Objectives of the Nelson Historical Society are:

• (a) To gather and record the history of the northern part of the South Island in order to educate the public and foster understanding of our heritage.
• (b) To promote public awareness of that history by organising meetings, field trips to places of historical interest, and other similar activities.
• (c) To undertake, encourage and support research into historical matters, including the publication of the outcome of such research.
• (d) To be a strong advocate for greater awareness and preservation of historical values.