Mayor and Councillors

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Peter Tennent (Mayor)

Mayor's Message

Right now there isn't anywhere in the world that I'd rather be, or any place I'd rather be Mayor of. Taranaki and New Plymouth District are truly ‘like no other’, and this is a fantastic place to live, work and visit. The lifestyle we enjoy is second to none - where else can you hike or ski one of the world’s most perfect mountains in the morning, then swim or surf a top surf beach that same afternoon!

It is no surprise that we were judged the best place to live, love, work and raise a family (North and South magazine) and recognised as the most liveable community for our population size at the United Nations-endorsed International Awards for Liveable Communities in the same year! No wonder people feel privileged to live, work and visit the region!

Part of what makes the lifestyle so special is our ability to attract top national and international events. From musical acts like Fleetwood Mac, Sir Elton John and Jack Johnson, and the annual music, arts and dance extravaganza WOMAD, through to sports events like All Blacks test matches and the TSB Bank Women's Surf Festival (culminating in the women’s World Championship Dream Tour), there is certainly something for everyone!

Known for our outstanding parks and gardens, every spring residents and visitors alike look forward to the Taranaki Rhododendron Festival when the region's best gardens open to visitors.

But the jewel in our crown is Pukekura Park, which has gained international acclaim as much for its botanical collection and gorgeous setting as for its cricket ground – named among the best small cricket grounds in the world by Wisden. Every summer the park is transformed into a magical night-time destination for the TSB Bank Festival of Lights, with thousands of lighting displays and weeks of evening entertainment for people of all ages.

The city's award-winning Coastal Walkway has transformed our waterfront.  Puke Ariki - a world-first heritage and information centre integrating library, museum and visitor services - receives rave reviews while the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery continues to wow visitors. And as the global base for the late kinetic artist Len Lye, we've become a focus for the world’s art aficionados.

We’re the most ‘wired’ region in the country, bringing broadband fast internet access to nearly all residents. We have the highest international credit rating ever accorded to a Council by Standard & Poor’s. Our tourism industry is booming, our employment levels are growing fast, and hosts of new businesses are coming on board.

Yes, it certainly is all happening in New Plymouth District - and right now we're on a roll. If you’re considering relocating to this great part of New Zealand and you think the Council can help in any way, drop me a line at peter.tennent@npdc.govt.nz – I’d love to hear from you!

Yes, I'm enormously proud and fortunate to be the Mayor of New Plymouth District, and I’d love to welcome you here as you experience for yourself why this place is truly ‘like no other’.

Keep the passion!

Cheers,
Pete

PS. You can now follow me on Facebook and Twitter (my screen name is MayorPete).