Police received the complaint from the woman that she had been sexually assaulted in the Maitai Valley area on February 15.
Following publicity about the alleged incident, a man came forward to police to assist with their investigation.
It has been subsequently established that the woman's claim she had been sexually assaulted was not true.
Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne McCoy says complaints such as sexual assaults always receive priority and significant time and resources have been tied up investigating the complaints.
"To receive a false complaint is disappointing on several fronts. Resources that could have been used investigating other genuine complaints had been tied up and on top of that the public of Nelson have been led to believe they should be fearful for their safety."
Det Sen Sgt McCoy said the 21-year-old woman would be summonsed for making a false complaint to police.
Police are continuing to investigate two other sexual assaults in the Bridge Street and Queen's Gardens area of Nelson.
PR
