Will New Plymouth's $25m art collection finally deliver value to ratepayers?

The Taxpayers’ Union is backing New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough’s push to unlock value from the council’s $25 million art collection, after he took aim at its mounting costs.

Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:

“While New Plymouth ratepayers are struggling, their council is sitting on $25 million worth of art while budgeting the equivalent of 70 average household rates bills this year on staff, acquisitions and upkeep. Mayor Brough is absolutely right to call that ‘outrageous’.

“Mayor Brough has clearly taken our report seriously, and he’s right to ask why ratepayers are being squeezed while the council sits on a $25 million art collection."

“His financial review is an opportunity to turn that concern into action. If the goal is to deliver real value back to ratepayers, The Art of the State sets out how."