Community outcomes

Resident's vision of the future - the six community goals for Nelson Whakatu

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ngā tāngata
Through our joint contributions the people will thrive

These six goals come from the people of Nelson who, during 2005, told the Nelson City Council what they wanted to see Nelson heading towards. Councils are charged with promoting community well being, and these goals express a better environmental, social, economic, and cultural future for our community. Now we have a clear picture of what we want to achieve, the Council, community, Central Government departments, organisations and many others will continue to work together towards these inter-related goals.

1. Healthy land, sea, air and water
We protect the natural environment

We treasure, protect and restore the special places, landscapes, native species and natural ecosystems of Nelson. Natural biodiversity is widely understood and valued. Introduced species have a place, and pests are controlled. Open spaces are linked and productive land is protected. Waste and pollution are minimised so we have clean water, clean seas, clean air, and healthy flora, fauna and soils. The kaitiakitanga of tangata whenua iwi is recognised and the whole community is well informed and involved in caring for the environment, ngā taonga tuku iho. Nelson is a place where everyone can enjoy the natural environment while it is protected for the future. We recognise the importance of a healthy environment for tourism, and minimise the impacts of human activities on the environment.

2. People-friendly places
We build healthy, accessible and attractive places and live in a sustainable region

Urban and rural areas are designed to be child-, family- and people-friendly. We think and plan regionally and act locally within that context. We have good quality, sustainable, integrated, affordable and effective public transport, infrastructure, energy-use and transport networks. We are proud of our developing cycleway network. Growth is well managed and there is little waste or pollution. Attractive, safe, accessible and walkable ‘city villages’ provide for people of all ages and abilities through good urban design. There is a full range of affordable, healthy, attractive and energy-efficient housing and community facilities with more intensification in urban areas and a clear urban/rural boundary. We have a good range of sports and recreation facilities for all ages, including youth and older residents. We protect, enhance and interpret Nelson’s human heritage and historic sites.

3. A strong economy
We all benefit from a sustainable, innovative and diversified economy

We all participate in the regional economy and it meets people’s needs. We are a business-friendly region, and economic activity is sensitive to the environment, heritage and people of Nelson. We are skilled and adaptable and we see the benefits of a wide range of high-value industries and businesses. We enjoy high quality employment, education and training opportunities. Small, locally-owned businesses are an essential part of the community and central city. Our youth can live, learn and work in Nelson. We invest in skills development and our people so we can enjoy balanced and healthy lives. We recognise, support and celebrate innovation and achievement.

4. Kind, healthy people
We are part of a welcoming, safe, inclusive and healthy community

We are a tolerant, supportive and diverse community. We respect each other and what each contributes, including Māori culture, traditions and people. We take pride in the warm welcome we give to visitors and new arrivals. Everyone is included and involved, can participate in decision-making and is able to enjoy a good quality of life, wherever they come from and whatever their age, abilities or income. We nurture our young people so Nelson is a safe and healthy place for everyone to grow up and live. We have adequate policing and well-designed public spaces providing a feeling of safety and security in our homes and communities. We have high quality and accessible recreation, education, health and community facilities. There is more attention to health promotion with quality primary and secondary health care accessible to all. We are a resilient community, able to cope with disasters or emergencies.

5. A fun, creative culture
We are proud of our creative local culture and regional identity

We are proud of our region, our communities and our diverse heritage. There is a wide range of recreation, arts and leisure opportunities for everyone to take part in. We have a strong sense of community, enhanced by activities, festivals, events and celebrations that reflect our distinct environment and people. We understand that our heritage contributes to our distinctive identity, so we value, protect, interpret and celebrate our human heritage and historic places - Māori and more recent. We value and support those things that make Nelson special and unique - our people, art and crafts, the café culture, the outdoors, local food and wines, boutique shops and the relaxed atmosphere.

6. Good leadership
Our leaders are proactive, innovative, and inclusive

We work together as a region, think of the generations that will follow and listen to the full range of views. Everyone has the opportunity to participate in the community’s major decisions and information is easy to obtain. Leaders consult with and understand their communities and work for the good of all, including the wider region. Our leaders inspire respect, take responsibility for their decisions and act to improve the big issues facing our community. All sectors of the community and region work effectively together. We support and mentor our youth to become the leaders of the future.