Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Len Lye Centre helps power a $13.7 million GDP boost to local economy

A new independent report by Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) has found that NPDC’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre has established itself as a tourism destination and driver of our local economy.

The report, commissioned and paid for by the Govett-Brewster Foundation and Len Lye Foundation, has found that the gallery welcomed 79,000 visitors in 2024/2025, with nearly 22% of them travelling from outside the district. This helped to deliver $13.7 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and supported 153 full-time equivalent jobs  at businesses across Taranaki.

Chairperson of the Len Lye Foundation, Susan Hughes says the report shows the important role the Gallery plays in our region’s tourism and wider economy.

“Whether people are coming specifically to see an exhibition or add a gallery visit while they are in town for other events, concerts or holidays, it is a fundamental part of what puts New Plymouth and Taranaki on the map,” says Susan.

“The Gallery makes a significant and positive contribution to our economy - supporting local accommodation providers, hospitality and other businesses, generating $2.73 in GDP for every dollar of rates funding that it receives.”

Since the Len Lye Centre opened as part of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in July 2015, the award-winning facility has welcomed more than 820,000 visitors through its doors to enjoy exhibitions, cinema, educational programs and community events.

Brylee Flutey, GM Destination at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says that the Gallery strengthens our position as a vibrant, must-visit destination for arts and culture.

“The findings from this report highlights the significant economic impact the gallery has on Taranaki, helping to drive over $10.8M in visitor spend per year and $16.4M in direct economic impact, as it attracts visitors from across Aotearoa and internationally.”

“This impact ripples through our community, from accommodation and hospitality providers to local retailers, reinforcing the Gallery’s vital role in supporting our visitor sector and driving cultural vibrancy for the region.”

The report, which included insights from interviews with tourism operators, accommodation and hospitality businesses, recognises the Gallery’s status as a unique anchor attraction with local stakeholders describing it as “cultural icon that differentiates New Plymouth from other destinations, enhances the visitor experience and stimulates investment in the surrounding precinct”.

A copy of the report is available here 

Fast facts

• There are currently 11.7 full time equivalent employees (FTE) employed by NPDC working at the Gallery, although its activities support 153 FTE across Taranaki’s economy due to the services it uses. 
• $106,000 a week of rates funding is allocated to Gallery operations for 2025/2026, which includes internal costs including overheads such as utilities
• Every $1 in rates funding that is spent on Gallery operations generates $2.73 in GDP for the wider region.
• In 2024/2025 the Gallery generated a total of $830,345 revenue in through entry charges, event and cinema tickets sales, retail sales, sponsorship, rent and grants.
• Funding for collection acquisitions and significant projects is raised through the Govett-Brewster Foundation, Len Lye Foundation and Friends groups, plus private and corporate donors, so outside of Council.
• Of its approximate 79,000 visitors in FY2425, 22% from outside of Taranaki including 4% international visitors.
• The report was funded by the Govett-Brewster Foundation and the Len Lye Foundation.

Caption: Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre.