Hon Dr Nick Smith
Sept’ 25
Dear Nelsonian
I love serving as your Mayor, advocating for our city, helping people, backing local businesses and making Council work better.
RATES AFFORDABILITY
Households and businesses are under financial pressure and I push every day for Council savings and efficiencies. Our rate increases have been less than most Councils despite our huge storm repair costs but are still too high. I am committed to keeping future increases to less than 5%.
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE
Resident satisfaction with Council has steadily improved from 51% in 2022, to 54% in 2023 and reaching 60% in 2024 in the annual survey. Independent polling by Curia confirms this positive trend with Councils rating as average or above increasing from 52% (2022) to 72% (2025). Council has worked more constructively as a team with better results. There has been no Code of Conduct disputes this term as compared to six in the previous term (2019-2022) and four in the term prior (2016-2019).
LOOKING AHEAD
My future focus is on city revitalisation and economic recovery now the storm repair work is largely completed. Council needs to improve the infrastructure and vibrancy of the central city. We need to attract more businesses and facilitate development. We need to promote Nelson as a great place to visit and study. I want to conclude a Regional Deal with Government focused on growth of the Blue Economy in areas like marine farming, engineering and science. I also want more shared services with the Tasman District Council and preferably a full merger.
Linley and I are proud to call Nelson home. We love our creative spirit, diverse businesses, caring community, active lifestyle and natural beauty. We are committed to giving our all to make it even better.
