Tahunanui Beach facilities Debate
Community Wellbeing - Togetherness
Option 2
The community strongly supports the construction of a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club at Tāhunanui Beach, emphasizing that it will foster greater community togetherness and enhance the sense of belonging among various groups. Many believe that a modern, multi-use facility will not only improve operational efficiency and safety for the surf lifesaving club but also provide a communal hub that encourages broader community engagement and supports multiple sports and recreational activities. The proposed upgrades are seen as essential for supporting volunteer efforts, increasing community participation in beach and water safety, and providing a venue that strengthens community spirit and cohesion.
Table of comments:
| Point No | Comment |
|---|---|
| 8.2 | Tahuna Football Club strongly supports the proposed upgrade of facilities at Tahunanui Reserve in the Council's Long Term Plan. As a key user group based at the reserve, we believe the current amenities are extremely substandard and in dire need of improvement. For a coastal gem like Tahunanui Beach that attracts residents and visitors alike, the facilities provided are simply not befitting of a world-class destination. The changing rooms used by our club and other sports codes are old, rundown and leak badly during rain. With six senior teams and plans to reintroduce youth teams, Tahuna FC requires facilities that can properly cater for players, coaches and families, especially when forced to share with other user groups like Marist Rugby Club.The entire Tahunanui Reserve is a beloved community asset enjoyed by a huge percentage of Nelsonians, not just for sport but for its beach, playgrounds and open green spaces. The council has an opportunity through this Long Term Plan to transform the reserve into an integrated community hub by tying together upgraded facilities for summer and winter sport codes. We understand Surf Life Saving Nelson requires a new, modern clubhouse to replace its current substandard premises. As a key stakeholder at Tahunanui Reserve, Tahuna Football Club requests to be included in any consultation around the potential development of new shared facilities that could impact our operations. We see great opportunities to collaborate and find solutions that optimise the use of resources across the seasonal sporting calendar.Specifically, we propose the council explores options for Tahuna FC to be housed in any new multi-code facility developed to serve surf lifesaving and other summer sports. Having complementary winter and summer codes co-located could create significant operational efficiencies and reduce council's long-term maintenance costs across the reserve. It would also provide a vibrant, sustainable community hub for sport and recreation year-round.In summary, Tahuna FC fully endorses an upgrade of the poorly ageing facilities at Tahunanui Reserve to match the status of this outstanding beach and coastal environment. We are eager to be involved in the development of an exciting, integrated solution that brings sporting codes together in new shared premises. With some long-term vision and stakeholder consultation, the council has a chance to create a multi-code community facility befitting of this world-class location. |
| 83.7 | make it a multi purpose facility that rugby and football clubs can also use. Along with Surf ski club |
| 110.7 | I support this development as it benefits the whole community including insuring the safety of residents, tourists and visitors to our region. It is important to develop a club facility so going forward, more children and adult volunteers join the surf lifesaving service and Patrol our local beach at no cost, meaning they give their time freely. They should be acknowledged for this with modern and adequate facilities, that do not hinder their ability to perform their duties like the meagre facilities they have to use now. |
| 151.7 | As a member of Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. I support their detailed submission made. We support the Council providing a new, fit for purpose building for the Surf Lifesaving Club close to the beach, and upgrading the existing changing facilities, on the proviso that the Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. is formally listed as a stakeholder on the Tahunanui Reserve Management Plan (RMP), and we are considered for consultation as a potential partner in a new multi-use facility with Surf Lifesaving. It would be a game changer for Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. to be located at Tahunanui to better suite our catchment area for players, and to bring all our members and supporters together at the one venue and facility. |
| 319.7 | As a member of Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc., I wholeheartedly endorse their comprehensive submission. We firmly stand behind the Council's proposal to establish a new, purpose-built facility for the Surf Lifesaving Club in close proximity to the beach, coupled with the much-needed upgrade of existing changing facilities. However, our support is contingent upon Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. being formally acknowledged as a stakeholder in the Tahunanui Reserve Management Plan (RMP) and being actively involved in consultations regarding the potential collaboration in a new multi-use facility with Surf Lifesaving. The prospect of relocating to Tahunanui represents a tremendous opportunity for Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. It not only aligns with our existing catchment area but also promises to unify all our members and supporters under one roof, fostering a stronger sense of community and camaraderie. Moreover, the envisaged new facilities wouldn't just benefit our club; they would also be advantageous to Touch Rugby Nelson and football, offering an authentic chance to elevate the already remarkable ambiance of Tahunanui. This collaborative endeavor has the potential to transform Tahunanui into a hub of sporting excellence and community engagement, benefiting all involved parties and enhancing the overall appeal of our beloved region. |
| 341.7 | The current surf life saving club approach is not sustainable long term. The club has no home base making it hard to set up every patrol. This adds more time and we have to have qualified lifeguards to drive the trailer which many arent capable of, given their age. This also increases time of set up making it very long patolling hours which decreases volunteers likelihood of coming back another season and takes up their entire day with an hour long set up either side. It’s also not as effective for lifeguards to be patrolling for that length of time and thus affects the safety of beachgoers. There is another side effect in that having no home base makes the atmosphere of the club very disjointed and we are not one collective. This impacts ease of contacting each other for patrol support, a lack of knowledge about other areas of the club, and a general disconnect where there would normally be a sense of community. The hours that Nelson Surf Lifesaving has put in over the years completely voluntarily adds more than enough value to compensate for infrastructure costs. |
| 396.15 | Kia ora, I have been a surf lifeguard at Nelson for over 15 years (since I was 13!). Not only would a facility for the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club save lives, but is a much needed part of building a strong club and strong community presence for the club. This facility was a childhood dream of mine and to have this built for the next generation of club members would be incredible. |
| 445.7 | Nelson Surf Life Saving is a great thing for our youth to get involved in and stay active. We should embrace our coast line and encourage the use of the sea as much as we can and a new facility will encourage a better community environment for all. It will become a place our youth can feel connected to. |
| 457.2 | Here's why a clubhouse is urgently needed:Public Service: The Nelson Surf Life Saving Club is a vital community service, consistently engaged in search and rescue operations along a 300 km coastline. Our club provides water safety education, youth programs, and surf sports activities. With an average of over 34 rescues per year, multiple assists, first aids and preventative actions that impact the entire region, our lifeguards play a crucial role in saving lives and preventing emergencies.Community Education and Lifeguard Training: Our current training facilities are massively inadequate and scattered across multiple venues, leading to inefficiencies and logistical challenges. A clubhouse would provide a centralised space for training, accommodating larger groups and enable us to provide beach education programs for local schools, promoting water safety in our region.Health and Safety on Patrols: Existing patrol logistics suffer from limited shade, shelter, and scattered gear storage. A clubhouse would streamline patrol operations (saving over 2 hours each day on patrol), improve health and safety conditions, and provide essential facilities such as shade, shelter, toilets, and a kitchen.Community Presence: A Clubhouse would establish a permanent club presence, increasing public awareness, recruitment, and beach safety. It would foster community spirit, enhance members' well-being, and strengthen intergenerational connections within the club.Future Growth: With the club's predicted growth to 400 members and annual training of 35 - 40 new lifeguards, a clubhouse is essential for managing this expansion. It will contribute to the safety of the entire community by increasing the number of trained individuals capable of performing life-saving techniques.Events and Fundraising: A clubhouse would enable us to host events such as our Club’s annual Prize Giving, and multiple inter-regional surf sports events and trainings, attracting visitors to the region and enhancing our club's presence in the community. This would contribute to our financial sustainability and support future initiatives. |
| 545.2 | I support the building of a Surf Life Saving Club at the Beach in Nelson. Reasons why:Club BenefitsShelter for lifeguards Storage of gear in one buildingMeets operating needs for any Surf Life Saving Club - social needs for volunteers Increased training opportunities and education Member protection - female club members require decent facilitiesSense of belonging, attracts more members,stronger bigger club Community Benefits Will help to promote increased patrol hours Shows Nelson is serious about keeping the public safe at the beach and wants to promote the safe beach. It’s an opportunity to create a base to help community resilience in the time of a national and local emergency. It creates a place for the public to go for help, to get first aid and a place for safeguarding children and young people if they feel unsafe at the beach. Surf Life Saving helps with social development of a community. Gives the community a sense of continuity of service and develops that community connection. The right building could support the recreation activity in the area in term of bringing more visitors to the area. It could support the activities that are all ready in the area. Surf Life Saving Buildings are part of the New Zealand coastline and a part of our history. I encourage the Nelson Council to think about what it develops as the group deserves support and are keeping the community safe. |
| 546.1 | We are a family that have been members of the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club for well over ten years, through nippers, lifeguarding, IRB crewing & driving, SARS, training & committee ... the NSLSC has been a big part of our lives.The ability of the volunteers to undertake this vital community service and respond efficiently is hindered with current facilities & equipment spread over numerous locations.The need for a dedicated clubhouse is essential for improving functionality and accessibility, growing our membership, fostering community engagement & playing our part in keeping our community safe. |
| 552.7 | 100% support of this. Please be sure to add a cafe and bar. This is a great way to promote water sports and water safety. Also please involve the Nelson Surfski Club. They currently have no facilities and this is a growing sport in Nelson and New Zealand. |
| 555.4 | Urgent Need for a Clubhouse at Tāhunanui BeachAttachments, pictures, and links in this message have been blocked because the sender isn't in your Safe Senders list. I trust content from communications@nelsonslsc.org.nz. |
| 564.7 | if this is done with the rugby club(access to more funds) and create a multi use building with paddleboard/kayak rentals, ice cream, cafe/tapas bar/seafood(showcasing our fishing insdustry) restaurant ‘Surf and Turf’ that holds music gigs for night time(this in my opinion is a huge gap in Nelson…devilles, East street and…Boat house( which feels more like and RSA club) are the only places that have regular gigs for our younger population…. It would be a great investment. |
| 629.7 | Would like this modified so a new facility sits on top of dunes, incorporate more changing rooms and a new cafe/restaurant with a wooden deck overlooking the bay. |
| 637.3 | The Surf Lifesaving Club is such an important community organisation. Benefits include providing lifesaving rescues in the water, promoting water safety, and providing a pathway for young people to becoming involved in lifesaving and building high level skills in the water. A dedicated club house would allow them to provide these important benefits in a much more efficient and sustainable way. They have been an important part of our community for many years, dedicating countless volunteer hours to keeping us safe, and they deserve to have this asset to continue their good work. |
| 665.7 | This is a life saving critical piece of instrastructure that also has the potential to become a community hub.Nelson doesn't generally have big surf but the currents in the area caused by the largest tidal range in NZ are substantial and offer a real risk. Having a presence in the area could literally be a life saver. |
| 681.1 | What cannot be understated in consideration of this proposal is the immense value a physical location can add to create a sense of connection; to the community, for the community. A Clubhouse provides a sense of belonging - not only for club members who give so much voluntarily to the Nelson and Tasman communities, but also community members and visitors alike who choose to recreate in the Tahunanui surrounds, the sea around Nelson, and further afield where the activities of the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club are visible in their endeavours to keep people safe in and around the water. A physical facility - while multi-functional to support the wider community, also serves as an assertive statement, legitimising all the activities Nelsonians, friends of Nelson and visitors participate in - on, in and around the water. |
| 682.7 | This is such an important club, it would be great to see this grow and florish to see our waters safer. Again this proposal affects many members of our community and so I fully support these upgrades. |
| 800.7 | create a multi use sports/ lifesaving hub / club with restauant / cafe / gaming facility much like Australia surf clubs, but combine with netball / rugby / football etc |
| 894.7 | I support a new facility being built for the surf lifesaving club closer to the beach as long as it is well thought out to have minimal effect on the dune system and doesn’t take over existing recreational areas like the beach volleyball courts. I know the surf lifesavers love their sport and are passionate about being able to provide their service for the community when needed, they definitely deserve some funding. Also it would make a lot of sense to turn the exisiting slsc building into clubrooms for touch rugby/ultimate frisbee or any of the sports that use the fields and im sure they wiuld be happy to colloborate with the council on that. For the changing room i think an update on the current ones to make them more accessible and up to date with privacy in mind is all that should be required and would be most cost effective. |
| 905.1 | I have been a life guard for 20 years and this year was one of the main instuctors for the Junior Surf progamme at Tahunanui. Thsi programme is eveything children need at the moment, time outside learning water and beach safety, learning the importance of teamwork and the role and inportance of volunterrkng in our communities. With a new surfclub facility we coild grow this programme significantly and reach more children from our community. Our children and wider community need this. |
| 1019.3 | Dear Nelson City Council, Having been deeply immersed in the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club for the past 16 years, I've gained a profound understanding of the critical need for a Clubhouse and the invaluable service our Club renders to our Community. Throughout this time, my involvement has spanned various roles within our club, from steering junior surf activities to donning the lifeguard cap, instructing newcomers, and serving on multiple committee positions.From the perspective of a volunteer surf lifeguard on patrol, the current scenario paints a picture of inefficiency and frustration. Our gear sprawled across numerous inadequate facilities and containers adds a hefty two hours to our patrol days. Unlike other clubs where they simply open their clubhouse doors and head out for patrol, we struggle with the logistical nightmare of ferrying equipment to and from scattered locations. The ordeal of wrangling the patrol tower in and out of the council shed by Natureland, amidst public scrutiny and occasional abuse, further compounds our challenges.As a lifeguard instructor, the limitations of our facilities present a significant hurdle in conducting effective training sessions and inhibits us from recruiting larger numbers. With many trainees under 16 and lacking driver's licences, transportation to alternate training venues becomes an added complication. Despite being stationed at one of the country's premier and busiest beaches, our facilities pale in comparison, earning the dubious distinction of possibly having the worst SLS setup nationwide. The potential for community outreach, especially through programs like SLSNZ beach education for local schools, remains unrealised due to our current constraints.A clubhouse isn't just a building; it's a catalyst for strengthening bonds within our club, bridging the gap between junior and senior members, and fostering a sense of unity. It would afford us the opportunity to host events like our long-awaited club prize-giving, no longer relegated to the confines of local rugby clubrooms. And we could also hold bigger carnivals here attracted lots of out of town visitors to our region.Beyond the tangible benefits, involvement in Surf Life Saving transcends mere water safety. It equips individuals, especially our youth, with invaluable skills in risk assessment, first aid, CPR, and instils a profound sense of community responsibility. It's about belonging to our 'surf family' and, most importantly, about saving lives. This all extends beyond the beach, for example, just last year one of the young guards I trained ended up using her knowledge at the Warehouse one day where she saved a mans life doing CPR. The Nelson Surf Life Saving Club deserves better, and a clubhouse is not just a luxury but a necessity to unleash our full potential and better serve our community. Thank you for considering these points, I really appreciate your support for the NSLSC and our community.Ngā mihi, Mary Seelen |
| 1022.2 | this would be a great opportunity to include winter sports clubs in a redevelopment that could also replace the sub standard toilet and changing facilities at the tahuna fields. They are long overdue an overhaul and have constant maintenance issues.If a new development goes ahead it would be prudent to make it a multi purpose facility which would surely be more cost effective and economical to maintain in future rather than continuing to patch up the current crumbling facilities and potentially having to replace them in future anyway.Specifically Tahuna FC has 6 teams (mens and womens) and plans for a youth program. The current facilities are inadequate at best. They are also an eye sore in an otherwise stunning location. A new facility would compliment the area. |
| 1026.1 | Dear Nelson City Council,We wholeheartedly support the council's initiative outlined in the Long Term Plan 2024 -2034 Consultation Document, to develop a new facility for the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club. As representatives of the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club, we are submitting this proposal to advocate for your backing in establishing a clubhouse at Tāhunanui Beach - a pivotal initiative crucial for our community's safety and well-being.We have identified, through careful consideration, that the optimal location for a clubhouse would be where we currently already have two storage containers on the beachside of Bisley Walk. This is our preferred location as it is central along the beachfront, the part of the beach we want to encourage swimmers to; and it is also close to services. As a Club, we are fully aware of the financial requirements to make the Clubhouse a reality. Through extensive research and discussions, we have diligently prepared to pursue grants and partnerships, including regional and national funding opportunities through organisations like Surf NZ. We are confident in our ability to raise the necessary funds and fulfil our commitment to the council, as outlined in your “proposed Approach’ within the Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034 Consultation Document .Outlined below are the compelling reasons for the urgent need of a clubhouse:Public Service: The Nelson Surf Life Saving Club plays a vital role in our community, actively engaged in search and rescue operations along a coastline spanning 300 kilometres, and responding to natural disasters, as highlighted in Nelson floods. With an annual average of over 34 rescues, numerous assists, and proactive measures, our lifeguards are instrumental in preserving lives and averting crises.Community Education and Lifeguard Training: Currently, our training facilities are massively inadequate and dispersed across various locations, leading to operational inefficiencies. A clubhouse would serve as a centralised hub for training, accommodating larger groups, and strengthening our efforts in providing comprehensive beach education programs, particularly for local schools, thereby further promoting water safety within our region.Health and Safety on Patrols: In 2023 the Council prepared a business case for the project, with the independent consultant’s report highlighting the inefficiencies of the facilities, stating “that there is a deficit in meeting levels of service for sports facilities at the Tāhunanui Beach. The most urgent relating to the Surf Life Saving Club’s facilities, the safety of their members, and the ability to respond to emergencies.” Our current patrol logistics suffer from inadequate shade, shelter, and dispersed gear storage. A clubhouse would optimise patrol operations, enhancing health and safety standards by providing essential amenities such as shade, shelter, toilets, and kitchen facilities.Community Presence and Facility Accessibility:Establishing a permanent club presence through a clubhouse would not only elevate public awareness but also provide a facility that the community can use. It would facilitate recruitment efforts, fortify beach safety measures, and nurture community cohesion, enriching members' experiences and fostering intergenerational bonds within the club.Future Growth: With projections indicating a surge in membership to 400 individuals and annual training of 30-35 new lifeguards, a clubhouse is indispensable for managing this expansion. It will significantly contribute to community safety by augmenting the pool of trained individuals proficient in life-saving techniques.Events and Fundraising: A clubhouse would enable us to host various events, including annual prize-giving and inter-regional surf sports events. These events would not only attract visitors to our region but also amplify our club's presence in the community, thereby bolstering our financial sustainability and supporting future initiatives.In conclusion, the construction of a clubhouse at Tāhunanui Beach is not merely a practical requirement but also a strategic investment in public safety, community engagement, and the overarching development of the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club.Tāhunanui Beach is one of the best and busiest beaches in New Zealand, with the worst facilities, so we implore the Council to prioritise and endorse this imperative proposal.Thank you for your ongoing support.Sincerely,Noah Hosie,Club President NSLSCOn behalf of the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club Committee |
| 1080.4 | A clubhouse for the surf lifesaving club is a desperately needed facility. It astounds me that it hasnt been built already. The current facilities are so bad. One clubhouse where all the gear, patrol, changing rooms, events etc can be run from and to allow the surf lifesaving team to carry out their jobs better and more effectively.it could be like clubs in other regions where it includes a cafe (income source) as well as function area (another income source) and area for training and further education to be carried out. it could incorporate the Marist Rugby club house as well to be a multi sport facility. The beach cafe could also be relocated to this building- as where it is currently is in dire need of an upgrade too.there are many options for a purpose built facility at Tahuna beach. We have one of the best beaches in NZ but the worst facilities. Having children go thru the Nippers program, it’s embarrassing when we host the Nelson champs with the terrible facilities. Having various containers spread around to house the equipment and no where to host the prizegiving. |
| 1095.3 | Nelson Life saving is vital to keeping us safe abd saving lives . They run an amazing junior programme which i honestly think every child should do at done point as living where we do water safety and survival skills are vital. The club needs a new facility that can be a hub. Everything stored in once place, more equipment ( the existing buildings and strage units are not big enough) to allow better services abd training. A single hub would attract more people to access this vital club and make things better. Embracing the landscape we live in by tte sea and allowing more safety. |
| 1238.4 | This will be a key piece of infrastructure for a hugely important public service. It will allow for the establishment of a long overdue professional facility, enabling greater community exposure and growth. |
| 1302.7 | please upgrade this to be beneficial for other sporting codes & groups that could benefit from use of this facility. A well designed ‘function centre’ or ‘sports pavillion’ that could be used for events as well as house sports clubs / teams woule be a fantastic long term attraction for the entire Tahunanui community. Current facilities are long overdue for sugnificant investment and numerous interested parties & community collective groups have previously submitted proposals for upgrades of this facility, this should be a top priority for Council going forward to ensure the growth and long term sustainability of the popular Tahunanui area. |
| 1344.1 | The Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club are integral partners working with Police Search and Rescue to deliver search and rescue service to our local community. At the time of writing, the Surf Lifesaving SAR squad have just completed the rescue of a father and his 8-year-old son who were swept off their Kayak by high winds in the Nelson harbour. Without their speedy response the incident could have had tragic consequences. This is just one example of the tremendous work the club do for the Police and the community. Due to the tidal and shallow water in the local response area, the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and their SAR squad play a key role in the overall capability of our water rescue assets. The club’s SAR squad have played a key role in rescuing and assisting people caught by major weather events in the last few years, such as cyclones GITA and FAHEY and the severe Nelson flooding event in August 2022. The Squad are currently upskilling around flood rescue to be available as the current changes in weather patterns see increased risk to our community. One of the biggest challenges facing the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and the work they do to support search and rescue, has been the lack of a fit for purpose base. Having to have rescue and club assets scattered across multiple locations directly impacts their response time and capabilities. The Nelson Police Search and Rescue Squad are 100% supportive of the club having a fit for purpose base situated at Tahunanui beach. A facility that could be utilised by other suitable community groups, including Land SAR, would be of immense benefit to the community. As all volunteer groups in New Zealand are finding it increasingly challenging to recruit people and find suitable locations to work from, the Police are committed to having likeminded volunteer groups working in partnership. This would increase the overall capability of the combined groups. This concept was recently put into practice with the Police 2024 Annual SAREX, where Surf Lifesaving, Coastguard, Land SAR and other volunteer groups all came together to exercise a mass rescue event. This event was extremely successful, and bonds were formed that will see these agencies partnering well into the future. Police would support a fit for purpose facility that would support collaboration and serve as a hub for likeminded groups. A base that can facilitate cooperation, partnerships, training & joint operations will be a significant asset that will benefit the local community & future proof emergency response for generations to come. Sergeant Malcolm York and Senior Constable Jude Yeoman Nelson Police Search and Rescue Squad. Malcolm.york@police.govt.nz |
| 1377.5 | This is much needed to support the club to continue the life saving services they offer. There is a need to engage our community and young people to join the club and keep locals and tourists safe in our NZ waters. As a club member the current set up is challenging and the required set up take time and resources that could be better spent. |
| 1441.6 | the football club and Ruby in Tahuna should also be involved and make one building for all of these community groups. |
| 1489.7 | This needs to happen - this would be a great investment in the community it is one of the biggest attractions in the nelson and the facilities could be world class - this would be a better investment and use of money that the whole region would benefit from - the huge amount of money wasted on - maintaining the churches in the region - bike parks - reporting with no action is mind blowing |