The Nelson Giants, our beloved and venerable basketball team, have been a cornerstone of our community for many years. They are more than just a sports team; they are a vital part of our city's identity and history. However, the team now faces an existential threat due to a decision made by the Nelson City Council to grant exclusive rights for food and beverage sales at the Trafalgar Centre to an Auckland-based contractor, Community Leisure Management (CLM). This decision threatens to strip away significant funding from local sponsors, potentially leading to the closure of the Giants next year.

The Trafalgar Centre is not just a venue; it's a gathering place for the community, where local businesses have traditionally thrived by supporting these events. By allowing CLM to monopolize these rights, it undermines local businesses and disrupts the symbiotic relationship they have maintained with the Giants. It begs the question as to whom this decision truly benefits.

Nelson is known for its strong community spirit and its commitment to supporting local enterprise. When decisions like this arise, the ramifications extend beyond financial figures—they strike at the heart of local identity and social fabric. Letting an outsider corporation control such an integral part of a local event limits opportunities for local vendors, which in turn reduces community engagement and economic stimulation within the city.

Urging the Nelson City Council to rethink this decision is crucial. It's not merely about preserving a basketball team; it's about maintaining the livelihood of local businesses and the integrity of community traditions. By reinstating local vendors' rights at the Trafalgar Centre during Nelson Giants home games, we can ensure that the financial vitality and cultural vibrancy of our city remain intact.

Tell the Nelson City Council that your support lies with the local community and its businesses — not with external entities. Together, we can convince the Council to reconsider their decision and make choices that reflect and support the longstanding values of Nelson.

Please sign this petition to demonstrate your support for basketball growth and much-loved Nelson Giants.