My places’ campaign urges locals to support region’s businesses through winter
A new region-wide campaign has been launched to encourage Nelson Tasman residents to support local businesses facing economic pressures ahead of a challenging winter.
The “My places” campaign, led by the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) with support from Hospitality New Zealand, is focused on inspiring local discovery. Rising fuel costs, tighter household budgets, and softer visitor activity were currently affecting many local retailers, cafés, and hospitality venues.
As winter was the quietest period for the local visitor economy – making up just 15% of annual visitor spend – the agency was urging locals to redirect their discretionary spending back into the region.
“We know many businesses across the region are feeling the pressure right now,” Wilson said.
“This campaign is about encouraging people to reconnect with the places and experiences that make Nelson Tasman special.”
To further support the central city, Nelson City Council has extended free parking from one hour to two hours in the Montgomery, Buxton, Wakatu, and Millers Acre car parks. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said the three-month initiative was a pragmatic step to encourage people to spend time and money in town.
“The recent fuel supply issues and ongoing disruption to flights have highlighted just how important it is that we continue backing our local businesses and visitor economy,” he said.
Simon Duffy, from Uniquely Nelson, an organisation the played a crucial role in promoting the Nelson CBD which promotes the Nelson CBD, said winter was always a quiet time for retailers and hospitality venues in the city.
However, he said things were looking up with six new businesses opening in the CBD since the start of the year as well as two major construction projects taking place in the city.
The Morrison development on the former Morrison Square site is underway with hospitality, retail, a boutique hotel, office and public space proposed.
“It’s one of the biggest developments in Nelson, and probably in the last 30 years in the commercial private space, and that’s going to be exciting for Nelson,” Duffy said.
Although they were expecting a tough winter, Duffy said it was important businesses bandied together and locals shopped local.
“We’re on the same boat rowing on an incoming tide in the storm; that storm will go and that tide will turn and what we’ll row back out again – we’re all in this together.”
Hospitality New Zealand lead regional manager Zinnia Foster said winter could be an incredibly challenging period for hospitality operators due to increased costs and cautious spending.
“Campaigns like this help remind locals of the value of getting out and supporting the places that create vibrancy, connection and character across our communities,” she said.
NRDA visitor destination manager Craig Boodee said making small choices like meeting friends for coffee or dining out locally helped support jobs and the wider regional economy.
“”There are so many incredible experiences right here in Nelson Tasman, and this campaign is a great way to encourage people to rediscover them.”
The six-week campaign will feature community-led short-form videos and recommendations across social media, digital, and print.
Featured businesses and local deals are accessible at nelsontasman.nz/local.
Source: Andy Brew, Nelson Mail
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