Tahunanui Beach facilities Debate Table

Group	Option 1	Option 2
Community Wellbeing	Cost of Living (4 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the importance of economic prudence given the current financial climate, advocating for the retention of existing facilities to avoid additional costs and keep rates manageable. They express concerns about prioritizing essential services such as social housing, public transport, and climate resilience over the proposed surf lifesaving club improvements. Additionally, there is a call for cost-effective construction solutions and responsible spending, reflecting widespread anxiety about rate increases and financial stress among households.	Cost of Living (1 comments) --- The resident acknowledges the necessity and value of the proposed improvements at Tāhunanui Beach, particularly for the Surf Lifesaving Club, but expresses concerns about potential cost overruns similar to previous projects. They emphasize the importance of financial prudence and the need for cost audits to ensure that the project remains within budget. Additionally, the comment highlights the importance of not reducing funding for existing valuable services like the bus service, suggesting instead an expansion to support workers and students, thereby enhancing community connectivity and support.
Community Wellbeing		Culture and Heritage (1 comments) --- The new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club is seen as a continuation of New Zealand's cultural heritage, maintaining the tradition of surf lifesaving buildings along the coastline. It is expected to enhance community wellbeing by providing a safe, accessible place for emergency services and social activities, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging. Additionally, the facility could increase visitor numbers to the area, supporting local recreation and contributing to the social development of the community.
Community Wellbeing	Education (1 comments) --- The comment highlights the value of the current facilities at Tāhunanui Beach in providing educational and recreational opportunities that are both free and beneficial for learners. It emphasizes the importance of these facilities in enhancing the learning experience for visitors, suggesting that they are well-utilized and appreciated. The argument suggests maintaining the existing facilities could continue to support community wellbeing and educational activities without additional financial burden.	Education (9 comments) --- The comments strongly emphasize the educational and community benefits of constructing a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club. Many respondents highlighted the potential of the new clubhouse to serve as a central hub for training and education, significantly enhancing water safety programs for children and the broader community. Additionally, the facility is seen as crucial for expanding the Junior Surf programme and other educational initiatives, thereby fostering community engagement and enhancing overall beach safety and community well-being.
Community Wellbeing		Equality & Inclusion (5 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 emphasize the need for inclusive and accessible facilities at Tāhunanui Beach. They advocate for a new surf lifesaving facility that accommodates various water sports clubs, ensuring storage and operational space for all. Additionally, there is a strong call for the inclusion of mobility-friendly infrastructure, such as a boardwalk, and properly equipped changing rooms that cater to the needs of disabled individuals, enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone.
Community Wellbeing		Health (19 comments) --- The community strongly supports the construction of a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club at Tāhunanui Beach, emphasizing that the current facilities are inadequate and pose health and safety risks. Residents highlight the benefits of the proposed facility in enhancing water safety education, providing essential amenities like shade, shelter, and clean changing rooms, and fostering a sense of community and safety. Additionally, the new facility is seen as a crucial element in promoting physical activity, community engagement, and providing a safe environment for youth programs and emergency services, thereby significantly contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of the community.
Community Wellbeing	Lifestyle & Enjoyment (6 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 believe that the current facilities at Tāhunanui Beach are adequate and contribute positively to the community's lifestyle and enjoyment. They suggest that enhancements such as adding more sand and vegetation could further improve the beach's appearance and stability, while also expressing a desire for better access to food and drink amenities to enhance the beach experience. Concerns were also raised about the potential loss of parking spaces, which could affect the convenience and accessibility for beachgoers, particularly those with dogs.	Lifestyle & Enjoyment (85 comments) --- The community strongly supports the construction of a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and the upgrade of changing facilities at Tāhunanui Beach, emphasizing that improved amenities would significantly enhance the lifestyle and enjoyment for both residents and visitors. Many comments highlighted the potential for the new facility to serve as a community hub, fostering greater engagement in water sports and providing a safe, modern space for various community activities and events. Additionally, the inclusion of features such as cafes, event spaces, and multi-use areas in the new facility is seen as a way to invigorate the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive destination that aligns with the community's needs and aspirations.
Community Wellbeing	Safety and Security (11 comments) --- The majority of residents believe that the existing facilities at Tāhunanui Beach are adequate and that the beach itself poses minimal risk to swimmers, questioning the necessity of a new Surf Lifesaving Club. Many comments highlight the beach's safety, noting the absence of significant surf or dangerous conditions that would justify the investment in enhanced lifesaving facilities. Additionally, some residents express concerns about the current practices of the Surf Lifesaving Club, suggesting that their activities might even compromise swimmer safety rather than enhance it.	Safety and Security (105 comments) --- The overwhelming support for Option 2 emphasizes the critical need for modern, fit-for-purpose facilities to enhance the safety and efficiency of the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club. Many comments highlight the current inadequate facilities which hinder the club's ability to respond effectively to emergencies and provide essential community services, including lifesaving and water safety education. Additionally, a new facility is seen as a community hub that would foster greater engagement, support volunteer recruitment, and ensure a safer environment for both residents and visitors at Tāhunanui Beach.
Community Wellbeing		Togetherness (33 comments) --- 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.
Economic Benefits		Business Opportunities (7 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 believe that constructing a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and upgrading the existing facilities could significantly boost local economic activity by attracting more visitors and providing new opportunities for businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, and event spaces. They suggest that incorporating amenities like beachside cafes, bars, and multipurpose spaces could enhance the appeal of Tāhunanui Beach as a destination, potentially increasing tourism and supporting local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the inclusion of diverse amenities such as rental services and a multi-use sports hub is seen as a way to attract more visitors and create a vibrant community space that supports both local businesses and tourism.
Economic Benefits	Costs (35 comments) --- The majority of residents express concerns about the financial implications of constructing new facilities for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club, emphasizing that the project is not essential and could lead to unnecessary increases in debt and rates. Many suggest that the existing facilities are adequate and underutilized, questioning the justification for significant expenditure on what they perceive as enhancements for a small user group. Others propose that any necessary improvements should be economically managed, advocating for cost-effective solutions or suggesting that the club should raise a substantial portion of the funding independently to alleviate the financial burden on the council and taxpayers.	Costs (19 comments) --- The majority of comments supporting Option 2 emphasize the potential for operational efficiencies and long-term cost savings through the integration of facilities for various sports codes and the repurposing of existing structures. Stakeholders argue that despite the initial financial outlay, the investment in upgraded facilities at Tāhunanui Beach would enhance safety, increase the area's appeal, and provide a more sustainable and economically viable community hub. Additionally, there is a strong sentiment that careful planning and competitive tendering could control costs effectively, ensuring that the project remains financially feasible and delivers significant community benefits.
Economic Benefits		Population Growth (1 comments) --- The Nelson Surf Life Saving Club emphasizes that a new clubhouse at Tāhunanui Beach is essential for accommodating the projected increase in membership and the training of new lifeguards, which is crucial for enhancing community safety. The clubhouse would also enable the hosting of various events, attracting visitors and boosting local economic activity. This development is seen as a strategic investment that not only meets practical needs but also supports the club's financial sustainability and future growth initiatives.
Economic Benefits		Productivity (1 comments) --- The current facilities at Tāhunanui Beach are deemed inefficient by club members, leading to a waste of time and resources that could be more effectively utilized. A new, purpose-built facility would streamline operations, enhancing the club's ability to provide lifesaving services efficiently. This improvement is expected to bolster community engagement and safety for both locals and tourists, potentially increasing local economic benefits through enhanced beach tourism and community activities.
Economic Benefits	Revenue (2 comments) --- Residents expressing support for Option 1 argue that the current facilities are adequate and suggest that any new development should include revenue-generating components, such as private hospitality venues, to justify the expenditure. They are concerned about the feasibility of the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club raising the necessary funds in the current economic climate. Additionally, they highlight the risk of increasing debt without a clear strategy for income generation or job creation, emphasizing the need for financial prudence.	Revenue (4 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 have suggested incorporating revenue-generating facilities within the new Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club building, such as a restaurant, club similar to RSA clubs in Australia, or commercial spaces like a dairy, fish and chip shop, and rental services for beach equipment. These additions are seen as ways to attract more visitors and provide financial sustainability for the Surf Lifesaving Club by generating funds that could be reinvested into the club's operations and maintenance. The potential for renting out spaces for community and private events is also viewed as a beneficial strategy to support the club financially and enhance community engagement.
Economic Benefits		Tourism (17 comments) --- The residents strongly support the construction of a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club at Tāhunanui Beach, emphasizing its potential to significantly boost local tourism and economic activity. They argue that the new facility would attract more visitors by hosting events, improving beach amenities, and enhancing the overall beach experience, similar to successful models seen in Australian surf clubs. Additionally, the proposed upgrades are seen as essential for supporting and expanding community services and educational programs, which in turn would increase the beach's appeal to both tourists and locals, further stimulating economic growth.
Environmental Benefits	Sustainability (10 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the prioritization of environmental sustainability over the construction of new facilities. They suggest reallocating funds towards addressing existing environmental issues, such as toxic material cleanup and beach erosion, and enhancing sustainability practices like composting. Concerns are also raised about the long-term viability of the new facilities due to potential impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels and increased weather events.	Sustainability (8 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 emphasize the importance of designing the new Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club facilities to be resilient to climate change and sea level rise, ensuring minimal environmental impact. They advocate for the use of sustainable construction methods and materials, and suggest features like modular and potentially removable structures to adapt to future environmental changes. Concerns are also raised about preserving existing recreational spaces and minimizing the impact on the dune system, highlighting a strong community preference for environmentally considerate development.
Environmental Benefits	Waste (1 comments) --- The argument supporting Option 1 from the perspective of waste and environmental benefits focuses on reallocating the funds designated for the new surf lifesaving facility and facility upgrades towards environmental initiatives. Specifically, the suggestion is to use these funds for composting projects. This redirection of funds is proposed as a more sustainable and environmentally beneficial use of the allocated budget.
Operational Considerations		Stakeholder Engagement (5 comments) --- Stakeholders, including the Marist Rugby Football Club and Nelson Yacht Club, express strong support for Option 2, emphasizing the need for their formal inclusion and consultation in the Tāhunanui Reserve Management Plan to ensure their interests and operational needs are met. The Marist Rugby Football Club highlights the potential for a new multi-use facility to significantly enhance their operational capabilities and community engagement by centralizing activities and fostering a stronger sense of community. Additionally, stakeholders stress the importance of clear communication from the council regarding the public benefits of the investment, such as improved safety and enhanced community facilities, to justify the financial and operational impacts of the proposed developments.
Operational Considerations	Technical Feasibility (1 comments) --- The argument supporting Option 1 under Technical Feasibility and Operational Considerations suggests that the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club could function effectively from an alternative location, such as Rabbit Island. This perspective challenges the necessity of constructing new facilities at Tāhunanui Beach, implying that the current or a different location could meet operational needs without additional investment. The comment highlights concerns about the appropriateness of allocating significant public space and funds to a specialized group when other viable options may exist.