A central block of Saxton Field will be protected for public use after Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council jointly purchased the former RNZ transmission site.
The 7.14-hectare site will be vested as a public recreation reserve, securing space in one of the region’s busiest sporting hubs.
RNZ retired its ageing AM radio transmitter at Stoke in late March 2025 after it became surplus to requirements, with other frequencies now serving the Nelson Tasman region.
The land includes playing fields, car parking, a playground with shade sails and a concrete shared path, along with roading, drainage, street and sports lighting, established trees and a sand storage facility. The transmission building will remain and be repurposed for reserve use.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith welcomes the agreement between the two councils and RNZ.
“I’m delighted our two councils have been able to conclude the purchase of this central 7.14 hectares of land from RNZ,” Nick says.
“Saxton Field is one of the best sports and recreation facilities in the country, but it would have been gutted if this central block was lost to developers.
“The two councils and RNZ are all under financial pressure, but with goodwill, we have been able to come to a price that is fair to all. I acknowledge and thank RNZ for allowing us to use and develop the area around the radio mast for the past 40 years, and for enabling us to secure the area as a permanent public recreation reserve.”
Saxton Field joint committee chair Nelson City councillor Campbell Rollo says the purchase provides certainty for the community.
“Saxton Field is the heart of sport and recreation for our region, and acquiring this land ensures it is protected for future generations. It provides certainty for the families, sports clubs, and visitors who use the reserve every week,” Campbell says.
“Working alongside Tasman District Council to secure this land is a practical and sensible approach to looking after a reserve that is valued and shared by both communities.”
Committee member Nelson City councillor Kit Maling says the purchase reflects long-term thinking.
“This is about thinking ahead for the urban areas of Nelson and Richmond and the wider Nelson Tasman region,” Kit says.
“This parcel of land has always been seen as important as the last remaining block within an increasingly significant regional asset.”
RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson welcomed the transfer of the site into public ownership.
“We’re pleased that this land will remain in public ownership and continue to serve the community,” Paul says.
“The removal of the transmission mast and the transfer of the site to Councils will allow the area to be fully integrated into Saxton Field’s sporting facilities, creating greater flexibility for sports field development and enabling more sport and recreation to be played on the land. It’s a positive outcome that supports both RNZ’s stewardship responsibilities and the future growth of community sport in Nelson.”
