New Plymouth’s mayoral relief fund will carry a new name to honour former mayor David “Daisy” Lean.
In a brief ceremony at the Civic Centre on Friday, 24 October 2025, mayor-elect Max Brough announced the NPDC Mayoral Relief Fund is now the David Lean Memorial Mayoral Relief Fund, with the blessing of Lean’s family.
Brough, who will be sworn in as mayor on October 31st 2025, said requests for help are “coming thicker and faster” and every donated dollar will go directly to people in need.
Lean’s widow, Janet, said the family was honoured, noting his lifelong focus on caring for people and Taranaki’s environment.
The fund assists individuals and families facing extreme financial hardship when other options have been exhausted, with grants made at the discretion of the Mayor.
NPDC will continue its annual contribution, and the public is invited to donate so Brough and future mayors can better support residents in the spirit Lean championed.
Lean served as New Plymouth Mayor from 1980 to 1992 and later as a Taranaki Regional Councillor. His legacy includes the land-based New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant (opened 1984) and the high-profile IRB circumnavigation fundraiser that helped deliver TSB Stadium and what is now the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre.
Brough also credited Lean’s leadership in keeping TSB in local hands, laying foundations for today’s TSB Bank, Fisher Funds and Toi Foundation.
Donations can be made to:
Payee: New Plymouth District Council
Account: 15-3942-0000657-000
