Shaping Nelson’s Community Spaces
Community Leisure Management (CLM) has been a pivotal player in the development and management of community facilities across New Zealand for nearly three decades. Their commitment to fostering spaces that promote recreation, events, and social engagement is particularly evident in Nelson, where CLM oversees a diverse portfolio of venues. These include the iconic Trafalgar Centre, Saxton Oval, and the multipurpose Trafalgar Park.
At the core of CLM’s operations in Nelson is Mark Mekalick, a venue management professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for creating memorable community experiences. Originally from Taranaki, Mark’s career path in sport and events management was shaped by his deep-rooted love for sport, which he cultivated from a young age. With a Bachelor’s in Sport Management from Massey University, Mark began his career working at the TSB Hub in South Taranaki. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, bringing his leadership to Nelson and CLM’s varied portfolio of community venues.
“Sport has always been a big part of my life, and it’s where I initially saw myself,” says Mark. “But as I’ve grown in the venue management field, I’ve come to appreciate the broader impact of all kinds of events – whether it’s sport, entertainment, or conferences. There’s a unique sense of pride in helping create moments that bring people together.”
CLM has been deeply embedded in the Nelson community for over 20 years, managing major facilities like the Richmond Aquatic Centre and Nayland Park Pool long before they took over the Trafalgar Centre and Saxton Field. This extensive experience has allowed CLM to contribute to Nelson’s development as a dynamic, event-friendly city.
Mark’s role as Venue Manager places him at the forefront of this evolution, where his primary responsibility is ensuring the smooth operation of the region’s leading venues. CLM’s core values – fun, quality, respect, innovation, and continuous improvement, are at the heart of everything Mark does. “These values are not just words we put on a wall,” Mark explains. “They define how we approach everything from daily operations to the big picture of how we contribute to the local community.
Since taking the reins in 2017, Mark has been instrumental in promoting Nelson as a viable destination for a wide variety of events. His team works tirelessly to attract local, national, and international event organisers to the city, particularly through venues like the Trafalgar Centre and Saxton Oval, which regularly host major sporting events, concerts, and exhibitions.
The Trafalgar Centre, Nelson’s premier indoor event space, is a crown jewel of CLM’s managed facilities. Established over 50 years ago, the centre has long been a hub for sports, concerts, and large-scale community events. Under Mark’s leadership and with support from Nelson City Council, the Trafalgar Centre has undergone significant upgrades, particularly in its lighting and acoustics, ensuring it remains a top choice for national and international promoters.
“Improving the Trafalgar Centre’s infrastructure has been a game-changer for us,” Mark notes. “We’ve received fantastic feedback from promoters who’ve said that Nelson is well and truly back on the map for touring events. It’s incredibly satisfying to hear that kind of response.”
These upgrades have allowed the venue to host high-profile concerts and sporting events, including performances by top-tier acts like Six 60 and Dragon, as well as home games for the Nelson Giants. “I love that we can support both local heroes and national stars here in Nelson,” Mark says. “It really makes the community proud.”
The Trafalgar Centre’s role extends beyond entertainment. It serves as a key economic driver for the local area, bringing in significant foot traffic to local businesses during major events. “We know from experience that people attending events here are dining out, staying in local accommodation, and shopping in the city,” Mark explains. “That creates a ripple effect across the local economy, which benefits everyone.”
While Mark has made great strides in elevating Nelson’s event scene, the journey has not been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought major disruptions to the industry, impacting venues and event promoters worldwide. However, the lessons learned during that time have helped CLM innovate and adapt.
“There were some really tough moments, especially with restrictions and uncertainty,” Mark reflects. “But one silver lining was the opportunity to build relationships with national promoters. With international talent off the table for a while, we were able to shine a light on local and regional talent. That’s something we’re continuing to build on.”
Looking ahead, Mark sees the rising cost of delivering events as a key challenge for the industry. “There’s a fine balance when it comes to pricing events. Costs are increasing, but raising ticket prices too much could discourage attendance,” he says. “It’s a challenge, but we’re committed to finding ways to make events accessible for everyone.”
Mark also acknowledges that Nelson’s geographic location can be a hurdle when attracting events. “We’re a bit off the main route, so it takes a bit more convincing to get some promoters to come here. But once they do, they realise how special Nelson is,” Mark says with a smile.
As CLM Nelson looks to the future, Mark has ambitious plans for further growth and development. “I’d love to see us build a permanent stage somewhere in Nelson that could stay up all summer long. That would take away some of the barriers for outdoor events and make it easier to attract more concerts and festivals,” he shares.
In his personal life, Mark is a passionate football player and an enthusiastic fisherman, having recently purchased a boat to explore the rich Tasman waters. “Nelson is a great place to live and raise a family,” he says. “Between the outdoor activities and the vibrant community events, there’s always something to do.”
As Nelson continues to grow as a cultural and event destination, Mark Mekalick and the CLM team, remain at the forefront of that transformation. With a strong commitment to community engagement and innovation, CLM is set to continue shaping Nelson’s event landscape for years to come.
For more information on CLM visit www.clmnz.co.nz
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