Nelson Regional Development Agency

We lead inclusive and regenerative economic development, supporting our businesses and people to grow, and shaping and amplifying our profile to attract people, business, and investment to the region. NRDA is a Council Controlled Organisation established on 1 July 2016 following the merger of the former Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency and Nelson Tasman Tourism.

NRDA is 100% owned by Nelson City Council and receives a funding contribution from Tasman District Council that enables NRDA services to be delivered with a Nelson Tasman combined regional focus. NRDA also maintains responsibilities as the official Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for the Nelson Tasman region and is a member of Regional Tourism NZ.

We are governed by a highly competent, private sector-focused board of independent directors that commit to the future prosperity of our region. The board members are appointed by Nelson City Council and guide the strategic direction of NRDA while monitoring business activities.

Small to medium businesses are the cornerstone of our regional economy and community, accounting for over 96% of total business numbers in Nelson Tasman (i.e. over 14,000 businesses). The resilience and success of our SMEs is key to our economic resilience, and due to the changing future of work and the impact of global conditions, our businesses are facing new and increasing pressures.

NRDA has a vital role to play in connecting businesses and people in the region with the right support, tools and funding to enable them to upskill and grow to meet the changing needs of business. Supporting the development of the region’s talent pipeline is also important to support the growth of our economy and key sectors and businesses within it.