$13 million boost for Nelson Marina development

Nearly $13 million has been secured to support significant upgrades to Nelson Marina, bringing new jobs and sustained growth to the region.

Nelson Marina Management Limited and Nelson City Council have jointly secured funding from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for a proposed Marine Service Centre. 
 
The RIF loan funding is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa) at the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).
 
A maximum of $10.5 million is to be used for the proposed Marine Service Centre (MSC), providing a mix of workshops for boat building and maintenance, office space, and retail shopfronts for marine-related businesses, integrating seamlessly with the expanded hardstand area.  
 
A further $2.4m will be used to support the existing Boat Yard and Hardstand upgrade project, including a new 110-tonne straddle lift. 
 
Both the Boat Yard upgrade and the MSC are core aspects of the Marina’s long-term Masterplan, and will strengthen Nelson’s position as a key maritime engineering hub. 
 
Jobs will be created as a result of the project, both through the construction phase and in the long-term, through the functioning of the MSC as it develops over time. 
 
The MSC will also provide a revenue stream for Nelson Marina by ensuring it can continue to provide quality services to Marina stakeholders at a reasonable cost.

Chair of Nelson Marina Management Limited Rick Herd says this investment will deliver long-term economic, social, and maritime benefits. 

“This investment recognises the important role Nelson Marina plays in supporting our local economy, tourism sector, and marine industry. 
 
“The new service centre will allow us to better meet demand, improve customer experience, and provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. 
 
“By improving infrastructure at the Marina, we’re helping to future-proof Nelson’s waterfront and ensuring it continues to deliver value for locals, visitors, and marine operators alike,” he says. 

 Construction is expected to begin in 2027, thanks to the funding allowing the design, feasibility assessment and resource consent process to start quickly. 
 
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith welcomes Minister Shane Jones’ funding announcement. 

“Council has worked hand in hand with the Marina to secure this Government investment of almost $13 million, which will enable us to accelerate our ambitious development plans for Nelson’s Marina. It’s a great way to start 2026 and a real boost for the city’s economic recovery. 
 
“It will enable construction of a new two-storey Marine Service Centre of about 10,000m2. It will also support the upgrade of the straddle lift from 50 tonne to 110 tonne and the expansion of the hardstand area from 3000m2 to 6000m2. The total investment in these projects is around $26 million and is expected to provide an additional 180 jobs.  
 
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of work dating back to the adoption of the Nelson Marina Masterplan in 2022. It’s an investment made possible through the work of numerous individuals and organisations in our community including Nigel Skeggs, former Marina CEO and now Councillor, the board of Nelson Marina, Council officers, the Nelson Regional Development Agency and MBIE officials. I particularly want to acknowledge Minister Jones’ support for our marine sector.  
 
“We want Nelson to become New Zealand’s lead marine centre by growing our Blue Economy – the go-to place for recreational and commercial boat building and maintenance, fishing and aquaculture and for marine science and associated professional services.” 

Nelson City Council Chief Executive Nigel Philpott says the Government’s investment will bring forward development at the Marina. 

“We can expect a productivity boost for Nelson’s important marine sector alongside economic and community benefits for businesses, residents and visitors. 
 
“Nelson has a wonderful waterfront and a growing marina. The masterplan provides the pathway to unlock more of its potential. The new upgrades build on the projects already completed including the waterfront promenade and the purchase of 305 Akersten Street for the proposed sea sports facility.”   

Rick Herd says it’s fantastic to see Kānoa, MBIE, Minister Jones, and Nelson City Council supporting a project such as this, which will unquestionably contribute to the Nelson economy. 

“I thank all those involved in this process for their vision and faith in understanding what we were hoping to achieve and the injection of investment and jobs into our region could not have come at a better time,” he says.

Construction timeframes and further details will be confirmed as the project progresses. 

ENDS