29 November 2026 
Time closed: 12pm	Time open: 3pm

The eBus will be impacted by these closures – please see ebus.nz for further information. 
Contingency date and time: 1pm – 3pm, Sunday 13 December 2026. 
For more information and map details of proposed road closures – please visit nelson.govt.nz  

All feedback on the proposed road closures for the The Nelson Santa Parade 2026 is due by 12pm Wednesday 9 September 2026. Email: road.enquiries@ncc.govt.nz  

Electrify Nelson Expo 2026
The FREE Electrify Nelson Expo is coming to the Annesbrook Event Centre on Saturday 29 August, bringing together more than 30 exhibitors, expert speakers and practical demonstrations to help households and businesses save money, improve energy resilience and reduce emissions.
Visitors can explore the latest in solar, home batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, induction cooking, home energy efficiency and more, with independent advice available through an Ask Me Anything information hub designed to help people find the solutions best suited to their needs.
 he Expo also features EV test drives, food trucks and a sustainably powered bouncy castle.
Entry is FREE, with no registration required. Register in advance for event updates and you'll automatically go in the draw to WIN a Goover Bike Rack, generously donated by Hybrid Bikes (RRP $1,499).
Find out more at electrifynelson.nz/expo.

Have your say!
Safety improvements on St Vincent Street
Nelson City Council are seeking your feedback on proposed improvements to the St Vincent Street cycleway. There are five options and we want your input to help Council make an informed decision.
Find out more by scanning the QR code or visiting shape.nelson.govt.nz/feedback-st-vincent-street-cycleway-improvements

Meetings
Tasman District Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond
9.30am	1 Sep

Council meeting
9am	3 Sep

Joint Regional Sewerage Committee
9.30am	8 Sep

Council - to hear feedback to Library, Community Hub and Civic Spaces Engagement (if required)
9am	16 Sep

Audit, Risk and Finance Committee
1pm	22 Sep

Regulatory Process Panel
9am	24 Sep

Joint Committee
9.30am	29 Sep