# Nelson Central

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This article is about the suburb. For the school, see [Nelson Central School](/source/Nelson_Central_School).

Central business district of Nelson, New Zealand

Suburb in Nelson, New Zealand

Nelson Central Suburb Queens Garden Interactive map of Nelson Central Coordinates: 41°16′30″S 173°17′00″E / 41.27500°S 173.28333°E / -41.27500; 173.28333 Country New Zealand Region Nelson Ward Central General Ward Whakatū Māori Ward Electorates Nelson Te Tai Tonga (Māori) Government • Territorial Authority Nelson City Council • Nelson City Mayor Nick Smith[1] • Nelson MP Rachel Boyack[2] • Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris[3] Area [4] • Total 1.25 km2 (0.48 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[5] • Total 690 • Density 550/km2 (1,400/sq mi) Time zone UTC+12 (NZST) • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (NZDT) Postcode 7010 Area code 03

**Nelson Central** is the central suburb and [central business district](/source/Central_business_district) of [Nelson](/source/Nelson%2C_New_Zealand), New Zealand.[6][7]

## Amenities

The suburb includes the [Christ Church Cathedral](/source/Christ_Church_Cathedral%2C_Nelson) and the surrounding Church Hill reserve.[8]

[Nelson Provincial Museum](/source/Nelson_Provincial_Museum), the regional museum, is located in Nelson Central.[9][10] It opened in its first form in 1842, making it New Zealand's first and oldest museum.[11]

The Suter Art Gallery was established in 1899,[12][13]

Other public reserves and facilities in the area include Anzac Memorial Park, Erin Reserve, Hallowell Cemetery, Old Bank Lane Gardens, Paru Paru Reserve, Princes Lookout Reserve, Quakers Acre Cemetery, Queens Gardens, the Riverside Reserve and Pool Complex, and Rutherford Park.[8]

## Demographics

The Nelson Central-Trafalgar statistical area covers 1.25 km2 (0.48 sq mi).[4] It had an estimated population of 690 as of June 2025,[5] with a population density of 552 people per km2.

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 483 — 2013 579 +2.62% 2018 675 +3.12% 2023 660 −0.45% Source: [14][15]

Nelson Central-Trafalgar had a population of 660 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), a decrease of 15 people (−2.2%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 81 people (14.0%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 369 males, 282 females, and 9 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 309 dwellings.[16] 7.7% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 40.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 63 people (9.5%) aged under 15 years, 171 (25.9%) aged 15 to 29, 300 (45.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 123 (18.6%) aged 65 or older.[14]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 70.0% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 12.7% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 3.6% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 18.6% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 2.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.4%, Māori by 4.1%, Samoan by 0.5%, and other languages by 22.7%. No language could be spoken by 0.9% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 39.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.[14]

Religious affiliations were 27.3% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 4.5% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 1.8% [Islam](/source/Islam_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 3.2% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 1.8% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 54.5%, and 6.4% of people did not answer the census question.[14]

Of those at least 15 years old, 153 (25.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 303 (50.8%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 147 (24.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $34,500, compared with $41,500 nationally. 30 people (5.0%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 273 (45.7%) full-time, 93 (15.6%) part-time, and 36 (6.0%) unemployed.[14]

## Education

[Nelson College for Girls](/source/Nelson_College_for_Girls) is a state secondary school for Year 9 to 13 girls.[17][18] It has a roll of 995 as of March 2026.[19] It opened in 1883.[20]

Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School is a private preparatory school for Year 7 to 8 girls, based on the Nelson College for Girls campus.[21] It has a roll of 98.[22] In the 1920s the Prep School moved temporarily to [Fairfield House](/source/Fairfield_House%2C_Nelson) at the end of Trafalgar Street.[23]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result"](https://www.electionz.com/LGE2025Results/ELT52NL25_Result.pdf) (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 18 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Amended Official Result for the Nelson Electoral District"](https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2023-au5286). [New Zealand Gazette](/source/New_Zealand_Gazette). 10 November 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Te Tai Tonga – Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-71.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 23 February 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_4-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_5-1) ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Solar Power Nelson"](https://www.bdn.co.nz/nelson/). *bdnsolar*. Retrieved 2 February 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Nelson Southern Link Investigation"](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/nelson-southern-link/NSLI-programme-business-case.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 2 February 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NCCparks_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NCCparks_8-1) ["Nelson Parks and Reserves"](http://www.nelson.govt.nz/recreation/recreation/parks-and-reserves/). *gdc.govt.nz*. [Gisborne District Council](/source/Gisborne_District_Council).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Nelson_Provincial_Museum_9-0)** ["Nelson Provincial Museum"](https://www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/). Nelson Provincial Museum.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nzmuseums-Nelson_Provincial_Museum_10-0)** ["Nelson Provincial Museum on NZ Museums"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220128200523/https://nzmuseums.co.nz/collections/3348/the-nelson-provincial-museum). *nzmuseums.co.nz*. [Te Papa](/source/Te_Papa). Archived from [the original](https://nzmuseums.co.nz/collections/3348/the-nelson-provincial-museum) on 28 January 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nelsonmuseum-opening_11-0)** Stafford, D (1992). *The Library from the sea: Public Library 1842-1992*. Nelson: Friends of the Nelson Library. pp. 2–4.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-The_Suter_Art_Gallery_12-0)** ["The Suter Art Gallery"](https://thesuter.org.nz). The Suter Art Gallery.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nzmuseums-The_Suter_Art_Gallery_13-0)** ["The Suter Art Gallery on NZ Museums"](https://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/collections/3001/the-suter-te-aratoi-o-whakatu). *nzmuseums.co.nz*. [Te Papa](/source/Te_Papa).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_14-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_14-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_14-4) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_008&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.304700.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Nelson Central-Trafalgar (304700). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_15-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Nelson Central-Trafalgar (304700). [2018 Census place summary: Nelson Central-Trafalgar](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/nelson-central-trafalgar)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.304700.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-official295_17-0)** ["Official School Website"](http://www.ncg.school.nz). *ncg.school.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ero295_18-0)** ["Education Review Office Report"](https://www.ero.govt.nz/institution/295/nelson-college-for-girls). *ero.govt.nz*. [Education Review Office](/source/Education_Review_Office).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-moe295_19-0)** ["Ministry of Education School Profile"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=295). *educationcounts.govt.nz*. [Ministry of Education](/source/Ministry_of_Education_(New_Zealand)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["History"](https://www.ncg.school.nz/history). Nelson College for Girls. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ero4121_21-0)** ["Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School Education Review Office Report"](https://www.ero.govt.nz/institution/4121/nelson-college-for-girls-prep-school). *ero.govt.nz*. [Education Review Office](/source/Education_Review_Office).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-moe4121_22-0)** ["Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School Ministry of Education School Profile"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=4121). *educationcounts.govt.nz*. [Ministry of Education](/source/Ministry_of_Education_(New_Zealand)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["History"](https://www.fairfieldnelson.org.nz/history/). Fairfield House. Retrieved 30 April 2026.

v t e Nelson, New Zealand Suburbs Nelson North Atawhai Brooklands Dodson Valley Glenduan Hira Marybank Todds Valley Wakapuaka Nelson Central Beachville Bishopdale Britannia Heights The Brook The Grampians Maitai Nelson Central Nelson East Nelson South Port Nelson Stepneyville Toi Toi / Victory Village Washington Valley The Wood Tāhunanui-Port Hills Annesbrook Enner Glynn Moana Tāhunanui Tasman Heights Wakatu Stoke Greenmeadows Park Maitlands Monaco Nayland Saxton Stoke Geographic features Arrow Rock Boulder Bank Bryant Range Delaware Bay Haulashore Island Pepin Island Rotokura / Cable Bay Whangamoa Saddle Facilities and attractions Amber House Botanical Gardens Boulder Bank Lighthouse Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Cabragh House Christ Church Cathedral Dun Mountain Railway Fairfield House Freezing Works railway station Horoirangi Marine Reserve Melrose House Nelson Airport Nelson Provincial Museum Rutherford Hotel Wakapuaka Cemetery Government Mayor 2016 2019 City Council 2022 2025 Organisations Cawthron Institute Nelson Brass Academy Nelson Garrison Band Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Nelson Railway Society World of Wearable Art Schools Garin College Nayland College Nelson College Nelson College for Girls Nelson Central School Media The Colonist Fifeshire FM The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle The Nelson Mail The Planet 97FM Potton & Burton Radio Nelson Iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Te Atiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Ngāti Kōata Ngāti Kuia Rangitāne o Wairau Ngāti Rārua Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu Ngāti Toa Rangatira

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nelson Central](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Central) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Central?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.