Horowhenua District Council has set the direction for the next three years by endorsing its priorities for the 2025 to 2028 triennium at last week’s Council meeting. This was the first formal meeting of the newly elected Council and marks one of the first major steps of the new term. It provides clarity on where Council will focus its energy and decision making for the triennium.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the priorities reflect those strategic enablers which will define this term of Council. “Our community have given us mandate, mandate to be bold in our leadership approach, and courageous in our decision making. The challenges facing local government are like never before, but the opportunities facing this District have never been so exciting.”
The Direction Setting framework focuses on three key priorities shaped by community voices and local aspirations.
Priority 1: Going for Growth
What this means: We see the opportunities that come with growth and want to ensure a return on investment that contributes to Horowhenua’s liveability and prosperity.
What good looks like:
- Integrated growth planning informs infrastructure investment and key moves
- Levin Town Centre transformation acts as a catalyst
- Using Growth to position the District as a place to be and invest in
- Ōtaki to North Levin Expressway anchors our leadership and advocacy as we secure a fair revocation deal
- Growth delivers essential services communities can rely on and afford
Priority 2: Future Fit Horowhenua District Council (HDC)
What this means: We will foster an agile, high-performing Council ready to meet future challenges of government reform while delivering fit-for-purpose services to our community.
What good looks like:
- Adapt to legislative and structural changes that redefine Council’s role, scope, and size across reforms (Local Water, Resource Management, Simpler Local Government, Rates Capping, System Improvement)
- Position HDC as a leader in reform opportunities for funding and collaboration
- Ensure governance and decision-making frameworks remain robust and future-proof to support community voice.
Priority 3: Financial Discipline
What this means: We will manage rates and funding wisely to keep services affordable and investments sustainable.
What good looks like:
- Strict budget monitoring and compliance with financial strategy, and balanced budget goals
- Review funding policies and settings to consider if rates and user fees and charges could be shared differently
- Advocacy for fair funding models and external investment opportunities
- Chase external funding opportunities
Mayor Bernie Wanden says these priorities give Council a shared focus as it begins the new triennium. “After the election, we took time to reflect on the issues and opportunities ahead for Horowhenua. These priorities set a clear path for how we will work together and what we will concentrate on. Our aim is to make decisions that reflect community voice and deliver outcomes that matter to the people who live here.”
This focus on growth, reform and financial discipline forms the foundation for Council’s work over the coming term.
Committee appointments
Council also confirmed its committee structure and appointments for the next 2025 to 2028 triennium. These committees support good governance, help spread leadership across the Council table, and ensure elected members can work closely with the community on the issues that matter most.
Councillors have been appointed for an initial 18 month period to allow for rotation and to make the best use of skills and experience across the Council table.
Chief Executive Performance and Employment Committee
Chair: Mayor Bernie Wanden
Members: Deputy Mayor David Allan, Cr Clint Grimstone, Cr Sam Jennings, Cr Jo Mason, Cr Paul Olsen.
Risk and Assurance Committee
Chair: Cr Sam Jennings
Members: Cr Mike Barker, Cr Nola Fox, Cr Morgan Gray, Cr Alan Young.
Community Funding and Recognition Committee
Chair: Cr Nina Hori Te Pa
Members: Mayor Bernie Wanden, Deputy Mayor David Allan, Cr Jo Mason.
Community Wellbeing Committee
Chair: Cr Jo Mason
Member: Cr Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab
Hearings and Regulatory Committee
Chair: Cr Clint Grimstone
Members: Deputy Mayor David Allan, Cr Mike Barker, Cr Sam Jennings, Cr Lani Te Raukura Ketu.
Procurement Review Group
Chaired by the Chief Executive
Members: Cr Sam Jennings, Cr Paul Olsen.
Te Awahou Foxton Community Board appointment
Appointed Councillor: Deputy Mayor David Allan.
His Worship the Mayor is a member of each committee, as per Section 41A (5) of the Local Government Act 2002.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the committee structure supports the priorities that were adopted yesterday.
“We have a passionate and capable group of elected members who genuinely care about this district. Our committee structure allows us to bring those strengths together, focus on the right things and continue working with our community to deliver outcomes that matter.”
Committee teams will begin their work in early 2026, supported by a full schedule of meetings adopted at the Council meeting.
“Setting our direction is just the first step. The real work happens alongside our community, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we achieve together,” Mayor Bernie ends.