News in brief

Homeowners drop asking prices by thousands

Homeowners collectively trimmed $72.5 million from their original asking prices in the third quarter of 2025, according to new data from realestate.co.nz. On average, vendors who reduced their prices took $34,598 off each listing - a clear sign that buyers are still negotiating hard in a relatively soft market. But there are early signs that the market may be starting to shift. “The total value of reductions was less in Q3 2025 than it was in Q3 2024, meaning the gap between what sellers want and what buyers will pay is closing,” says Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz. She says the drop is probably due to rising buyer confidence as interest rates fall. “When demand picks up, sellers don’t have to work as hard to close the gap.” Nelson and Bays recorded a $1.48 million price drop across 42 properties listed on the site – and average drop of $35,238.  Regionally, Coromandel recorded the largest average drop, with sellers trimming $61,788 from their original asking prices. The data reflects the difference between a property’s original asking price when listed on realestate.co.nz and its price at the point of sale or withdrawal. While it doesn’t show the final sale price, it provides a strong signal of how sellers are adjusting.

Birchwood Blaze

Birchwood School’s Birchwood Blaze team represented Nelson Tasman at the South Island Jump Jam competition in Christchurch last weekend. It was the first time the school had entered the competition, and the team walked away with three merit certificates across their two dances.

Airports collaborate for charter flight

In a first for the region, Hawke’s Bay and Nelson airports have teamed up to create a unique Art Deco Festival charter experience, connecting the two regions for the iconic festival. Flying direct with Originair from Nelson to Napier, the ‘Flapper Flight’ charter will depart on Friday 20 February and return Sunday 22 February, and offer reciprocal return flights for Hawke’s Bay residents. Nelson Airport CEO Brendan Cook says the airport is always looking for innovative ways to support even better regional connectivity. “This charter offers a unique opportunity for Nelson and Hawke’s Bay residents to travel quickly and easily for an incredible weekend experience. If it proves popular, we see a strong opportunity for more charter services to provide direct links between our two incredible regions.”

NCC surplus

Nelson City Council’s surplus for the 2024/25 financial year was $1 million, about $19 million below budget. The lower-than-budgeted surplus was caused by the council being transferred fewer assets (such as roads and pipes built by developers), receiving fewer subsidies and grants, few subdivisions being built, and other losses. However, the cost of standard council business also cost $11 million less than expected, partially offsetting the other losses. The council also noted that its infrastructure was revalued $21 million under what it had expected, indicating low construction inflation which will bring benefits for the next financial year as the cost of replacing infrastructure – a major driver of rates increases – is slowing down.

Market turns 20

This month, Nelson Farmers Market celebrates 20 years of bringing fresh, locally-grown produce to Nelson. To celebrate the milestone, special festivities will be held at the Farmers Market throughout the month. Starting next week, Nelson Weekly will be profiling some of the new, and long-standing businesses that call the market home.

Christmas gets crafty

The Pretty Crafty Christmas Market takes place on Sunday 9 November between 10am and 2pm at the Richmond Town Hall. Crafts and gifts galore, plus a kids’ treasure hunt and refreshments. The gold coin koha for entry goes to Helping Families Nelson.

Gala season continues

Head along to the Stoke School Gala, Saturday 8 November, from 11am - 2pm. With raffles, trash and treasure, plant stalls, bouncy castles, face painting, chocolate wheel, kids games, coin toss, mystery bottles, coconut shy, sandpit treasure hunt, delicious food and drink, and entertainment, there will be something for everyone.

Clean-up continues

More than 50 tonnes of rubbish and debris that were left behind by the raging flood waters along the banks of the Motueka Valley in June and July have been cleared in a mammoth effort by Nelmac Kūmānu. Crews encountered a range of hazards, including hanging trees, tensioned logs, and concealed debris.