I feel punch drunk with repeated blows the Nelson Tasman region has taken over the past four months. Storms and record rainfall in June and July did enormous damage but is recoverable. The bigger concern is the run of factory closures that will cost the region about 300 jobs - the Carter Holt Harvey Eves Valley sawmill in Brightwater, the Sealord coated fish factory at Port Nelson, the Proper Crisps factory in Tahunanui and Hop Federation brewery in Riwaka.
The immediate focus is support for the workers and families affected. Councils have a limited range of levers to boost the economy, but we can make a positive difference by investing wisely in infrastructure, facilitating development, promoting Nelson as a great place to visit and study and ensuring we get our share of central government support.
Five major projects give me confidence that Nelson’s economy will recover in 2026. The fast-track approval last week of the Maitahi development accelerates subdivision for about 360 homes. Construction on $100 million of infrastructure for it and the adjacent Bayview housing will begin this summer. Port Nelson and Nelson Marina’s 550 tonne and 110 tonne boatlifts - involving $22 million of Council, Port and Government investment – will become operational next year. They give us the opportunity to grow our marine engineering industries.
Nelson Hospital’s redevelopment, costing $500+ million, will be well underway in 2026 and involves hundreds of construction jobs. Bridge to Better is the largest Nelson City Council project in over 20 years and the bulk of this $78 million infrastructure development will take place next year. We will also be constructing $15 million of flood protection works in areas like the Maitai River. Council has secured over $45 million from Government for these two projects.
We also need to look further ahead. I’m worried about our food and beverage industries and will meet next week with business organisations to explore how they might be better supported. There is also a discussion to be had about getting Nelson Tasman further up the Government’s list of Regional Deals. We need to be relentless in focusing on economic recovery.
