Sometime back, local businessman Sir Patrick Goodman commissioned this painting by internationally recognised, Australian maritime painter Ian Hansen.  It was Sir Patrick's intention to present the painting to the city of Nelson to commemorate the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).

As the saying goes, "good things take time" and the painting finally arrived by air-freight on April 16 2008 just hours before the artist himself, flew into Nelson airport.  It was with great honour that I was able to meet with the artist and Sir Patrick to accept the painting on behalf of the citizens of Nelson.  It was also fitting that the painting be introduced to the community at The Suter Art Gallery before moving to permanent display at the City Council Chambers.

It is with pleasure that these circumstances allow for me to select this painting for the People's Choice display.  It is a dramatic depiction of the Battle of Trafalgar and records the moments after Lord Horatio Nelson was shot down by French snipers aboard the Redoubtable (the ship to the immediate right of the Victory).  The artist has paid particular attention to historical accuracy in his portrayal of the battle formation and technical detail of the ships.  The scale of this spectacular battle is nearly unbelievable to modern eyes.

Most importantly however, this art work commemorates the event most closely associated with the namesake of our city - Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805).  It is believed that Arthur Wakefield, who was charged with the establishment of Nelson for the New Zealand Company, suggested the name in memory of his former skipper, Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy.  Hardy had served in the Battle of Trafalgar and was a Lord Nelson's side during his last moments and to whom the dying Admiral famously remarked 'Kiss me Hardy'.  The death of Hardy in 1840 may have prompted Wakefield to suggest Nelson, and to name one of the first streets (Hardy Street) after him.

As we continue to develop a strong sense of our own identity as a community at the top of New Zealand's South Island, it is always good to pause and remember significant moments in our history.  For while the battle is far removed from our geographic location, its consequences and the safety it guaranteed to the English nation, enabled exploration and settlement further afield - New Zealand especially.  This is surely one of Wakefield's reasons for naming our town and to ensure that we remember the history and times of our ancestors.