Long-term planning key for Nelson’s future
This week profiles Nelson mayor Rachel Reese in the second of our series on the Nelson mayoral candidates.
Incumbent mayor Rachel Reese has served on Nelson City council for nine years, including three as deputy mayor. She is Nelson’s first female mayor, winning 7983 votes in 2013. you’ve seen me listen to the community and build a balanced long-term plan that’s delivering results.
We’ve tackled overdue essential infrastructure upgrades, invested in pivotal community and environmental projects, secured Nelson as a key regional economy, and, importantly, our finances are back in shape. I’ve shown that you can deliver more by thinking smarter, managing budgets carefully, and working in partnership.
I believe I have the right mix of patience and determination to make a difference where it counts. You know I will tackle the tough issues and I will work to assist every councillor to succeed in their role.
Being mayor is far more than a ceremonial role - a mayor is an influencer, an advocate, a trusted partner, a financial strategist, and a person with a vision that the community can buy into. That’s how I’ve approached the role.
We’re an outstanding community and it has been a privilege to work with people from all walks of life.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed leading our city. I have the energy, foresight and ability to commit full-time to a further term as Mayor of Nelson and I guarantee you won’t find a better advocate for our region. liveable city.
The status quo isn’t a viable option to enhance our waterfront or develop a city that works for residents, businesses, and visitors. Now is the time to work with NZTA and harness innovation, technology, and good urban design to develop a network that delivers benefits for everyone. to Sea project, linking our city to the Riverside Precinct,
Rutherford Park, the Trafalgar Centre, and beyond that to the Marina, the Haven Precinct and our magnificent waterfront.
Essential infrastructure remains a focus to protect people, property, and the environment. Nelson Nature and Project Maitai support a healthy Nelson that will let us swim in our rivers, green the hills, and bring bellbirds to our streets.
Our tourism sector will grow with mountain biking and cycling playing a major role. Council will be working with social enterprises. Stoke and Tahunanui will be supported by community facilities. Our economy will be strong, leveraging opportunity from innovation, a digital future, and an educated and talented workforce.
An accessible and thriving CBD is supported by inner-city living.
The building blocks are in the plan and it is affordable.
We’re off to a good start, stay the course, and ensure in 20 years’ time Nelson remains a vibrant community with global appeal – a model 21st century city.