Which now consists of three Companies: The Nelson Battalion of Militia was the first NZ Army Unit formed in the South Island and one of the first in New Zealand.

Mr Joseph Ford Wilson was offered and accepted a commission as Surgeon on 9 June 1845 but for some reason this was not gazetted.

As the Units founding Officer-Commanding, he was given the responsibility of heading the volunteer movement within Canterbury.

On 5 August 1859 Captain Scott convened a meeting in the Golden Fleece Hotel.

In 1861 the NVR was Commanded by: The Marlborough Militia District was gazzetted on 27 February 1860, Captain W.D.H.

The regiment perpetuates the battle honours awarded to the 23rd, 26th, 30th and 37th Battalions, Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.