Nelson's mayor is using a false claim from the new US President in his inaugural address to promote the city.

Trump's list of Americans' claims to greatness included splitting the atom, which was achieved by Kiwi Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1917.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith's inviting the US Ambassador to visit the memorial to Rutherford.

He says he wants to celebrate his heritage.

"It was extraordinary that a small boy that grew up in a little place called Brightwater, Foxhill and Havelock who went to Nelson College went on to make some of the most amazing scientific discoveries."

LISTEN ABOVE