...where living, working, playing and staying is worth it!
Living in Nelson Tasman
The people make Nelson Tasman the appealing region it really is. Family values and a strong sense of local community underpin day-to-day life in the region. We value our history and tradition, but we also welcome newcomers and the rich diversity they bring to our lives.
Population
The 2006 census gives the population as:
- Tasman District 44,625 people, an increase of 3.2 percent since the 2001 census
- Nelson City 42,888 people, an increase of 7.9 percent since the 2001 census
New Zealand's population has increased by 7.8 percent since the 2001 census.
Based on the current rate of population increase Tasman will reach a population of 56,058 in 2021 and Nelson 47,138.
Real Estate
The Nelson Tasman property market is currently fairly steady, with a small increase in median prices in Nelson and Tasman, having slowed since the boom that affected the whole country earlier in the decade.
The median house price is currently $360,000 in Nelson and $400,000 in Richmond. The market remains positive with the area's lifestyle attractions continuing to make Nelson property a good investment.
Renting
There is a continuing demand for rental homes due to the region's population increase and the significant rise in property values in recent years. These factors leave limited opportunities for low and modest-income families to own a home.
Department of Building and Housing statistics give the average 2010 rental for a three bedroom house in the city at $349 per week, while at the upper end a two bedroom apartment may cost around $372 per week.
Sections
Sections are available from Atawhai through to the southern Richmond foothills. Sizes range from the average residential section of 600-800m2 through to 3000m2, with flat sections available in Richmond and mainly elevated sections in the city. Land prices have also increased in recent years and the median section price in Nelson is now $215,000. Source: REINZ, December 2009.
Lifestyle Blocks
Demand for small rural lifestyle blocks continues. Prices are determined by location, views and amenities, with coastal land particularly sought after. The lower Waimea Plains, Richmond foothills, the coastal belt from the Waimea Plains to Mahana and the coastal fringe of Golden Bay are favoured locations but there is also demand for bush blocks, particularly those adjoining a river or stream. The Mapua, Kina and Moutere Hills areas continue to be a high growth triangle for the region.
Council planning changes have allowed for more subdivisions of rural land - an attractive option for owners of older orchards with less favoured export apple varieties. Prices vary according to locality and are stronger closer to the city or other service centres.
Business and Employment
Nelson Tasman has a broad economy based on the export of goods from the horticultural, forestry, seafood and agricultural sectors. These have kept pace with changing market trends and the drive to add value to create wealth in our region. Tourism is now up there with the big earners as the rest of the world discovers us. Other emerging industries make the most of new technologies and the growing emphasis on health, wellness and sustainability. The Nelson Tasman business environment is one of expansion, diversification and innovation. For more information contact the Nelson Tasman Economic Development Agency.
Education
Pre-school Education
The Nelson Tasman region has 70 facilities offering care for infants through to school age children, including childcare, Playcentres, Montessori, Kindergartens and Christian pre-schools.
Schools
Nelson and Tasman have 56 primary, intermediate, and secondary schools, including New Zealand's oldest state secondary school, Nelson College, established in 1856; and one of the newest Catholic secondary schools, Garin College at Richmond. For details of individual Nelson Tasman schools refer to the Ministry of Education's website Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI).
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
NMIT is the largest tertiary education provider in the Top of the South. NMIT has developed programmes that sustain the region's infrastructure as well as specialised programmes in niche areas including aviation, arts, conservation, tourism, viticulture and fisheries. With 2,800 equivalent full time students and some 300 staff, NMIT makes a major contribution to economic growth and prosperity. Find out more at www.nmit.ac.nz
Employment Training
Many local industry sectors are involved in training that focuses on workplace learning, to raise employee skills and boost business competitiveness. This can be on-job, off-job, a combination of both or a government backed Modern Apprenticeship. There are also a variety of training providers in the region offering employment related courses in areas such as computing, hospitality, arts and outdoor education. Most of these courses are available at no cost to people who meet the eligibility criteria, such as those with no or low qualifications.
Find out more at www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz and www.tec.govt.nz
English Language Tuition
Nelson is a popular destination for international students. In addition to local colleges, there is the Nelson English Centre, NMIT, a home based language school in Richmond and a German language support service for secondary and other students.
Find out more at www.educationnelson.co.nz
Nelson Aviation College
The Nelson Aviation College in Motueka offers helicopter and fixed wing training to commercial pilot level, approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. In conjunction with NMIT, the college has developed a Diploma in Aviation Science programme. Find out more at www.nelson-aviation.co.nz or www.nmit.ac.nz/aviation
