Richmond is a town in New Zealand and serves as the seat of the Tasman District Council. It lies approximately 13 kilometres south of Nelson on the South Island, situated close to the southern extremity of Tasman Bay. Although most of the urban area falls outside Nelson City boundaries, it forms part of the wider Nelson metropolitan area alongside Brightwater, Hope, Māpua, and Wakefield. The town is considered a separate urban area but cooperates with Nelson for tourism marketing through Latitude Nelson.

The area was first settled by Europeans in 1842 and originally known as Waimea East. It was named Richmond in 1854 after the town of Richmond on the Thames near London. From 1853 to 1876, the urban area was administered as part of Nelson Province. Following the Abolition of Provinces Act 1876, it became part of Waimea County before establishing its own Richmond Borough Council in 1891. The borough existed until local government reforms in 1989 amalgamated it into the Tasman District.

Richmond functions as a significant regional hub with distinct administrative and commercial landmarks. The Richmond Mall, opened in 1973, covers 23,142 square metres and houses 70 stores including Farmers and Pak'nSave. Educational infrastructure includes Waimea College, Waimea Intermediate, Richmond School, Henley School, and specialist institutions like Salisbury School and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia Te Matangi. The Nelson Speedway, located nearby on Lansdowne Road, hosts various motorsport events.

The town offers a blend of historical heritage and modern community facilities. Its educational history dates back to 1856 with the opening of Richmond Primary School, now Richmond School. Religious diversity is reflected in institutions such as Garin College and St Paul's School. The area supports a vibrant community life through its schools and local governance structures, maintaining its identity as a key settlement within the Tasman District while preserving its historical roots from the mid-nineteenth century.

Richmond had an estimated population of 19,950 as of June 2025, with a density of 1,137 people per square kilometre. The economy is supported by retail, education, and local services, with a median income of $38,200 recorded in the 2023 census. Transport access is facilitated by its proximity to Nelson and major roadways. The climate is temperate, typical of the South Island region, supporting both residential living and tourism activities within the broader Nelson metropolitan area.