Mayor of Nelson

Invest in the progressive upgrade of Nelson's wastewater and stormwater systems so as to reduce overflows and leakage into waterways.

Work with Nelson's Cawthron Institute on improving water quality using their scientific expertise to identify the most effective approaches.

Ensure robust monitoring and enforcement of activities that risk pollution of our waterways.

Deliver on an ambitious target of making the Maitai river the healthiest urban river in Aotearoa, through riparian widening and restoration.

Maintain investment in our water treatment plant, including resiliency upgrades to its supply pipes, to ensure the provision of safe water.

Lift acceptable standards for runoff and pollutants within our waterways, with the goal of having all local rivers swimmable by 2028.

Invest in utilising our treated wastewater for irrigating golf courses and parks, rather than using our high quality potable drinking water.

Improve our whitebait spawning habitats in the lower reaches of our Maitai and Whakapuaka rivers.

Improve capturing contaminants from our stormwater outlets from entering our streams.

There is no logical reason why all waterways couldn't be drinkable. Anything less is irresponsible and reckless. We are creating a legacy.

Replace single species clearcut forestry on reserves in the Maitai with a sustainable mix of plantings to improve the health of the river.

Increase riparian planting around waterways and invest in equipment to filter litter and other pollutants from stormwater.

Invest in aeration technology to improve the quality of the water coming out of the Maitai Dam and thereby improve the health of the river.