Society's History

Friends formed in 1973 as a result of public concern over plans for extensive reclamation of Nelson Haven tidal flats.

Since then the Society has continued to take action to protect our increasingly threatened estuaries, shores and coastal waters. The work has extended to include the coastal environment of Nelson Province and Marlborough.

Michael North wrote a booklet (42 pages) covering the history of our Friends of the Nelson Haven documenting the important work to protect our beautiful coastline. The booklet is available for $15 and  includes a 1 year membership.  Please email us  or send a note to P. O. Box 494,  Nelson with your address details and include  a cheque to order.

Beautiful scenery and an equable climate makes the area popular for recreation and tourism. There are large commercial fin fish and shell fish operations along the coast.

The population in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay is expanding rapidly. This northern coast has several large estuarine areas each equal in environmental productivity to a tropical rain forest.

Over 30 species of local and migratory birds are known to use the estuaries which are of national and international importance to some wader species. Such an abundance of bird life indicates a rich benthic community of invertebrate and plant life which supports not only thousands of birds but also the young of many fish species.

News & AGM

[06 May 08] :: FAIRWAY BEACON - WAVE AND CURRENT MONITORING STATIONS

A recent meeting of the [...continue]