A great place to work
Hurunui District Council is proud to recognise an exceptional milestone as Vanessa Nelmes marks 30 years of dedicated service, making her one of the longest serving members of staff in the Council’s history.
Vanessa began her journey with the Council following a short period of work experience, taking on the role of Support Officer (Clerical). Over the past three decades, she has worked alongside ten sets of councillors, three Chief Executives and five Mayors, including Hurunui’s very first female.
Her early days as receptionist in a job sharing role soon evolved when she was recruited by the then Tourism Manager for one day a week. That part-time role quickly grew into a full-time position as her skill set and passion became indispensable. More recently she joined the Community Team, where she has held a number of key positions including Community Partnerships Co-ordinator and, more recently, Community Development Facilitator.
Vanessa is widely regarded as the glue that holds everything together. With a calm and warm demeanour and a wealth of institutional knowledge, she is known as the go to person for everything.
Having grown up in the Hurunui area and with strong family ties to the district, Vanessa’s connection to the community is both personal and professional. She has played a central role in countless initiatives, from supporting funding applications to organising workshops and leading Covid recovery events. Her commitment ensures that every project is delivered with care from beginning to end.
“There is hardly a part of Council that Vanessa has not touched,” said Acting Chief Executive Daniel Harris. “She’s someone who simply gets things done. No fuss, just a genuine desire to support others and make a difference.”
Vanessa is known for building strong interdepartmental relationships and supporting the growth of community projects across the district. Her legacy is not just in the outcomes of her work, but in the enduring culture of connection and support she continues to foster.
Mayor Marie Black said this is a remarkable milestone.
"Vanessa she is truly worthy of this recognition, she is an absolute asset to our organisation. Her dedication and passion is evident in everything she does. Vanessa offers unwavering support and an inspiration to many, and it has been a privilege to work alongside Vanessa on many projects."
Hurunui District Council extends its heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Vanessa for her remarkable service. Her contribution to both Council and community is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to the continued impact of her work in the Age Friendly space.
