Port Nelson

04/09/2026

125 Years on the Water: Port Nelson Through Time

In 1842, this was the original landscape and shoreline of Tahananui with Nelson Haven in the distance. In 1900, the Nelson Harbour Board was endowered with the Waimea mudflats, which became the Nelson Airport, owned by the Harbour Board between 1937-1940.



Nelson Provincial Museum, Barnicoat Sketch, from near Annesford, Bett, 314875.

02/09/2026

Port Nelson is once again proud to be the naming sponsor of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Export Hub.

Export Hub is a series of free events designed to help local businesses on their exporting journey, whether you are seasoned pros, or just starting out.

The next event will be held at the newly opened Mahitahi Tasman in Mapua, next Wednesday. Follow the link to get your tickets!

https://zurl.co/2RB8X

28/08/2026

125 Years on the Water: Port Nelson Through Time

1937 - forming the airport runway. The Nelson Harbour Board owned the land on which a decision was made to build a new airport thus, it was seen the Board’s responsibility to build it, the irony being that flying was the demise of the overnight ferries.



Nelson Provincial Museum, Kingsford Collection, 167377.

25/08/2026

Do you have a passion for exceptional customer service? Are you skilled at managing multiple priorities while making sound decisions?

If you're looking for a dynamic and challenging role in logistics, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Apply Here >>> https://www.portnelson.co.nz/careers/7a458025-c02f-4ab8-bfc8-740fe5f9b834/

21/08/2026

125 Years on the Water: Port Nelson Through Time

Ca 1936 Nelson Harbour Board offices on the main Nelson wharf. From Left: Harry Collins (Harbour Master), Bruce Lee, Clarry Lee, Bob Reeves, Sid Westrup, Sid Aldershaw, Jack Morrison, Mac McKenzie, Reg Scott, Maurice Alborough, Harry Milner (Secretary), Allan Robertson (Accountant), Frank Johnson & Jack Harris (Wharfinger).



Nelson Harbour Board archives.

14/08/2026

125 Years on the Water: Port Nelson Through Time

A busy day on the wharf. The overnight passenger steamer is being loaded with fruit cases, foreground and in the distance, wool is being slung aboard



Nelson Provincial Museum, ‘Loading Apples at the Wharf’, F N Jones, 321312

11/08/2026

At the end of July we attended the Top of the South Wood Council Forestry Awards, an opportunity to recognise the hard work of everyone in the local forestry industry.

It has been a mammoth year for the people, teams, and businesses keeping the industry moving after the windthrow events of last winter.

Congratulations to all of the deserved winners!

07/08/2026

125 Years on the Water: Port Nelson Through Time

Port Nelson, ca 1925. Overseas steamer Tongario at main wharf, overnight ferry, Ngaio is steaming for the entrance, and the new local wharf is dominated by small steamers of the Anchor line. The Settlers Memorial is positioned about where the wood is stacked.



Captain Percy Williams photo archive.

05/08/2026

We recently welcomed Minister of Defence, Hon Chris Penk, to Calwell Nelson to showcase our upgraded facilities and our commitment to the New Zealand Defence Force, especially the NZ Navy.

Along with the Nelson Regional Development Agency, Kernohan Engineering, Skipper Training NZ, Nelson Airport, Council and Iwi, an alliance has been built to put forward a business case to bring the Navy to our shores for maintenance and engineering, training and procurement.

Read More: https://zurl.co/tUQFO

An industry led, public-private sector alliance is working together to showcase Nelson Tasman's strong capabilities and united commitment to support industry opportunities and the growth and resilience of the New Zealand Defence Force, particularly the New Zealand Navy. The alliance comprises Nelso

31/07/2026

125 Years on the Water: Port Nelson Through Time

Building the new coal-fired powerhouse (1923), which still stands today on Wakefield Quay. The last of the steam drums for the two boilers is about to be hauled into place by block and tackle.



Nelson Provincial Museum, ‘Power House’, F N Jones Collection, 321201.