Artist’s crimes sadden councillor

Kāpiti Coast District Council is considering its options after learning that a local artist who provided an iconic art piece for the District has been convicted of sexual abuse.

Brendan Nolan, 55, of Paekākāriki, was sentenced to five years, three months imprisonment yesterday after admitting to sexually violating two young girls in 1999 and 2001.  The offences took place before Nolan successfully tendered to provide the metal tui that has been erected at the entrance to Paraparaumu Beach.

Councillor Tony Lester, a national white-ribbon, anti-violence ambassador, says he was shocked to hear of Nolan’s offending.

“To know that somebody in our community has committed these crimes is truly sickening.  This Council condemns violence and abuse in all it forms and I feel incredibly sad for the two young women involved.”

Councillor Lester says Council will need to discuss the matter before deciding what to do.

“Council has spent many tens of thousands of dollars installing artwork purchased from this man.  Just what we do about that and what our community’s expectations are, need to be carefully considered.”