Nelson City Council

History

The City of Nelson Civic Trust was formed in 1973 as a result of citizens’ concerns about the demolition of the historic Nelson Provincial Council buildings in 1969. The Trust Deed created an independent entity that could attract donations to build up a fund to protect heritage buildings and promote projects to contribute to the enhancement of Nelson City and the enjoyment of its people. In the ensuing years, the enthusiasm and energy of a rotating number of Trustees, including several former Mayors, established a firm financial base which enabled support for a range of valuable civic assets.

Significant projects

2008

• Upgrade of outdoors performance venue at 1903 Square
• Interpretation panel at Normanby Bridge, Bridge Street (photo, right)

2007

• External illumination of Fairfield House
• Plaque and planting for Quaker’s Acre
• Nelson Astronomy Society for the redevelopment of the Atkinson Observatory

2006

• Sculpture by Bruce Mitchell, entitled Victory, to mark the Trafalgar 200 commemorations. The sculpture is sited on 1903 Square (photo, left)
• Elliott Street Interpretive Panel

2005

• Two stained glass windows at the Cathedral for Trafalgar 200
• Stained glass window at the new Nelson Provincial Museum

2003

• Memorial plaque and seat for Fosters Reserve
• Early Settlers Memorial Wall – Wakefield Quay Promenade as the Trust’s 30th Anniversary project

2002

• Cathedral Tower lighting
• Queens Gardens lighting
• Civic flag to be flown from the Cathedral tower
• Relocation of historic letterbox to South Street

2001

• Road surfacing in Founders Park
• Peace Group Mural
• St Johns in the City organ restoration
• Street furniture and plaque as part of the South Street upgrade

2000

• Nelson School of Music to replace auditorium doors
• Nelson Regional Guide Book – Art in its own place
• Council to assist in establishing Poster Towers in the City
• “Street flower basket” project

1999

• Flood lighting the exterior of the Bishop Suter Art Gallery in partnership with Sealord Group to mark the Gallery ’s centenary
• Broadgreen Society for climate control equipment for new ancillary building
• Nelson Region Hospice Trust – lazyboy chair

1998

• Brochure for the Trevor Horne Heritage Trail and bronze discs
• Two interpretive plaques on Church Hill
• Queens Gardens lighting
• Design and construction at 8 Nile Street of four apartments and three commercial units - South Street heritage project
• Nelson Modellers’ Club extensions

1996

• Stoke Community and Whanau Group towards a mural project on the Stoke Basketball Stadium
• South Street property purchase
• Drinking fountain on Bridge Street / Trafalgar Street corner

1995

• City Flag for Information Centre
• Friends of Nelson Library for microfilming the Nelson Evening Mail
• Bishop Suter Art Gallery for three flag poles and flags
• Lord Nelson bust

1994

• Gazebo at Miyazu Park
• Plaque outside Berrymans in Hardy Street

1993

• Christ Church Cathedral Organ Restoration Appeal

1992

• Plaque for seat at the top of Abraham Heights
• Trevor Horne Memorial Grove

1991

• Saltwater Creek Bridge
• Drinking fountain in front of St Barnabas Church, Stoke

1990

• Maitai Walkway extension

1989

• Wakefield Quay parking and garden enhancement

1988

• Foster Reserve, Monaco

1986

• Maitai Walkway Stage 1
• City Flag concept and development

1980

• Nelson Provincial Museum – Photographic Tripod
• Nelson Municipal Band
• Bishop Suter Art Gallery

1973

• Inaugural Meeting of the Trust