Mayors urge Top of the South to get behind Gigatown Nelson

As the race to be the Gigatown comes to a head, the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman Mayors are urging everyone with a connection to the Top of the South to get behind Nelson.

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says that the benefits of winning the Gigatown competition would be far-reaching.

“This week is the last chance for the Top of the South to realise the benefits of superfast internet, but we need your help. Every entry counts!

“Everyone across the Top of the South needs to pull together and register at gigatown.co.nz and select Nelson as their town, to ensure our region remains in the running to gain from superfast internet and all the spin-off advantages it would bring, from economic development, job creation and education to health delivery and entertainment.”

Nelson must remain in the top five of the Gigatown competition all this week, to be in to win some of the fastest internet in the Southern Hemisphere. Competition is intense as the top five towns on 12 September will go into the final, which ends in November.

Marlborough Mayor Alastair Sowman says that a win for Nelson in Gigatown could have benefits that would stretch across the wider Top of the South community.

“At this stage of the competition, it is no longer just about the individual towns; there’s potential here for a benefit to the wider region so Marlborough can be a good neighbour and help Nelson to remain in the top five.”

Tasman’s Deputy Mayor Tim King says that all members of the Top of the South community stand to gain, either directly or indirectly, from Nelson winning Gigatown.

“From tourism, to education, agriculture, business and the creative arts, the possibilities for our region’s future are endless. And it’s so simple to get involved, so it is worth encouraging friends, family and neighbours to do their bit for our wider community and register this week.”

Gigatown Nelson is asking everyone who hasn't signed up at gigatown.co.nz to do so by midnight this Thursday (choose Nelson as your town and don't forget to check your junk mail folder for the all-important activation email).

Clare Atkins of the Gigatown Nelson campaign team says that once people have signed up for Nelson all that's left to do is the September Masterclass Gigaquiz.

“With each quiz worth at least 500 points, every last one counts to make sure Nelson gets into the final. We know you're all busy people so if you don't have time or would like some help, email info@gigatownnelson.co.nz as soon as you can, and we'll get straight back to you.”

Supporters can also add to Nelson’s point tally by including the #gigatownnelson hash tag in their social media posts on the Gigatown Nelson facebook page, on twitter and on instagram.

“Once you've done the quiz, there's still a few days left to enter our great competitions too, with prizes including an electric bike and two fantastic travel packages for national and international supporters (check out www.gigatownnsn.co.nz for the travel packages andwww.gigatownnelson.co.nz for the electric bike), which is a great way to encourage friends and family to enter the competition and support Nelson,” adds Clare.

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