Latest news with #NPDC
Scoop
13 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Mayor And Councillors Give Residential Ratepayers A Credit
Residential ratepayers in the New Plymouth District will get a credit of approximately $102 (some will get more, some less) applied to their rates bill this year. This decision made at a Council meeting today (22 July) was required following the discovery of an incorrect assumption about the average land value used in the rating model, which would have seen these rates increase to 12.8 per cent on average versus publicly shared average residential rate of 9.9 per cent. Legal advice indicates the rates are legally valid. Another error was also fixed today, with a minute corrected to include the correct wording relating to the restricted water flow charge. These changes follow urgent independent review called for by Mayor Neil Holdom combined with an internal review, following another administrative error relating to GST found in May. NPDC Chief Executive Gareth Green apologises for the errors. 'On behalf of the NPDC organisation, I wish to offer my sincere apologies to the Mayor and Councillors, and our entire community, for the failing of our systems and processes that led to these errors.' The overall rates increase for 2025/2026 is 9.1 per cent. What happens now? Rates bills for the first of four quarterly instalments are expected to be sent out at the end of this month as normal. The amount owed showing on the bill will reflect the resolution in adopting the Annual Plan, but an 'adjustment' or credit will be applied to each bill to reflect the decision made by the Council today (22 July). The adjustment will be spread across the year.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
If This Building Could Sing: Len Lye Centre Celebrates 10th Anniversary In Sound
Marking ten extraordinary years of one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic cultural landmarks, NPDC's Len Lye Centre in Ngāmotu New Plymouth will premiere a groundbreaking new commission on Saturday 30 August. The 'sonification' of its shimmering steel and concrete structure into a new musical work will be performed by players from the NZ Symphony Orchestra—Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa. A Score for the Len Lye Centre, by Swedish Albanian Australian artist and composer Mia Salsjö will be performed in the gallery, free to the public, by musicians from the NZSO with principal conductor Hamish McKeich. The striking new work is both a response to the materiality of the building, and a tribute to leading twentieth-century artist Len Lye, whose legacy the centre was built to honour. Salsjö translated architectural plans from Pattersons Associates into one thousand graphic scores through a personalised and intricate codified system. Her research also drew on material from the Len Lye Foundation Archive, transforming Lye's experimental sketches and kinetic sculptures into sonic figures. Orchestrated for a 13-piece string ensemble, the work includes a synthesizer to perform recordings Lye made of his sculptures in the 1960s—realising his intention for these samples to be used by the composers of the future. Three free performances on August 30 headline the centre's 10th anniversary programme, which includes a full day of free public events for whānau. The commission belongs to an evolving performance programme as part Direct Bodily Empathy —Sensing Sound a major two-part exhibition curated by Anna Briers to celebrate the occasion. ' A Score for the Len Lye Centre encapsulates the past, present and future of the Len Lye Centre—showcasing bold creativity and artistic innovation,' says Dr Zara Stanhope, Ringatohu Director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre. 'Mia's work is a dynamic way to celebrate this extraordinary building and mark its anniversary.' Salsjö's process has drawn global acclaim, and she is known for transposing significant international landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge into an orchestral composition as part of 'The National, Australian Art Now' at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), in 2023. New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Marc Feldman adds: 'We're excited to join with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre for this significant project. By bringing together two nationally beloved institutions in music and art for a daring new commission we are creating a new future for both our organisations. Our performance within the Len Lye Centre itself will add a powerful resonance to the project —it's more than a concert; it's a conversation with the artwork and the building, a dialogue that I hope will be on-going.' Free public performances of A Score for the Len Lye Centre occur on Saturday 30 August at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. The score will be recorded at the internationally renowned studio Park Road Post Production with the NZSO, before being installed as a sound installation for listeners to experience in the gallery from 6 September 2025 to 16 March 2026. All anniversary events are free to the public. For full programme details, visit FAST FACTS The Len Lye centre was opened in June 2015. Designed by Patterson Architects, its $13.5 million construction cost was raised from corporate, private philanthropy, and central government donors. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened in 1970, funded by a bequest from local woman Monica Brewster (nee Govett). Around 85,000 people visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre each year. The gallery presents a regularly changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, events and conversations. Regular education and learning programmes are offered to visitors of all ages. It also runs an art and design store, independent cinema, and publishes a range of art books
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Council $3.1m rates blunder: New Plymouth households could be overcharged by $102
The New Plymouth District Council building. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin An urgent review of New Plymouth District Council's (NPDC) annual plan has revealed that it has hiked residential rates by 12.8 percent, rather than the 9.9 percent indicated. The blunder equates to $102 per ratepayer or $3.1 million. The error was discovered as part of a review ordered when the NPDC approved its annual plan in May, exclusive of GST, meaning it could've forgone $20m in revenue. New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom took personal responsibility for the mistakes and recommended that councillors approve a one-off rebate for ratepayers at an extraordinary meeting next week. That would require the NPDC to find $3.1 million in savings elsewhere. It was not the only mistake in the latest review. The review and subsequent report produced by Simpson Grierson also identified a resolution wording error relating to industrial water use. The rates resolution wording would need to be amended to ensure properties on a restricted water flow were able to be charged $418 for each cubic metre of water as intended. This gaffe could've cost the council $1.4m in lost revenue. Holdom said he was extremely disappointed by the errors and the impact they could have had on the community. "As mayor, I take responsibility for the integrity of the information we use to make decisions. Councillors acted in good faith based on the data presented to us. "We now know that information was flawed, and the safeguards we had to verify the validity of that information and the assumptions behind it have failed. "I want to offer my sincere apology to our community. You deserve better. The buck stops with me, and I am committed to ensuring we learn from this, fix the underlying issues, to rebuild public confidence and find a way to put this right." Holdom said the reporting errors did not affect the validity of the rates, but the council was taking action to mitigate their impact. At an extraordinary meeting on 22 July, the NPDC council would decide between the following options: Holdom said improvements to NPDC's internal processes and checks would be implemented immediately following the findings of the independent review. Chief executive Gareth Green proposed structural changes to strengthen financial capability and oversight within the organisation. "On behalf of the NPDC organisation, I wish to offer my sincere apologies to the mayor and councillors, and our entire community, for the failure of our systems and processes that led to these errors." "As the leader of the staff organisation of NPDC, it is my responsibility to ensure that we have adequate safeguards to ensure that every piece of advice we provide our elected members is accurate and robust. "That clearly has not been the case in this instance, and this failing shows that change is required." Green said he was committed to implementing changes swiftly and building back the trust and confidence of the community. Holdom said councillors would also be asked to update council policy to implement an independent review of all future financial plans. "This situation highlights the risks of insufficient specialist financial experience, particularly in local government." Holdom said that while Audit NZ signed off on the long-term planning process that included the incorrect rating assumption, "the community rightly expects that process to provide assurance [that] the underlying models and data are robust". "That assurance did not eventuate in this case. We owe it to our community to be honest, to take ownership, and to do better. That's exactly what we are doing." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Council $3.1m rates blunder: New Plymouth households overcharged by $102
The New Plymouth District Council building. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin An urgent review of New Plymouth District Council's (NPDC) annual plan has revealed that it has hiked residential rates by 12.8 percent, rather than the 9.9 percent indicated. The blunder equates to $102 per ratepayer or $3.1 million. The error was discovered as part of a review ordered when the NPDC approved its annual plan in May, exclusive of GST, meaning it could've forgone $20m in revenue. New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom took personal responsibility for the mistakes and recommended that councillors approve a one-off rebate for ratepayers at an extraordinary meeting next week. That would require the NPDC to find $3.1 million in savings elsewhere. It was not the only mistake in the latest review. The review and subsequent report produced by Simpson Grierson also identified a resolution wording error relating to industrial water use. The rates resolution wording would need to be amended to ensure properties on a restricted water flow were able to be charged $418 for each cubic metre of water as intended. This gaffe could've cost the council $1.4m in lost revenue. Holdom said he was extremely disappointed by the errors and the impact they could have had on the community. "As mayor, I take responsibility for the integrity of the information we use to make decisions. Councillors acted in good faith based on the data presented to us. "We now know that information was flawed, and the safeguards we had to verify the validity of that information and the assumptions behind it have failed. "I want to offer my sincere apology to our community. You deserve better. The buck stops with me, and I am committed to ensuring we learn from this, fix the underlying issues, to rebuild public confidence and find a way to put this right." Holdom said the reporting errors did not affect the validity of the rates, but the council was taking action to mitigate their impact. At an extraordinary meeting on 22 July, the NPDC council would decide between the following options: Holdom said improvements to NPDC's internal processes and checks would be implemented immediately following the findings of the independent review. Chief executive Gareth Green proposed structural changes to strengthen financial capability and oversight within the organisation. "On behalf of the NPDC organisation, I wish to offer my sincere apologies to the mayor and councillors, and our entire community, for the failure of our systems and processes that led to these errors." "As the leader of the staff organisation of NPDC, it is my responsibility to ensure that we have adequate safeguards to ensure that every piece of advice we provide our elected members is accurate and robust. "That clearly has not been the case in this instance, and this failing shows that change is required." Green said he was committed to implementing changes swiftly and building back the trust and confidence of the community. Holdom said councillors would also be asked to update council policy to implement an independent review of all future financial plans. "This situation highlights the risks of insufficient specialist financial experience, particularly in local government." Holdom said that while Audit NZ signed off on the long-term planning process that included the incorrect rating assumption, "the community rightly expects that process to provide assurance [that] the underlying models and data are robust". "That assurance did not eventuate in this case. We owe it to our community to be honest, to take ownership, and to do better. That's exactly what we are doing." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
15-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Cheaper, greener, more Māori: New Plymouth council to buy local
New Plymouth District Council wants to spend more locally in a bid to save money and generate prosperity. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin New Plymouth councillors reckon buying local could save money - and bring growth, green gains and more mahi for Māori. It comes as the government pressures councils to stick to basics and do more for less , including talk of a [ cap on rates rises]. A year ago councillors asked staff at New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) if spending more locally could bring savings and generate prosperity. Now staff have told the Strategy and Operations Committee a new procurement strategy could bring the savings councillors demanded: $300,000 in the second year and $500,000 in the third. The proposed strategy would also deliver wider wins, said NPDC procurement and commercial service manager Sudeha Hennayaka. "At its heart the strategy's all about delivering value for money - while supporting local prosperity, environmental excellence and cultural values." Councillors were wary it was too good to be true. But the nuts and bolts of the new strategy would not be finalised till after October's local elections, Hennayaka explained, when a new council will rule on policies and procedures. That freed current councillors to recommend the strategy almost unanimously: Murray Chong abstained, without saying why. The new approach includes a push to buy more from Māori and from minority-community businesses. A report by staff said the previous strategy called for Māori participation but lacked practical pathways to buy from Māori businesses. Under the new plan "social procurement will … strengthen iwi, hapū, and whānau capacity, create employment opportunities for Māori, and enhance cultural resilience". "Striving to be fair to all suppliers, we will work to foster relationships with iwi and hapū enterprises through whanaungatanga (relationship), creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. "This includes strengthening engagement with Māori and iwi-affiliated enterprises… targeted outreach, supplier workshops, and simplified bidding processes." Mayoral candidate Max Brough said he had wanted the council to use more New Plymouth businesses "for a while" but was told favouring locals was impossible when he became a councillor three years ago. "There's a number of people in this town, that have been doing things here for a long time, that know how hard it has been to get a foot in the door [for] any council stuff." Brough said businesses who would benefit - whoever they were - should be brought in early to shape the how the strategy was put into action. "I want to make sure this goes out for public consultation." The strategy promises economic, cultural, social and environmental gains at no cost thanks to a "modernised, outcomes-focused approach" including "structured governance, whole-of-life costing, and improved contract management". Committee chair Bali Haque questioned how buying locally and saving half a million dollars could be balanced against longer-term cultural and environmental gains Procurement and contracts lead Julie Pedley said the balance differed for each tender. "In some projects, Māori engagement, cultural significance is more important than others. In some situations, health and safety is critical. In other situations, environmental protections. "It's about what priority does council want to give… on any given project." Mayor Neil Holdom said the council had historically taken on risk without proper assessment. "We have allowed counterparties to write the contracts, which I think just reflects a lack of maturity," Holdom said. "Something has to change and a key part of it in my view is procurement and whole life cycle costs." The procurement strategy next goes to Te Huinga Taumatua in a fortnight, the Finance Audit and Risk Committee a week later, and finally to full Council for a decision on 12 August. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air.
