People/Lifestyle > Environment > Economy > Transport > Facilities > Arts, Culture and Heritage > Council

People/Lifestyle

This region will position itself as the lifestyle capital of NZ based on the increasing move to achieving greater work/life balances.

Hands Up candidates will:

1. assist job and career development and wages growth by encouraging sustainable business growth 
2. protect and promote the region for its healthy lifestyle and outdoor experiences
3. address quality of life issues such as housing and rental affordability, youth at risk and care for the elderly
4. develop a culture where voluntary community enterprise is acknowledged and supported

Environment

We live here because we love its unique environment. We must ensure the ongoing sustainability of a clean and healthy ecological environment.

Hands Up candidates will:

1. bolster efforts to reduce air pollution in the Nelson city and the Richmond urban area
2. support the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary to re-establish at close proximity to Nelson City a pest free natural reserve of native flora and fauna
3. support stronger rules and incentives to protect the region’s heritage buildings and sites
4. minimise waste to landfill by further supporting recycling and composting
5. provide incentives to encourage the use of solar power and other sustainable energy forms
6. ensure water supply, sewage treatment and storm water systems protect public health in all our communities

Economy

The key to great lifestyles and a prosperous region is a thriving and sustainable economy.

Hands Up candidates will:

1. strongly encourage the economic development of  Nelson/Tasman, to expand its activities and ensure we attract and maintain strong sustainable business growth
2. capitalise on the existing, high speed, communications IT infrastructure
3. recognize that security of adequate water and electricity supplies are key factors to sustainable development
4. ensure the ongoing development and promotion of brand Nelson/Tasman
5. recognise that a strong economy is one key to rates affordability

Transport

Our region is forecast to grow significantly in the next 20 years; we need to make decisions today to solve tomorrow’s problems.

Hands Up candidates:

1. in reference to the ‘Nelson To Brightwater Consultation Document’ – will not support Option One and will seek out alternatives to Option Two that are more acceptable. We will take into account changing transport priorities and focus on reducing impediments to traffic flow.  Hands Up recognises there is a lack of quality information in this document
2. will promote the use of public transport and encourage an expanded regional service
3. will investigate other forms of transport as they become economical to implement as part of the regional transport system
4. will continue the development of cycle and pedestrian walk ways as healthy transport alternatives
5. recognise that an ongoing program of  maintenance and upgrading our roading network is essential
6. acknowledge efficient access to our port and major processing centres are keys to facilitating economic growth

Facilities

Nelson and Tasman need great facilities for its people and its visitors. We have slipped behind other regions at a cost to our economy and quality of life.

Hands Up candidates will:

1. work to secure a suitable site and funding for a new conference centre and performing arts venue
2. support the further development of facilities at Saxton Field
3. enhance the Haven-Rocks road waterfront as an area for public recreation
4. develop Trafalgar and Rutherford Parks as a complete destination for major events
5. recognise that our more remote communities also need great facilities

Arts, Culture and Heritage

Our arts sector needs to be recognised as being part of our lifestyle as well as our economy.

Hands Up candidates will:

1. work with the community to implement the arts strategy to enhance the region’s creative industry
2. support plans to restructure the governance of the Suter Art Gallery and work with the new trust on an affordable development plan
3. work to find avenues of sustainable funding for the Theatre Royal, the Nelson Provincial Museum and the Nelson School of Music to ensure these facilities are maintained for future generations
4. recognise that the arts are a regional asset and should be supported equally by both councils

Council

Councillors will focus on forward regional strategy initiatives and maintain a clear distinction between governance and operations i.e. between policy and delivery.

Hands Up candidates will:

1. put in place effective systems and decision making processes to achieve the best possible outcomes
2. encourage a culture of team spirit to ensure effective governance
3. review council operations to ensure ratepayers get best value for money, this to include efficiencies where possible between Nelson and Tasman councils
4. recognise that regional issues are best handled by the two councils working as one
5. acknowledge that local communities need the ability to make decisions on their own expenditure priorities
6. implement an independent review to assess the most appropriate  governance structure for the region with the emphasis on achieving better outcomes for all communities and reducing costs
7. focus on improving service delivery and customer satisfaction