A quick update with some snippets of news
Some snippets of news
The NPDC has officially left the United Nations Global Covenant of Mayors.
People may recall that last year we uncovered Neil Holdom had signed New Plymouth up for the United Nations Covenant of Mayors. This is a global group of mayors, across the planet, signing ratepayers up to reach up to 9 goals for the United Nations.
A few weeks ago our elected officials voted to leave the UN Covenant of Mayors. We were very pleased with that decision.
The next Public Engagement Meeting is on Wednesday 3rd June at 2pm.
If you have any issues or ideas you would like to talk directly to the Councillors about then book a slot to speak to them by e-mailing:
You are being asked which options you would prefer the NPDC to implement with CBD parking.
A couple of months ago the NPDC did a survey with what people think about the parking situation in the CBD.
They have taken on board all of the info and have now come back with a survey of which options people would prefer to implement.
It is so good to see they have listened – and are now asking what people would like put in place.
Also – in our first meeting with the Senior Management team we asked for “free flow text boxes” to be added with all consultations/surveys put out for feedback. This is a box where people can freely type exactly what they would like to say.
This survey has a free flow text box with just about every question. We are so pleased to see that change.
We know a number of people have said they just avoid the CBD now. May be have a look and see if what is planned may entice you back in to town.
And for those who do still go in to town please give feedback. We have been asking for the “system” to change with gathering information from the public, and we are seeing changes.
There are a few questions, but you don't have to answer every question, just those that are relevant.
The link to the survey is here:
https://haveyoursay.npdc.govt.nz/cbd-parking-review-survey
The Parking Review Survey is open until 29th May
The Local Government Minister (Simon Watts) wants Councils in regions across the country to join together to reduce costs and bring in efficiencies for Ratepayers.
In our case this will see a merger of NPDC, Taranaki Regional Council, Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council.
This was first raised late in 2025 for Councils to prepare for. Last Month Simon Watts announced all Councils have just 3 months to agree what the plan for their region will look like and who is merging with who.
The detail does not have to be in place until 2027.
This is a media release from the Taranaki Mayoral Forum (the 3 Mayors of Taranaki and the Regional Council Chairman)
There is mention made that the community needs to have input about these plans and mergers. We will keep you posted when we know more about that.
Posted: Thu 21 May 2026