Planning an event
If you're planning an event in Nelson take a look at some of the helpful tools below.
As an event organiser you will need to make sure you get all required consents before proceeding with your event.
If you are looking for venues for your event in Nelson, check out our Nelson venue directory.
Event Planning Guidelines
Accessibility
Event organisers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the experiences of people with disabilities, impairments and older people are equally enjoyed.
Accessibility
Alcohol Licensing
If you are planning to sell alcohol at a premises, online, or at an event or series of events you must have a licence.
Alcohol Licensing
Amusement Devices
Amusement devices must have a permit to operate issued by Council and also a current Certificate of Registration issued by WorkSafe.
Amusement Devices
Building Consents
If you are going to construct something such as a stage, marquee or use fencing, you may need to apply for building consent.
Building Consents
Crowded Places Strategy
The New Zealand Government has developed a Crowded Places Strategy and Tools.
Crowded Places Strategy
Drinking Water
Information on supplying drinking water at your event that is not commercially bottled.
Drinking Water
Event Planning Guide
As an event organiser, you are responsible for planning and managing risk at your event.
Event Planning Guide
Event Signage and Posters
Nelson City Council owns notice boards around the city that are available for hire to community groups or organisations promoting community activities.
Event Signage and Posters
Fire permits
If, as part of your event, you are planning to have an open fire, bonfire, hāngi, umu, brazier or fireworks, you may need a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Fire permits
Food at an Event
All your food vendors will need their own registered food control plan.
Food at an Event
Funding & Grants
Nelson City Council provides annual funding to support community and economic events through various funding channels.
Funding & Grants
Health and Safety
Planning and delivery of a healthy and safe environment is as critical as creating a fun and memorable experience through planning an event.
Health and Safety
Marketing Your Event
Having an effective well thought out marketing plan is an important part of marketing your event.
Marketing Your Event
Non-Council Event Spaces
Search the range of halls and reserves throughout the Nelson Tasman region on the FOUND Directory.
Non-Council Event Spaces
Road Closure and TMP
If you are planning to hold an event that requires a road closure at a specified location for a specified period, you'll need approval from Council.
Road Closure and TMP
Street Stalls
Council provides concessions to operate commercial activities on some of its reserves and in places within the central business district.
Street Stalls
Venue Hire
If you are planning an event you will need to factor the venue hire charges and rates.
Venue Hire
Waste Minimisation
Avoiding waste is a great opportunity to enhance the profile of your event and reduce your impact on the environment.
Waste Minimisation
Weddings in parks and open spaces
Parks and reserves administered by the Nelson City Council are available for weddings. Contact Council directly if you wish to use a park for a large event.
Weddings in parks and open spaces
Volunteers
If you're looking for volunteers for your event, Volunteer Nelson may be able to help.
Volunteers