Update from Rachel Boyack MP

Last week was an exciting week for Nelson, with the celebration of the beginning of one big project, and the start of another.

On Wednesday we opened 14 new Habitat for Humanity homes in Stoke. 12 of these homes have been built with $3 million of funding support from the Government’s Progressive Home Ownership programme. It was wonderful to celebrate with the families moving into these warm, dry and affordable homes. My congratulations to all involved in the project, especially those who supported the build through volunteering and financial support. Habitat Nelson have more homes planned for Stoke and Richmond, so more local families can be supported into home ownership.

The Government’s public housing provider has also announced 49 new public homes to be developed in Nelson South. These are desperately needed and will make a big difference in addressing Nelson’s housing needs.

On Tuesday we marked the beginning of the development of the Port Nelson slipway. The Government has provided nearly $10 million towards this project, which will support jobs in the marine engineering sector, while also protecting the environment.

This week I’m at Parliament, and meeting with local health and Police leaders. On Friday I’m visiting more Nelson housing projects and the Nelson Community Foodbank.

Entries open for Mask Carnivale

Nelson’s much-loved Mask Carnivale will be back this year on 27 October and entries are now open. The event, which is part of the Nelson Arts Festival, is set to transform Nelson’s inner-city streets into a colourful explosion of joy, community, and creativity. The theme of this year’s Carnivale is ‘Rewild, Regenerate’. People can interpret the theme as they see fit and are encouraged to get creative. If you’re keen to be part of the Carnivale, go to www.nelsonartsfestival.nz and register by 30 September.

Te Ramaroa returns

Nelson’s outdoor light festival, Te Ramaroa, is on from 30 June until 4 July, with more than 40 installations created by primary school kids, artists, community groups, architects, scientists, and even dentists. This year, installations will be spread across the city centre - including upper Trafalgar St, around the Cathedral, Hardy, and Bridge Sts, Morrison Square, NMIT, Albion Square, and Queens Gardens - and range from tiny discoveries to massive projections.

This great price is all inclusive - it covers all $5 prescription charges for the year plus the monthly sachet packing. It also allows you to spread your costs over the year by for you and for your husband/wife/partner who is included even if they do not have their medicines sachet packed.