Thanks are due to the many people, churches and organisations preparing our city to celebrate the season of goodwill and generosity. I invite Nelsonians to join the many community events and help us ensure a fun, safe and inclusive Christmas.
I love the giant Christmas tree erected on our iconic Church Steps last Sunday and thank the teams from Whakatū Rotary, The Nelson Santa Parade Trust, Lift N Shift and Nelson Brass band for setting the scene for our Christmas celebrations. I am also grateful to the hundreds of Nelsonians for the delightful displays of home Christmas lights for others’ enjoyment.
Our beautiful Nelson Cathedral is magical with the Christmas Tree Festival that starts with the light-up service this evening and runs until the switch-off service on 18 January. There are more than 70 diversely decorated trees, crafted by clubs, community organisations and businesses. The bonus this year is weekday lunchtime concerts from 1pm-1.30pm from Monday, 1 December, until 19 December. My favourite is the Carols on the Church Steps at 8.45pm on Christmas Eve.
This Sunday, we have the NBS Nelson Santa Parade from 1-3pm with more than 46 floats. My thanks to the Santa Trust, led by Trevor Marshall, our Rotary Clubs and main sponsor NBS. The parade this year includes a special acknowledgement of our first responders – Police, Fire Service, St John Ambulance, Coastguard, Rescue Helicopter and Civil Defence. The tragic fatality of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming on 1 January and the demands on our emergency services during the floods in July and August remind us of the gratitude we owe those who work 24/7 and 365 days a year to keep us safe.
The Mayor’s Christmas Lunch is this year being held at the Beachside Nelson Conference & Events Centre. I thank the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park, organisers Murray Leaning and Ann Carpenter and team of amazing volunteers for their help. The delicious meal and entertainment are complimentary for anyone wanting to come along. Attendees can register from Monday, 1 December – online at nelson.govt.nz/mayorslunch or by calling 03 546 0200.
It has been a difficult year for our city but let’s ensure everyone gets to share in this season of joy, giving and hope.
