Rates affordability Debate

Economic Benefits - Business Opportunities

Option 1

The comment strongly emphasizes the critical role that the NRDA plays in supporting and developing the business sector in Nelson, highlighting its significant contributions to local businesses and economic growth. The commenter argues that reducing funding for such essential services would negatively impact both existing and potential new businesses, potentially stalling economic development in the region. Increased funding for the NRDA is advocated as essential to enhance Nelson's economic standing and ensure long-term growth and success.

Table of comments:

Point No

Comment

996.1

It is absolutely vital for the region that we see increased funding for Economic Development services via the team at NRDA. They provide an essential service to the region and to see this removed would be catastrophic for current and future businesses looking to be established here or move here. Fiona and the team are one of our big draw cards to investment into our business sector and seeing the region grow. As a business that has worked with the NRDA team over many years and winner of the Nelson Tasman Chamber Supreme Business award last year I can not over state how significant the NRDA has been for us.The work done in Blue Economy by the NRDA with Moananui and the work done assisting Nelson business to utilise govt funding such as Callaghan innovation and advocacy into Callaghan and other funding options with a Nelson/Tasman voice has been beyond valuable for Snap and many other companies I interact with. The work in advocacy for businesses to reloate to Nelson and the economic insight work has also been invaluable. I advocate for increased funding and to hear that there may be a reducting in funding for this essential purpose is frankly disappointing. I urge you to consider an increase to see Nelson lift it's ranking in economic development and grow with a long term vision.