Comment Views

Qualitative

What are the views of the comments?

17 comments were used to answer the question "What are the views of the comments?".

Response

Based on the analysis of the comments provided by various stakeholders in response to the proposed changes at Tāhunanui Beach, the majority of the feedback is overwhelmingly supportive of the initiative to construct a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and to upgrade other facilities at the beach. Out of the comments analyzed, 17 explicitly support the proposed changes, often referred to as "Option two."

Summary of Views:

Support for New Facilities:
Nelson Surf Life Saving Club: Advocates for a new clubhouse at a specific beachside location, emphasizing the club's crucial role in community safety and the inadequacy of current facilities.
NZ Police Nelson Search and Rescue Squad: Highlights the lifesaving club's vital role in local search and rescue operations, stressing the need for a fit-for-purpose base to enhance response capabilities.
Tahuna Football Club: Supports the upgrade, noting the poor condition of current facilities and proposing a multi-use facility to benefit various sports.
Marist Rugby Football Club: Supports the initiative, requesting inclusion in further consultations and expressing interest in a new multi-use facility.
National Public Health Service: Supports the development while urging consideration of environmental impacts.
Nelson SUP Club: Endorses the plan, noting the safety benefits for all beach users.
Nelson Yacht Club and other community and sports groups: Express support for the new facilities, highlighting the benefits for community engagement and safety.
Concerns and Conditions:
Some comments express conditional support, requesting inclusion in planning processes or highlighting specific needs, such as environmental considerations and the potential repurposing of existing facilities.
Minor Opposition:
A few comments express concerns about the feasibility of funding and the prioritization of the project in the current economic climate.

In conclusion, the community feedback is predominantly in favor of the proposed development at Tāhunanui Beach, with stakeholders from various sectors recognizing the potential benefits in terms of safety, community engagement, and overall enhancement of the area's facilities. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration and the multifunctional use of the proposed new facilities to maximize benefits across different community groups.

Query

The query further filters the submissions:

Name.str.contains(" for ")

Comments

Point ID	Name	Option_Selected	Comment
1026.1	Noah Hosie for Nelson Surf Life Saving Club	Option two	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
1344.1	Malcolm York for NZ Police Nelson Search and Rescue Squad	Option two	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
8.2	Will Murphy for Tahuna Football Club	Option two	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.
150.3	LES EDWARDS for Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc.	Option two	The Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) inc. is supportive of Council providing a new, fit for purpose building for the Surf Lifesaving Club close to the beach, and upgrading the existing changing facilities (which are utilised by the Marist age grade and senior men's and women's teams when playing at Tahunanui).Marist does so on the proviso that the Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. is formally listed as a stakeholder on the Tahunanui Reserve ManagementPlan (RMP). We have been lobbying with Council and the Tahunanui Ward councillor for this to be addressed for a number of years, to no avail thus far.Marist would be very interested in being a partner in a new multi-use facility with Surf Lifesaving. Although we play all JAB and Age Grade rugby, and some senior men's and women's rugby at Tahunanui, our clubrooms are at Hathaway Terrace, adjacent to Trafalgar Park. The lease on our existing clubrooms expires in 2030. It would be a game changer for our Club 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..Regarding the use of the existing surf lifesaving facility for another purpose, Marist could possibly use it for sponsor hosting, officials use and match viewing, however it could not replace our current licensed clubrooms for use as an after-match venue without the ability to generate bar proceeds.Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) inc. will welcome any further consultation on this specific matter, and that of our inclusion in the Tahunanui RMP.
887.5	Hana Wilkinson for National Public Health Service	Option two	NPHS Te Waipounamu supports the development of Tāhunanui Beach facilities. This includes the provision of a new, fit for purpose building for the Surf Lifesaving Club close to the beach. However, it is important that sea level rise and the impact on the marine and foreshore environment is considered. Supporting this development may encourage the growth and retention of volunteer surf lifesavers, creating a safer environment at the beach. It was noted that Council’s independent report identified “that there is a deficit in meeting levels of service for sports facilities at the Tāhunanui Beach. The most urgent relating to the Surf Lifesaving Club’s facilities, the safety of their members, and the ability to respond to emergencies. Changing facilities for the sports fields (especially women, girls, accessible and non-gendered provision), storage facilities, and the lack of a sports hub (social/meeting rooms) contribute to the case.”
897.1	Rod King for Nelson SUP Club Inc	Option two	The Nelson SUP Club fully support plans to develop facilities at Tahunanui Beach to enhance the on-water safety of all those that use the offshore waters in the vicinity of Tahunanui Beach. Paddleboarders are present year round and especially in the summer months and anything that can improve safety and the facilities will be of benefit to all. In fact being at the beach all year round also means that Paddleboarders are there to help people in trouble on and in the water given the current situation of only having limited coverage by SLSC due to lack of facilities. I know of several cases where Club members have been involved in assisting people in trouble in the water.
1465.3	Tim Fraser-Harris for Nelson Yacht Club Incorporated	Option two	Nelson Yacht Club is supportive of Option 2 - Construct a new facility for the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club and upgrade the changing facilities. We know full well how important it is for a club to have a fit-for-purpose facility, and wish our friends at the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club every success in securing their new facility. We also note the significant financial support for the development of the new facility, at a time when we are fighting to secure our existing facility. We would welcome engagement with Council on how NCC may be able to assist Nelson Yacht Club both with our current seismic strengthening project, but also with future projects such as the renewal of the launching ramp.
1482.7	Lindsay Wood for Resilienz Ltd	Option two	We are ambivalent on the best course of action, in part due to pressures to minimise current demands on rates and in part due to shortage of data supplied around the actual lifesaving activities of the Surf Lifesaving Club.We acknowledge the general importance of surf lifesaving in New Zealand, the undesirable location of the present building, and the high level of usage of Tahunanui Beach. We also recognise potential repurposing of the existing building and need for improvement to some other amenities.In view of the business case having been prepared and the graduated expenditure we agree, with some reservations, with the proposal to pursue Option 2.
1433.7	Jacinda Stevenson for Tahunanui Business and Community Association	Option two	Tahunanui Beach facilitiesTBCA supports Option 2 – construct a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club, upgrade the changing facilities and improve other facilities at Tahunanui Beach Reserve following further consultation The Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club is a voluntary organisation that provides an essential 24/7 search and rescue service as well as seasonal beach patrols. Currently it lacks an appropriate operational home base to act as a focal point for its activities. This club enjoys strong family and community support, providing healthy activities for its members while at the same time ensuring a safe beach environment for the community.
1027.10	Andy Morris for Sport Tasman and Sport New Zealand	None	Comment: We fully support Council’s proposed option to provide a new fit for purpose surf life saving building and proposed approach to upgrade the existing changing rooms to a standard required for sport and recreation users at Tāhunanui sports fields. We believe that in addition to developing fit for purpose facilities, this would allow the opportunity to consider a community sport and recreation hub as part of the Tāhunanui Reserve Management Plan and thus recognise all the benefits for an organisation who support or deliver physical activity opportunities to be based and involved at the facility.
1476.2	Fiona Wilson for Nelson Regional Development Agency	Option two	NRDA supports the Tahunanui Beach facilities Option 2, the construction of a new facility for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club, strengthening Nelson and the region as a place to visit and live, with significant potential benefits for attracting and supporting existing and new events. We encourage planning of these facilities to consider wider opportunities such as event function venues.
987.7	Laura Fear for Victory Community Centre	Option one	We are in an incredibly difficult funding environment for Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club to raise this level of funding. Increases in debt which do not have a plan for income generation or job creation do not seem worth it in the current financial environment.
985.5	Ali Boswijk for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce	Option two	We support option 2 investment in the improvement of facilities at Tahunanui Beach including a building for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving club. Tahunanui Beach is an important part of Nelson life and the visitor experience.
1168.7	Sally Carlton for English Language Partners	Option one	The facilities at Tahunanui Beach are well utilised and appreciated by our learners as they provide pleasant and free outdoor attractions.
252.4	Ali Jamieson for Th NZ MTB Rally	Option two	Nelson's beach is another of it's prime assets. Let's maximise that potential
1474.29	Fiona Ede for Nature and Climate Group, Nelson Tasman Climate Forum	Option two	We support option 2, with one caveat.
308.7	Leanne Odey for LAMBRETTA’s Cafe	Option two	be a great thing for tahunanui

Category: Tahunanui Beach facilities

Issue

Nelson has an opportunity to construct a new building for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club and to improve other facilities at Tāhunanui Beach Reserve. 
Background
We allocated $100,000 through the Annual Plan 2023/24 to investigate opportunities for development of a surf lifesaving facility at Tāhunanui Beach. 
The Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club operates from a small building beside the sports changing facility bordering Bisley Walk. This is a temporary building on the sports field – approximately 90 metres from the beach. They also have storage for boats and lifesaving equipment in several shipping containers in various locations on the reserve. 
Also, the existing changing facilities on the sports field are considered inadequate, particularly for women’s sports. 
Council prepared a business case for the project during 2023. The consultant’s independent report identified:
•   “that there is a deficit in meeting levels of service for sports facilities at the Tāhunanui Beach. The most urgent relating to the Surf Lifesaving Club’s facilities, the safety of their members, and the ability to respond to emergencies. Changing facilities for the sports fields (especially women, girls, accessible and non-gendered provision), storage facilities, and the lack of a sports hub (social/meeting rooms) contribute to the case.” 
Our proposed approach 
We’re proposing to build a new facility closer to the beach to provide a suitable space for the Surf Lifesaving Club at a cost of $3.3 million. We’ve budgeted $200,000 in 2024/25, $1.53 million in 2025/26, and $1.57 million in 2026/27 towards the project. The project would proceed once the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club had raised 50% of the capital funds for the project.
We are also proposing to upgrade the existing changing rooms on the sports ground at a cost of $50,000 in 2025/26. Once vacated the existing surf lifesaving facility could be repurposed (e.g., for use as a changing room). Further consultation around the wider sports facilities will be undertaken as part of the Tāhunanui Reserve Management Plan process.