Source: Radio New Zealand
Confiscated audio equipment. Supplied
Dozens of sound systems seized by noise control officers in New Plymouth are about to go on sale at a charity op shop after their owners failed to pay the administration fee to have them returned.
Once the bane of sleeping neighbours, 18 sets of sound equipment – including stereos, Bluetooth sets, speakers and an amplifier – were confiscated between late 2023 and early last year after council received repeated noise complaints about the owners.
Council community health and animal services lead, Kimberley Laurence, said another nine sets of equipment seized later last year were set to join them at the charity sale unless their owners reclaimed them and paid a $130 administration fee.
“Confiscating noisy equipment is a last resort, but if someone is repeatedly deemed to be making excessive noise and won’t let their neighbours get a decent night’s sleep, then we have no choice,” said Laurence.
“We received 1399 complaints about residential noise last year and the vast majority of people making the noise were quick to turn it down after a noise control officer visited.”
The government changed the Resource Management Act last year to make it easier for councils to seize noise equipment from partiers.
Laurence said previously equipment could only be taken if someone was repeatedly deemed to be causing excessive noise within three days, but the new rules in August extended that period to eight days.
“So, if we get complaints about one property over two consecutive weekends, and the noise is deemed to be excessive, then we’ll have to pull the plug and take the sound systems away, so it pays to be considerate and get along with your neighbours.”
At a glance:
- People should ask their noisy neighbours to turn it down before making a noise complaint, but if that was not possible, call the New Plymouth complaints line was open 24/7 on 06-759 6060.
- Excessive noise was defined as noise that unreasonably interfered with the peace, comfort, and convenience of others.
- NPDC donated confiscated items to charity op shops if they were unclaimed within six months.
- Different rules apply to vehicle and construction noise – find out more on npdc.govt.nz/noise.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
