Nelson City Council

A better place

Keith’s word: Council’s purpose is to make Nelson a better place.

It’s a simple enough statement, but it has wide ranging implications. Council provides  hundreds of services (big stuff like stormwater and roading, community facilities and economic development and little stuff like collecting litter on the beach, street gardens and delivering library books to housebound people). It spends around $114million in the community to provide those services annually. What that means is Council services, that’s what we do and how we do it, should matter to everyone because they impact on everyone.

We’ve set ourselves some challenging goals over the next few years. Nelson deserves a Council organisation that focuses on improving value for money, customer service and its overall service delivery. And we need to achieve these goals on time and under budget. Nelson also deserves a Council organisation whose staff and managers are completely committed.

This Council set me exactly those goals and will measure performance and progress annually against how

• We met our budget and deliver capital projects
• Customer satisfaction improves with regard to our value for money, customer services and overall service performance
• There is an improvement in staff buy in

I’ve been Chief Executive for a year now and during that time we have been focusing on making a number of changes to how we do things better to meet these goals. Our challenge is to keep improving.

Keith Marshall, Chief Executive

Improving how we manage key strategic projects

A big part of what we do is project based - some examples are the Rugby World Cup, the Heart of Nelson central city development, the Arterial Routes study, and Sustainability initiatives like Solar Saver.

The aim of each project is clear – the project must run within vision, budget, time and legal requirements. But what is just a important is ensuring that the projects are aligned or mesh into other projects and goals so that we get the most value for what we spend. An example is the Heart of Nelson strategy, which has considerable overlap into the Rugby World Cup plans. Individual roading, wayfinding, entrance way and landscaping projects are being rolled together to be able to make better short and long term decisions about the Maitai River walkway and links to the City and Marina. Heart of Nelson will create a legacy for our city. All of this, of course, needs to link in with our ongoing work on roading, water and sewage systems.

Improving customer satisfaction

In the space of eight months customer service has got a big shakeup in Council. Instead of having a hodgepodge of counters and service systems we now have a new Customer Service Centre. Launched in December, the Centre along with new systems to track the completion of requests and contacts will help track how we’re going at the crucial job of customer service.

What’s in it for residents and ratepayers? You get faster, more accurate service from a single source without having to traipse around Civic House, or be transferred from one staff member to the next on the phone.

It is still early days for these improvements, but the following highlights detail the projects completed in 2009 that best show our progress and what we have to look forward to in 2010.

We celebrated our community identity

Nelson’s 150th year as a city

The final celebrations of this milestone happened in February including the well attended Founders Family Fun Day.

Nelson Community Plan

The largest whole of Council project was the Nelson Community Plan setting out the Council’s direction for the next ten years. The draft was released for consultation in March 2009, submissions closed in May and the final plan (taking into account over 1,100 submissions) was approved by Council in June 2009.

Telling special stories

The Prow website was launched in February.  It celebrates, preserves and makes accessible the history, culture and stories of the top of the South Island. It is a collaborative venture between the Nelson City, Tasman and Marlborough District Libraries, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and The Nelson Provincial Museum (see www.prow.org.nz)

Charter Parade

The Navy vessel HMNZS PUKAKI was adopted by the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough Regions and this was celebrated by an official Charter Parade through the streets of Nelson on 17 October.

Supporting the community

Designing better houses

Council began work on changes to the Nelson Resource Management Plan to provide for better urban design and low impact developments. These changes should be completed this year. This has been followed up with the introduction of the Urban Design Panel, a free service to advise on new projects. The Panel has already been used to good effect on the Collingwood Street Medical Centre.

Community housing on the improve

Council, with the support of Housing New Zealand, has secured the finance to upgrade the Orchard Flats in Stoke, the oldest of its community housing complexs.  Work in the improvements will begin in the next few months.

Do your Council business online!

The brand new Council website was launched in June. From the starts users appreciated the new, updated look and that much Council business can now be conducted online including being able to pay their Council bills.

Fighting fires

Residents were reminded of the importance of being prepared as around 50 homes had to be evacuated in the Atawhai hills in the face of a major bush fire in February. Civil Defence was there to help.

Bread and butter jobs –  water, stormwater, roading, sewage

Nayland and Quarantine Rd stormwater issues sorted

A significant section of Nayland Road from Saxton Road to Monaco View has had stormwater reticulation installed to replace an open ditch. The reticulation is designed to allow for the ongoing and future development of the area. Road reconstruction with kerb and channel is an added bonus of the work.

The last section of the major stormwater drain in Quarantine Road has been completed with the construction of a concrete box culvert and outfall basin. This work will improve the roadway in Quarantine Road and the capacity of the stormwater reticulation in the lower Arapiki Stream area.

Better water pressure for many households

Higher water pressures have been an issue of Nelsons reticulation for some time. The city’s development of both valley floors and hillsides requires supply to a wide range of pressures. As higher pressures can lead to increased water losses through leaks in the network and more frequent failures in the aging pipes Council has an ongoing project in place to reduce the highest pressure zones as long as fire fighting requirements are met. In 2009 changes to the network were made to reduce pressures in parts of the Upper Stoke area from Saxton Road to Maitland Avenue.

We’ve got great water

Nelsons water supply grading from the Ministry of Health was reconfirmed as Ab during the year. This process reviews the source of the water supply and the reticulation against a number of criteria to arrive at a rating. The “A” component relates to the source and treatment and is a direct result of the construction of the micro-filtration and treatment plant at the Tantragee saddle. The “b” component relates to the reticulation and is affected by issues such as storage volumes, backflow protection and ongoing monitoring of the water quality in the reticulation.

New pipeline to Bells Island decided on

Following a regional consultation the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit is now applying for resource consent to build a duplicate pipeline across the estuary to the Bells Island Sewerage Treatment Plant. The upgrade is needed as there is a risk of a pipeline failure in the estuary between Monaco and Bells Island and the present pipeline struggles to handle present flows, let alone future higher flows.

Hydrogenerator now powering Treatment Plant

In an ongoing effort to promote sustainable practice, Council has installed a hydro generator to convert the water flowing to the Tantragee Water Treatment Plant to electricity, which in turn runs the Treatment Plant.

The installation of the hydro unit was funded by an EECA loan which Council is paying off via the savings made on electricity. So far the unit is exceeding all expectations.

Transport Strategy adopted

Nelson’s Regional Land Transport Strategy was adopted in June after generating much feedback from the community. It identifies future transport needs and signals major anticipated changes in the way people will move into, around and out of Nelson city in response to rising fuel prices.

Weka and Milton St pipes renewed

Sewer pipes have been renewed in both Weka and Milton Streets, allowing the removal of older earthenware pipes and the installation of more appropriate uPVC pipes that will reduce the level of groundwater infiltration into the sewer main.

Roading

• Todd Valley streetlights were upgraded to lessen light pollution but improve safety at night for pedestrians and motorists.
• The Toi Toi Street upgrade included a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, some lovely new trees along the street and the road was narrowed to bring down traffic speeds and improve the safety
• Tosswill Road has a new footpath and parking has been improved with power now underground. This project also trialled using waste ashphalt as  the base for new works.
• Collingwood Street has been given a facelift to cope with increased traffic and help with flood protection. Cycle lanes were installed and new street trees and a pedestrian island were installed.
• St Vincent St, Waimea Rd and Main Road Stoke all had pedestrian islands were placed to improve the safety of pedestrians crossing.
• Campbell Street now has a footpath and the roads been realigned and the parking improved.
• Tasman Street, from Halifax to Bridge Street was upgraded to reduce traffic speeds and improve the streetscape environment.  Sewer, stormwater and streetlighting, footpaths, berms and kerb and channels were all improved.
• Waimea Road Traffic modelling looked at the potential configuration for additional bus lanes and intersection scenarios, the result being a decision to install traffic lights at Motueka Street.

Stoke and Clifton Terrace schools - safe journeys

School travel plans were completed for Stoke School and Clifton Terrace School looking at what stopped kids walking and cycling to school. As a result Council funded 50% of the cost of installing a bike cage at Stoke School.  Clifton Terrace started two walking school buses as a result of their travel plan.

Our special places

Trafalgar Centre

The southern end of the Trafalgar Centre was completed at a cost of $4.4 million and was seen to good effect with the summer festival show Circus Oz. The improvements have also been an award winner for Arthouse Architecture. Northern end improvements are planned for 2013/14.

Heart of Nelson

The Heart of Nelson Strategy was developed with the community to make Nelson a more distinctive and attractive place for businesses, locals and visitors. Urban designers and an arts consultant have now been appointed and work is underway on the first Heart of Nelson projects, which will be completed in time for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Saxton Field Stadium

Work on the new stadium at Saxton Field was completed with the grand opening was held in October. The cricket oval has been a raging success hosting two fantastic 20/20 matches recently. The Summer Six concert proved Saxton Field to be a great venue for music and the all weather athletic track is now open.

Performing Arts Centre

During 2008/09 the concept plans for a performing arts centre with a related conference centre on a site at the corner of Rutherford Street and Selwyn place were developed and public consultation on the proposed site received nearly 600 submissions. In December Council decided against proceeding with that proposal but renewed it’s commitment to building the facility. Work is now progressing quickly on reviewing alternative sites and proposals – these should be part of the Annual Plan consultations starting in late March .

Smart environmental changes

Solar Saver scheme successful

The Solar Saver scheme for solar hot water systems was so popular that households for the first year of installations had to be chosen by ballot. Those installations are happening now and there’s funding for an another 500 households in next years budget (starting in July 2010).  The Solar Saver scheme, the first of its kind, has had national and international attention and several other councils are now looking to follow suit.

Recycling getting better

When the global downturn hit markets for recycled material, Council reviewed its recycling services from a broader sustainability perspective with a greater emphasis on local and national reduce and reuse objectives. Council has now extended recycling services to households, now recycling all plastics.

Cleaner air in winter

The end of 2009 saw the first big phase out date for older enclosed burners. Many took up Council’s offer of financial help under the Pay as you Heat scheme to make the switch to cleaner heating. Council estimates at least 2000 older burners have had the chop – the result will be much better air quality this winter. With two more burner phase out dates to come,  Nelson should meet national environmental standards for air quality as early as 2013.

Environment Awards inspire

Nelson City Council partnered Tasman District to present the Environment Awards in November. A record number of entries proved there is much to celebrate and inspiration abounds in the field of good environmental practises.

Better water in the river

A long standing problem with water quality in the lower Maitai River at the Collingwood St Bridge is being resolved…. pipe by pipe.

Compost crazy!

Nelsonians went mad composting in 2009.  Council’s free Create Your own Eden composting and gardening workshops were fully booked as people fought tougher economic times by growing their own food.

Tui in your garden

The Biodiversity Forum Action Plans were completed and put into action through a collaborative process that brought many key organisations together. Council continued to work with rural landowners on environmental issues such as pest management, biodiversity, native plant protection and revegetation.

Eco building advice a hit

Council’s free Eco Building Design Advisor service has been a huge hit with residents. Advisor Richard Popenhagen has been booked solid advising owners of new and existing homes how to keep them warmer, drier and more energy efficient.

Eco-smart

Nine years old and returning to the Trafalgar Centre, Ecofest drew a huge regional crowd. People want to do their best by our stunning environment and so they flocked again, lured by more interactive displays and events. Watch out for special features next year to celebrate the 10th anniversary.

We love being active

Fitness and fun

The Women’s Activator Series introduced women to a range of new sports activities. It was so hugely successful it is being repeated this summer and Youth Activator series  introduced as well. Men, watch out for an Activator Series in 2010.

Founders free entry for locals

September heralded a new era at Founders Heritage Park with the introduction of free entry for locals. The presentation of a Nelson Public Library card now waives the entry fee, ensuring our residents can visit the park regularly, as well as hosting visitors to this popular attraction.

By bike and on foot

The Atawhai cycleway was completed and opened during the year, offering a healthy alternative for commuters and a new option for recreational bikers. The popular Railway Reserve was sealed to provide an improved surface for cyclists and walkers.  Nelson had its first Walk to Work Day in March and Bikewise Month is February was again very popular.

Trafalgar Park

The major upgrade of Trafalgar Park has begun with the first order of business being the relaying of the turf using crushed recycled glass sand.  This is currently underway with more work planned to bring it up to standard as a top class sporting and event venue.

Park facilities improved

New accessible toilets were installed at ANZAC Park and Branford Park and a bridge and walkway route was built on upper Orphanage Stream towards the Ngawhatu Valley. The Miyazu Park ponds were re-lined and filled with sand as leaks had become a major problem and the teahouse has been rebuilt following an arson attack in September.

Beach BBQ beautiful

The Nelson Youth Council played a big role in revamping part of the reserve to incorporate a great new barbecue shelter, pathway, stage and some amazing sculptures. More work is scheduled on the roads, footpaths and the car parks.

Rugby World Cup 2011

Nelson was delighted to not only be successful in it’s bid to host games but is also very happy with the news that three of the teams will be hosted here during the 2011 tournament. It is shaping up to be a once in a lifetime event that will bring more visitors, excitement and prosperity to our city.

We kept rates low but progress didn’t slow

Rates kept low

Through tough decision making during the Community Plan process Council kept the overall rates and charges increase to 3.2%.  This was a priority for Council in recognition of the tough economic climate.

Customer Service Centre

A new era in Council customer service was marked on 7 December with the opening of the Customer Service Centre on the ground floor of Civic House in Trafalgar Street.  The Centre has centralised customer service staff from four different areas of Council, and is aimed at an enhanced service. Customers can now make enquiries, pay bills and get information all at one counter.

Arterial Traffic study planned

Council committed to instigating a comprehensive traffic study that aims, once and for all, to answer the tough questions about whether or not Nelson needs new roads and if so, where they should go. A team of consultants has now been appointed and work on the study will run throughout 2010.

Fabulous, fantastic festivals

Both the Summer Festival and the Arts Festival in October were huge successes.  More shows than ever before sold out during the Arts Festival at Founders Heritage Park. The Summer Festival welcomed new sponsors Bio Paints and Opera in the Park will be free to the public for the first time in 2010.

The new year ... a taste of the progress planned for 2010

The year ahead brings another set of new challenges, projects and initiatives.  Work on many of projects started in 2009 will continue, but new projects will also get going although many are still subject to approval through the Annual Plan process. Here is a quick rundown of the work planned that will make Nelson a better place to live and work:

Changing the face of Nelson for the better

• Heart of Nelson projects will be dominated by the development of the Maitai River Walkway from Trafalgar Street bridge to Queen Elizabeth Drive
• Wakefield Quay will continue to develop with new promenades planned. A Waterfront Strategy will also be drafted for public comment
• Rugby World Cup planning for the 2011 festival will be massive and the Trafalgar Park Upgrade will continue
• A new proposal for a Performing Arts and Conference Centre will be tabled – watch this space after huge community response in the last consultation

Projects in partnership

• We’ll be partnering Tasman District Council on with Waimea Estuary Management Plan
• There will be heaps of other projects in partnership with Tasman District Council including Ecofest and the Environment Awards

Being green is better

• A way forward for sustainability in Nelson will be charted and you’ll be able to have your say on the proposal
• Solar Saver will continue as 500 more households switch to the eco-friendly, fabulous solar water heating

Support for the young and the old

• The Orchard Flats community housing will get a revamp  
• A new Young Drivers road safety programme will help keep our kids safe on the roads – Rotary is helping us with this

Special places in the sun

• Saxton Field improvements will continue including an athletics and cricket pavilion.
• There’s heaps more work planned on the Tahunanui Reserve to improve roads, footpaths and the car parks and the connections between them

In roading, stormwater and cycle/pedestrian upgrades there will be something happening near you in 2010

• The Arterial Traffic Study gets underway
• Nayland Road is given a full upgrade including new drainage replacing the open channel and new footpaths
• The Ridgeway Link is already underway to join the Ridgeway to Ridgeway South, with a roundabout at Songer Street
• The Waimea/Motueka Street intersection will get some traffic lights to help peak hour travel time delays and improve safety
• Locking Street will be upgraded to improve safety, stormwater and ease of use
• Iwa Road will have better drainage installed to improve the stability of the hillside and parking will be formalised to make turning easier
• Brougham Street’s road and stormwater drainage will be improved
• Seymour Ave will have its stormwater drainage improved.
• The current open ditch by Atawhai Drive will be replaced with better storm water drainage and a new footpath will be added
• Cycling facility from the Atawhai Cycleway down Sovereign Street and Collingwood Street, including the Sovereign/ Collingwood/Weka/Wainui intersection will be improved
• The Nile Street/Tasman Street roundabout will get a new layout to slow traffic and make this accident prone roundabout safer
• Will Watch Way walkway between Victoria Heights and Queens Road will be completed, along with a road upgrade
• St Vincent Street/Jenner Road will get a permanent footpath along with kerb and channel to improve stormwater control
• A second culvert will be added to the existing Saxton Field underpass for cyclists during normal stormwater flow conditions and to provide increased capacity during floods
• There will be widening of the Maitai Path – to three metres -  from the Riverside Pool northwards to allow cyclists and pedestrians to easily share the space.  This project will be tied in with the Heart of Nelson crossing point on the south side of the Collingwood Street Bridge.  A linked Heart of Nelson project will extend the three metre wide shared path north from Trafalgar St Bridge behind the library and along the riverside to the footbridge