‘Almost Insulting’ – Nelson Businesses Dub Council Rates Offer TokenisticAugust 11, 2026NelsonNelson businesses hit by long-running Bridge St roadworks say a council rates deferral scheme will do little to ease the pain. Nelson City Council agreed to allow affected businesses to defer their rates for the 2026-27 year, if there has been a loss of turnover during the roadworks. Similarly, Yusuf Corten from Pizzeria Bella was not impressed by the rates deferral scheme. Bridge Street landlord Gaire Thompson described the rates deferral as a “token gesture, but better than nothing”. The rates deferral was announced after Mayor Nick Smith met with several “very distressed businesses” that were feeling cost pressures.