Drab to fab for New Plymouth inner-city building

A once tired-looking Powerco building has been transformed into a work of art in central New Plymouth.

The building on King St contains electrical equipment to power the surrounding area and adjoins the new $10 million brick industrial-style office precinct being built by local developers, with law firm Govett Quilliam and Venture Taranaki being the first two tenants.

Prominent Taranaki street artist Phil Jones created the eye-catching design, which depicts a family, future and diversity theme. He was commissioned by Govett Quilliam with the support of surrounding businesses, NP Operatic Society, Venture Taranaki, CMK Accountants and Alpha Customs. The artwork, which borders the company’s carpark and new courtyard area, can be seen when travelling west along King St.

Powerco Customer and Communications Strategy Manager Oliver Vincent said it was the first time the company had worked to help create a privately commissioned artwork on a Powerco asset.

“We have a number of artworks with Powerco safety messages, also painted by Phil Jones, on transformers and buildings in New Plymouth and Opunake, but this is the first time a private business has commissioned a piece of art for one of our buildings.

“The mural certainly makes the area attractive for people visiting King St. It’s been really positive working with Govett Quilliam to help beautify this area of the CBD,” Mr Vincent said.

Govett Quilliam CEO Sophie Braggins said the artwork was “a wonderful way for us as a collective of tenants to connect with and positively inspire the community”.

“Powerco have been incredibly open and supportive of the initiative. We’re proud to have made this special, cultural piece happen together,” she said.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity utility and gas distribution utility with around 1.1m customers (across 446,000 connections) connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Western Bay of Plenty, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay.