Council.

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Stories

New Plymouth Surf Club Installs Rainwater System with Council Climate Funding

The East End Surf Life Saving Club has installed a new rainwater storage system funded by NPDC's Community Climate Action Fund to wash down rescue gear and reduce mains water usage.

Tony Skilling1 week ago

Campground Reopening

Onaero Bay Holiday Park Reopens Under New Management for Whitebait Season

Onaero Bay Holiday Park has reopened under a new five-year lease with Penny, just in time for the start of the 2026 whitebaiting season.

Tony Skilling2 weeks ago

Public Consultation

New Plymouth District Council and Wai Hononga seek feedback on engagement policies

New Plymouth District Council and Wai Hononga Water Services are calling for public feedback on draft policies that determine how the community is consulted on major decisions.

Tony Skilling2 weeks ago

Council Appointment

Kelvin Wright appointed as new Chief Executive of New Plymouth District Council

Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Kelvin Wright has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the New Plymouth District Council, starting his role in October 2026.

Tony Skilling2 weeks ago

Council News

New Plymouth District Council retains STV voting system and funds water billing prep

New Plymouth District Council has voted to retain the STV voting system, approved $660,000 for volumetric water billing preparation, and updated beach horse-riding restrictions.

Tony Skilling3 weeks ago

Council Consultation

NPDC seeks public feedback on allowing dogs back into New Plymouth CBD

The New Plymouth District Council is consulting the public on a proposed amendment to the Dog Control Bylaw that would allow dogs on leads within selected areas of the city centre.

Tony Skilling3 weeks ago

Council Survey

Feedback sought on controversial Devon Street West cycle separators in New Plymouth

New Plymouth District Council has launched a survey seeking final public feedback on the trialled Devon Street West cycle separators before a decision in October.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Infrastructure Alert

Massive Underground Water Leak Discovered at New Plymouth District Council Civic Centre

A silent underground water leak outside the New Plymouth District Council Civic Centre was losing 5,000 litres of water an hour before blowing the site's water meter.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Community Sport

Photos: Framing begins for Tūparikino Active Hub in New Plymouth

Construction has reached the framing stage for the Tūparikino Active Hub, a $50 million six-court indoor sports stadium in New Plymouth scheduled to open by mid-2028.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Community Awards

Local Legends Honoured at New Plymouth District Council Youth and Citizens' Awards

One youth and ten citizens have been recognised for their outstanding community contributions at the annual New Plymouth District Council awards.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

City Development

Photos: Progress continues on New Plymouth's West End Crossing project

The West End Crossing project in New Plymouth is progressing with street upgrades, wider paths, and shared spaces around Ngāmotu House, the Len Lye Centre, and the Clock Tower.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Road Safety Trial

Photos: Trial safety makeover begins around New Plymouth Cenotaph

A 12-month trial makeover has begun around the New Plymouth Cenotaph to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers by making a section of Queen Street one-way.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Council Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford Councils Back Two-Council Model for Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford district councils have voted to support a two-council model for local government reform, rejecting a single region-wide authority.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Council Reform

NPDC to Hold Extraordinary Meeting on Local Government Reforms and $1.3M Cost

New Plymouth District Council is meeting to decide on the Taranaki Future Local Government Programme, which could cost the council over $660,000.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Rates Cap

Government to Legally Cap Local Council Rate Increases at Four Percent

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has announced a new policy introducing a two to four percent target range for annual rate increases per capita.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

RMA Reform

Government Scraps Council-Iwi Resource Management Agreements Ahead of RMA Reforms

The Coalition Government has blocked existing and pending Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into New Zealand's new planning framework.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Council Reform

NPDC to Progress 'Pathfinder' Proposal on Future of Taranaki Local Government

New Plymouth District Council has agreed to draft a 'Pathfinder' proposal on local government reform to submit to the Government by August 9.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Community Event

Lepperton Community Invited to Manutahi Park Planting Day

Residents are invited to help plant native trees at Lepperton's new Manutahi Park this Saturday, marking a major step in the development of the community greenspace.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Council Reform

NPDC to decide on fast-track local government reform timeline

New Plymouth District Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to choose its strategic direction and timeline for the Taranaki Future Local Government reform programme.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Heritage Funding

Inglewood's historic St Andrew's Church secures $100k heritage grant

Inglewood's historic St Andrew's Church is set to undergo a $4.2 million restoration and earthquake-strengthening project, aided by a $100,000 grant from NPDC.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Public Notice

New Plymouth District Council Seeks Public Input on 10-Year Plan

The New Plymouth District Council is calling on residents to share their priorities and help shape future investment as planning begins for the 2027-2037 10-year Plan.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Urban Development

Photos: Huatoki Stream daylighting underway at Metro Plaza site

New Plymouth District Council has partnered with KDH and Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū to daylight the Huatoki Stream and redevelop adjacent sites on Devon and Brougham streets.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Project Update

Photos: Fitzroy Beach access project nears completion

The Fitzroy beach access project is nearing completion, with recent progress captured in photos.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Local Council

Councillor Murray Chong Monitors Devon Street West Cycleway Traffic Ahead of September Vote

New Plymouth District councillor Murray Chong is filming traffic on Devon Street West to gather independent data before a crucial council vote on the future of the cycleway separators.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Roading Trial

Work Begins on $300,000 Safety Trial Around New Plymouth Cenotaph

Construction has started on a 12-month trial to transform the western side of the New Plymouth Cenotaph into a pedestrian-friendly zone and convert Queen Street into a one-way road.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Roading Mandate

Councils face funding ultimatum over road cone rules as government mandates risk-based approach

New Plymouth District Council has secured government praise and reduced traffic management costs after early adoption of a new risk-based approach to road cones.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Council Agreement

Taranaki Regional Council signs historic Waitara River agreement with Ngāti Maru

The Taranaki Regional Council has approved a landmark Joint Management Agreement with Ngāti Maru to establish a shared framework for environmental decision-making across the Waitara River catchment.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Board Appointment

Anthony Wilson Appointed Chairperson of Wai Hononga Water Services Board

New Plymouth District Council has appointed infrastructure veteran Anthony Wilson as the new chairperson of the Wai Hononga Water Services Limited board.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Weather Update

Severe Gales Cause Road Closures and Service Disruptions Across New Plymouth District

An Orange Strong Wind Warning in Taranaki has prompted road closures, tree falls, and changes to kerbside rubbish collections across the New Plymouth district.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Service Update

NPDC Cancels Bin Collections as Severe Wind Warning Batters Taranaki

New Plymouth District Council has cancelled bin collections today as an Orange Strong Wind Warning remains in place for Taranaki with gusts of up to 130km/h.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Council Rates

New Plymouth District Council Adopts 2026/27 Annual Plan with 4.9% Rates Rise

New Plymouth District Council has adopted its 2026/27 Annual Plan, delivering a 4.9 percent rates increase, which is significantly lower than originally forecasted.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Bank Merger

Councillors Back Mayor Max to Advocate on Proposed TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

New Plymouth District Councillors have voted to support Mayor Max Brough in advocating to the Toi Foundation regarding the proposed $620 million TSB and Heartland Bank merger.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Roading Trial

New Plymouth Cenotaph Area to Undergo One-Way Roading and Pedestrian Safety Trial

A 12-month trial starting in July will make Queen Street one-way near the New Plymouth Cenotaph to create a safer pedestrian-only space.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Community Alert

Pukekura Park Playground Slide Damaged by Fire as Vandalism Costs Soar in New Plymouth

New Plymouth District Council faces escalating vandalism costs, including an $8,000 repair bill for a Pukekura Park slide damaged in a recent fire.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Council News

Graffiti Surge and Vandalism Put Pressure on New Plymouth District Council Budget

A spike in graffiti incidents and vandalism to public facilities, including a playground slide fire, is putting significant pressure on the New Plymouth District Council's clean-up budget.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Bylaw Review

NPDC Considers Changing New Plymouth CBD Dog Ban to Leashed Control Area

The New Plymouth District Council is drafting an amendment to its Dog Control Bylaw that could see well-behaved, leashed dogs allowed back into the city centre.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Award Winner

Destination Kāwaroa Wins National Award for Excellence in Placemaking

The Destination Kāwaroa project has won the Beca Award for Excellence in Placemaking at the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Government

Mayor Calls for Pause on Proposed TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough has formally requested the Toi Foundation to halt the proposed $620 million merger between TSB and Heartland Bank to allow for community consultation.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Community Spirit

National Volunteer Week: New Plymouth Volunteer Shares Journey of Finding Purpose and Connection

New Plymouth District Council volunteer Iuliana Secuiu shares how helping at local events and founding the Migrant Women Meet group gave her a sense of purpose after moving from Romania.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Council News

Noise Testing Proposed for Potential New Plymouth Skid Pad Site on Clemow Road

Mayor Max Brough has confirmed that acoustic testing is the first step to determine if a former industrial site off Clemow Road is suitable for a purpose-built skid pad to address illegal burnouts.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Retail Update

Mayor Max Brough Confirms Ongoing Discussions with Kmart Over Potential New Plymouth Store

Mayor Max Brough has revealed that Kmart is reviewing local retail data and remains interested in expanding to New Plymouth, though finding a suitable central location remains a challenge.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Public Survey

NPDC Launches Survey to Shape the Future of Local Government in Taranaki

The New Plymouth District Council has opened its 'Shaping Taranaki's Future' survey, inviting residents to share their views on upcoming local government reforms and structure.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Public Survey

South Taranaki District Council Launches Survey on Local Government Reform

The South Taranaki District Council has launched a public survey asking residents to weigh in on whether Taranaki should have one or two councils under upcoming local government reforms.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Politics

Taranaki Leaders Unite to Oppose Government's Disability Support Services Bill

The Taranaki Mayoral Forum has sent an urgent letter to the Government opposing key aspects of the proposed Disability Support Services Bill over concerns of cost-shifting to ratepayers.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Politics

Taranaki advocates and councillor push back against government disability support bill

Disability advocates and a New Plymouth district councillor are calling on local mayors to oppose a controversial government bill overhauling disability support.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Government

Government to Restrict Council Committee Voting Rights to Elected Members Only

The government has announced a law change that will remove voting rights from unelected iwi and community representatives on local council committees.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Council Funding

New Plymouth Council Approves Funding for YMCA Homeless Storage Facility

New Plymouth district councillors have approved $65,000 in funding for a YMCA-managed daytime storage facility for the city's homeless, despite debate over the service's purpose.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Rates Increase

Stratford District Council Adopts Annual Plan with 5.9 Percent Rates Rise

Stratford ratepayers face a 5.9 percent overall rates increase following the adoption of the 2026/27 Annual Plan, driven largely by rising water and wastewater service costs.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Road Safety

New Electronic Safety Signs Installed Near Mimi School to Protect Rural Students

New electronic vehicle-activated safety signs have been installed on Pukearuhe Road near Mimi School to slow down drivers and protect children using the school bus.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Project Update

Stratford Park Motorsport Facility Plans Abandoned Due to Operational Restrictions

The Taranaki Motorsport Facility Charitable Trust has ceased attempts to develop a motorsport facility at Stratford Park, citing unviable noise and access restrictions.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Democracy

Taranaki Councils to Vote on Government's Head Start Local Reform Pathway

All four Taranaki local authorities will hold extraordinary meetings to decide whether to join the government's voluntary Head Start pathway for local government reform.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Town Revitalisation

Construction on Eltham's Stark Park Upgrade to Begin in June

Construction on the next stage of Eltham’s Town Centre Revitalisation is set to begin in early June 2026, bringing major upgrades to Stark Park.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Urban Greening

Photos: Alder trees replaced with native planting on Devon Street East

Ageing alder trees along Devon Street East are being replaced with native planting as part of the Devon Street Green Masterplan.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Community Health

Five New Public Defibrillators Funded for Taranaki Communities

Community boards in Inglewood, Clifton, and Waitara have funded five new public automated external defibrillators to help save lives during cardiac arrests.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

City Development

Photos: Progress on the West End Crossing and Queen Street upgrade

The New Plymouth District Council's West End Crossing and Queen Street upgrade project is on track for completion in July, aiming to revitalise the city centre.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Public Consultation

New Plymouth District Council seeks public feedback on major CBD parking review

The New Plymouth District Council is reviewing CBD parking, including hourly rates and mobility spaces, and is calling for public feedback before May 29.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Urban Development

Photos: West End Crossing work progresses in New Plymouth CBD

Work continues near the New Plymouth Clock Tower to develop Queen Street as part of the New Plymouth District Council's West End Crossing project.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Roading Update

Taumatamaire Road Highlighted as Informal Bypass Option During Awakino Gorge Closures

While not officially recommended, Taumatamaire Road is being looked at by local mayors as a potential backup route during State Highway 3 closures, despite its narrow and winding layout.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Business Opportunity

Search Underway for New Operator of Pukeiti Gardens' Rainforest Eatery

Taranaki Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest for a new operator to run the Rainforest Eatery at Pukeiti Gardens after the previous leaseholder ended their lease.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

CBD Redevelopment

Photos: Metro Plaza demolition underway in New Plymouth CBD

The demolition of Metro Plaza in New Plymouth's CBD is underway, uncovering the Huatoki Stream and 100-year-old Oregon pine beams as part of a new green space project.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Council Trial

NPDC Begins Trial Replacing Concrete 'Tim Tam' Cycleway Separators

Contractors have begun replacing controversial concrete cycleway separators with rubber alternatives along Devon Street as part of a New Plymouth District Council trial.

Tony Skilling4 months ago

Health Update

Boil Water Notice Lifted for Bell Block and The Links, Remains at New Plymouth Airport

The New Plymouth District Council has lifted the precautionary boil water notice for Bell Block and The Links after clear test results, but the notice remains in place for the New Plymouth Airport.

Tony Skilling5 months ago

Council Decision

New Plymouth District Council Votes to Renew LGNZ Membership for 12 Months

New Plymouth District councillors have voted to renew their membership of Local Government New Zealand for another year, following debate over costs and the value of the organisation.

Tony Skilling5 months ago

Council Update

Steve Ruru Appointed Interim CEO of New Plymouth District Council

Taranaki Regional Council CEO Steve Ruru will step in as interim chief executive of the New Plymouth District Council for the next six to nine months.

Tony Skilling6 months ago

Cycleway Trial

Watch: First 'Tim Tam' Cycleway Separators Removed from Devon Street West

The first concrete 'Tim Tam' cycleway separators have been removed from New Plymouth's Devon Street West as part of a trial replacing them with rubber alternatives.

Tony Skilling6 months ago

Council Decision

Watch: NPDC Councillors Debate 'Tim Tam' Removal After Motion Defeated 9–6

New Plymouth District Council debated the controversial "Tim Tam" cycleway barriers, ultimately approving a localised trial of alternative separators while the majority of the existing infrastructure remains.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Council Unity

NPDC Reinstates Age and Accessibility Working Party After Unanimous Vote

New Plymouth District Councillors unanimously voted to reinstate the Age and Accessibility Working Party for a 12-month term, following strong community deputations and a mayoral apology for previous distress.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Project Update

New Plymouth's Queen Street Project Sees $545k Savings, Budget Trimmed to $2.9 Million

New Plymouth District Council has identified over $545,000 in cost savings for the Queen Street development, reducing the project's budget from $3.5 million to approximately $2.9 million through design adjustments.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Biosecurity Alert

Lake Rotomanu to be Drained for Gold Clam Infestation Investigation

Lake Rotomanu will be drained this week to allow scientists to investigate the full extent of a freshwater gold clam infestation, the first detection outside the Waikato River.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Cycleway Debate

New Plymouth Mayor and Councillor Seek Wellington Support on Tim Tam Cycleway Barriers

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough and Councillor Damon Fox met with ACT MP Cameron Luxton in Wellington to discuss the controversial Tim Tam cycleway barriers, with Waka Kotahi confirming no funding repayment if changes are made.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Housing Project

Construction Begins on NPDC's Affordable Housing for Seniors in Bell Block

Construction has commenced on the first stage of New Plymouth District Council's $12 million affordable housing programme, with 12 new one-bedroom units for seniors now underway in Bell Block.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Green Initiative

TSB Festival of Lights to Run on Zero Emissions Thanks to New Plymouth Airport Solar Farm

New Plymouth District Council has secured a five-year deal with the New Plymouth Airport solar farm, enabling the TSB Festival of Lights and other council operations to run on 100% renewable electricity, achieving zero emissions for the upc

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Election Results

Meet New Plymouth District's Newly Elected Councillors and Their Key Policy Stances

Following the final declaration of local body election results, this overview introduces the eight newly-elected NPDC councillors and their stated positions on key issues.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Election Confirmed

Final NPDC Election Results Confirmed: EJ Barrett Unseats Bryan Vickery, Max Brough Mayor

The final New Plymouth District Council election results, including a significant volume of special votes, confirm EJ Barrett has unseated Bryan Vickery, and Max Brough is the new Mayor.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Preliminary Results

Preliminary NPDC Election Results: EJ Barrett Ahead of Bryan Vickery, Special Votes Pending

Preliminary New Plymouth District Council election results indicate EJ Barrett has unseated Bryan Vickery in the Kaitake-Ngāmotu ward, with final results awaiting special votes.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Election Results

Max Brough Elected Mayor of New Plymouth in Landslide Victory

Max Brough has a commanding lead in the New Plymouth mayoral race based on progress results, with a significant margin over David Bublitz, indicating a clear mandate for change.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Vote Now

New Plymouth Local Election Turnout at 30% with 1.5 Days Remaining

New Plymouth's local election turnout stands at 30.3% with just 1.5 days left, tracking similarly to 2022 despite an extended voting period.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

CBD Revitalisation

Photos: Native trees replace ageing alders in New Plymouth CBD

Ageing alder trees in the New Plymouth CBD have been replaced with native shade trees and street-level greenery.

Tony Skilling12 months ago

CBD Upgrade

New Plymouth CBD Undergoes Green Facelift, Natives Replace Ageing Alders

New Plymouth's CBD is getting a green facelift, replacing ageing Italian alders on Devon Street with native shade trees and greenery to enhance safety and amenity as part of the City Centre Strategy.

Tony Skilling12 months ago

Election Debate

Rates Cap a Key Election Issue in New Plymouth as Poll Shows 75% Support

A national RNZ-Reid Research poll reveals 75% of voters support a rates cap, making it a significant election issue in New Plymouth where mayoral hopeful Max Brough advocates for stricter spending limits.

Tony Skilling1 year ago

Cycleway Debate

"Tim Tam" Cycleway Survey Presented to Minister Shane Jones, Shows Overwhelming Opposition

A community survey with over 7,000 responses, presented to Minister Shane Jones, revealed only 2% support for New Plymouth's "Tim Tam" cycleway separators, sparking debate over their safety and impact on businesses.

Tony Skilling1 year ago

Council Vote

New Plymouth Council Approves $3.5 Million Queen Street Revamp for West End Crossing

New Plymouth District Council has approved a $3.5 million Queen Street makeover, creating a new shared zone between Devon and King streets despite some opposition, with construction set for November 2025.

Tony Skilling1 year ago

Videos

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First “Tim Tam” Cycleway Separators Removed

Taranaki Media3 March 2026

David Lean Memorial Fund Announcement

Taranaki Media1 November 2025

Max Brough Elected Mayor of New Plymouth District

Taranaki Media20 October 2025