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Confiscated noise machines go quietly to charity

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PUBLISHED: 17 FEB 2026
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They were once the bane of sleeping neighbours, but 18 sets of sound equipment are now raising money for a good cause after being given to a charity op shop.​

NPDC confiscated the equipment – including stereo and Bluetooth sets, speakers and an amplifier – between late 2023 and early last year after receiving repeated noise complaints about the owners.​

And another nine sets of equipment confiscated later last year are set to go to charity unless the owners reclaim them and pay a $130 admin 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 NPDC Community Health and Animal Services Lead Kimberley Laurence.​

“We received 1,399 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 weekend partiers.

Previously, equipment could be taken if a someone was repeatedly deemed to be causing excessive noise within three days, but the new rules in August extend 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,” said Ms Laurence.​

At a glance:​

  • Excessive noise is defined as noise that unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort, and convenience of others.​
  • People should ask their noisy neighbours to turn it down before making a noise complaint, but if that’s not possible, our complaints line is open 24/7 on 06-759 6060.​
  • NPDC donates confiscated items to charity op shops if they are unclaimed within six months.​
  • Different rules apply to vehicle and construction noise – find out more on npdc.govt.nz/noise.​

Caption: Some of the stereo equipment stacked up and ready to go to a New Plymouth op shop.

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Page last updated: 10:23am Tue 17 February 2026

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