Mike Ward (Nelson)

No list of Nelson Local Gems would be complete without mentioning iconic artist, writer, thinker, runner, and community advocate Mike Ward. Now in his 80s, Mike has been creating jewellery, World of Wearable Art entries, writing books, serving as a city councillor, running the trails, and being an all-round lovely local for decades. These days you will find Mike making and selling his creative work at the Nelson Saturday Market most weeks, and working from his studio space in Church St most weekdays. If you're feeling an urge for an uplifting conversation about the state of the world seek Mike out. He's ever hopeful about the human capacity for goodness, creativity, and making the world a better place through consensus building. If you want a beautiful creative piece to remind you of your time in Nelson, he's your guy. Quite simply, Mike makes the world a better place by being in it.