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. Taradise, as the region is affectionately named, 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 have been judged New Zealand's most vibrant and positive area. Or that month on month we top the country in business confidence. The economic indicators are all positive, but more significantly are the social indicators. 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 R.E.M., Michael Crawford and the biennial music, arts and dance extravaganza, WOMAD, through to sporting events like the ITU World Cup - there’s something for everyone.

Known for our outstanding parks and gardens, every year residents and visitors alike look forward to the Taranaki Rhododendron Festival in spring that sees the region's best gardens open to visitors and summer’s spectacular TSB Bank Festival of the Lights that transforms Pukekura Park into a magical night-time destination.

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.  I'm enormously proud and fortunate to be the Mayor of New Plymouth District.

Taradise is ‘like no other’.

Cheers

Pete