Beginning Together

In September this year the city of Nelson and the Anglican Diocese of Nelson celebrate their 150th anniversary. On 27th September, 1858, Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent establishing the Diocese of Nelson and the city. She declared ‘And we do…ordain and constitute the Town of Nelson in the Province of Nelson to be a Bishop's See and the seat of the said Bishop and do ordain that the said Town of Nelson shall be a City.’ Since then the city of Nelson and the Diocese of Nelson have shared a special relationship.

Celebrating Together

To mark the 150th a number of events have been planned. There will be a Birthday Party in upper Trafalgar St on Saturday 27th September, which will include dramatic re-enactments of the signing and related scenes. This will include music and entertainment. A special Commemoration Service will follow in the Cathedral.

In the following February 2009, to mark the arrived of the royal charter in Nelson, a Fun Day at Founders Heritage Park is being planned. There will be food, music, period costumes and games and fun for all the family. The Bishop of Nelson, Rt Rev Richard Ellena, will arrive by boat in period costume and take a horse and cart to Founders.

We also plan a Future Nelson Forum in April 2009 as a contribution to the future planning of our region – topics such as ‘Youth’ and ‘Faith in the Community’ will be covered.

In February and March 2008 Bishop Richard Ellena will walk the bounds of the Nelson Diocese and retrace the steps of former Bishop Hobhouse. Bishop Richard will meet, pray and talk with many folk on the way and anyone is invited to join him.

Enjoying Nelson Together

For these reasons Nelson has every reason to appreciate its unique history. It was the second city established in New Zealand after Chirstchurch, even though there were only 5000 residents here at the time. Today Nelson is still a small city – in fact the second smallest in the country. However, we have much to celebrate. As well as the sunshine Nelsonians enjoy, we have the relaxed lifestyle of a country town combined with the sophisticated culture of a city. We have some institutions of high quality including a Museum, Cathedral, art and pottery galleries, music and theatre. It’s easy to see why Nelsonians bellieve that small is beautiful!