Inspector Gray says on receiving information that events were planned, Police stood up an operation to ensure high visibility and broad coverage.

“Our communities won’t stand for menacing motoring behaviour – and neither will we.

“Our staff have done an incredible job of suppressing these groups who tyrannise residents, businesses, and other road users,” says Inspector Gray.

He says any dangerous driving, unauthorised street racing, intimidating convoys, burnouts, skidding, and excessive noise will be met with zero-tolerance.

“While visible, we have taken enforcement action against other drivers to keep our roads safe,” says Inspector Gray.

From the operation:

101 infringement notices were issued, including 29 for excess breath alcohol.

30 vehicles were ordered off the road.

10 vehicles were impounded.

4 driver licences were suspended.

Inspector Gray says local officers have been supported by colleagues from Wellington and Eastern Districts. As part of the operation, the Police helicopter Eagle was temporarily deployed to the region to provide assistance.

Inspector Gray says Police will continue to monitor the area for any activity.

More traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

The New Zealand Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Medal Bill would recognise all those who serve in humanitarian and disaster operations in New Zealand, the South Pacific, and around the world with the New Zealand Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Medal.

Unlike Australia, no universal medallic recognition currently exists for New Zealanders who serve in crisis and relief operations.

“Service to others is a cornerstone of New Zealand communities and often undervalued in Kiwi culture. This bill ensures those contributions are formally recognised,” Costley says.

“This bill would create a medal to recognise the service many Kiwis give in challenging situations, including defence personnel, police, firefighters and paramedics. While they may not face a human enemy, they are exposed to very real physical and psychological risks.

Costley says right now, some groups are recognised for their service in disasters and emergencies but not others.

“We have awarded medals to those who fought bushfires in Australia in 2020, but not those who went to Canada last year. Neither is their recognition for those who bravely risked their lives to help during the White Island disaster or cyclones in the Pacific, but there is for the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

“Our government has advanced legislation to recognise all those who have served New Zealand in times of war on ANZAC day. My bill complements this work and extends recognition to humanitarian service.

“I’ll be working across the House to build cross-party support for this bill and ensure these New Zealanders receive the recognition they deserve,” says MP Costley.

Potatoes New Zealand says it is delighted to announce a new partnership with Garden to Table on the International Day of Potato (30 May) — celebrating one of the world’s most important and versatile foods, and the people behind it.

This collaboration brings together two organisations committed to strengthening food education, inspiring healthier, nutritious eating, and connecting New Zealanders — especially young people — to where their food comes from.

Through the partnership, Potatoes New Zealand and Garden to Table will work together to help school aged children understand the journey of food from garden to plate, while discovering just how versatile, nutritious and delicious potatoes can be.

Connecting children to real food, Garden to Table delivers hands on programmes in early learning centres, primary and intermediate schools across Aotearoa, equipping tamariki with practical skills in growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh food.

Potatoes New Zealand is supporting this work by helping to bring the potato story to life, sharing the role of growers, the growing process, and the important role potatoes play in nourishing Kiwi communities.

As part of this partnership, Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive Kate Trufitt recently visited Rolleston School to experience the programme firsthand and meet with Garden to Table Chief Executive Ani Brunet.

During the visit, she saw the powerful impact of hands on food education in action — from planting and growing through to preparing and sharing meals.

Trufitt was impressed by the dedication of teachers and volunteers who bring the programme to life, enabling students to turn classroom learning into real world experience. The programme offers a full journey from garden to plate, culminating in shared meals that bring together students, teachers, and volunteers — reinforcing the connection between growing food and enjoying it.

“This is where real understanding happens,” says Trufitt. “When young people grow, cook and share food together, they build a genuine connection to what they’re eating and a deeper appreciation for the people behind it.”

Celebrating versatility, nutrition and taste
The partnership is also supported by educational resources, classroom activities and cooking experiences that showcase potatoes as a mighty vegetable, one that is accessible, adaptable and packed with goodness.

Garden to Table Chief Executive Ani Brunet says working alongside Potatoes New Zealand will help deepen students’ understanding of vegetables in a meaningful and engaging way.

“When children grow and cook their own food, they build lifelong skills and confidence. By working with Potatoes New Zealand, we can highlight how one ingredient can be used in so many different ways, while also connecting students to New Zealand’s wider food system.”

Recognising International Day of Potato
The announcement coincides with International Day of Potato, a United Nations recognised day that shines a spotlight on the importance of potatoes in global food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

For New Zealand, it is also a chance to celebrate the growers, regions and communities behind the industry.

“Today is about acknowledging the value of potatoes, not just as a food, but as part of our everyday lives,” says Trufitt. “It’s also about celebrating the people who grow them and ensuring future generations understand and appreciate that connection.”

A focus on the future
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected food future, one where young New Zealanders understand, value and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce.

By combining education, storytelling and hands on experience, Potatoes New Zealand and Garden to Table aim to inspire a new generation to see potatoes not just as a staple, but as a source of creativity, nourishment and connection.

For More see:

https://gardentotable.org.nz and https://potatoesnz.co.nz/

The works of both artists – ceramics by Diane Greenwood and paintings by Jude Whitcombe – challenge conventional views on their chosen mediums and impress with the depth of their quality, sophistication and beauty.

Diane has had a long-term association with multiple forms of art, over time building a substantial practice in glass casting, painting and ceramics, initially in Auckland before moving to Waikanae in 2000.
“ln this exhibition I explore transformation,” says Diane, “presenting provocative, unsettling and mysterious human forms that seem to move between states of being; and strangely asymmetrical vessels that seem to wilt and bend under their weight in a series moving towards more basic, stronger organic forms.”

Wellington painter Jude Whitcombe has exhibited in group and solo shows in Wellington and Queenstown. Her abstract paintings are both intuitive and controlled and have been greatly influenced by some of the great American painters of the 1940s and 1950s such as Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still and Robert Ryman.

“My Tote paintings focus on the unusual alliance between science and the arts,” says Jude.
“They reflect how humanity alters paradigms and constructs new ones as we learn more about ourselves and our place in the cosmos. For example, Aristotle’s definitive proof that the earth was a round sphere was just one insight our understanding of our place in the cosmos. My paintings are born from a curiosity about humankind’s survival and evolution throughout history.”

Be entertained, even shocked, by this daring collection of unsettling ceramic heads and vessels and intriguing abstract paintings.

Event details
Where: Tote Modern Gallery, 47 Te Roto Road, Ōtaki
When: 4 June 5:30-7.00pm, then daily until 27 June.

“There is new Government direction, changes to how water services will be delivered, ongoing cost pressures, and increasing expectations around affordability. Last week’s announcement from Government adds another layer to that. Councils have been given three months to work with others in their region to put forward proposals to reorganise how local government operates, with a clear message that change is coming, whether councils lead it or not. We want to be clear. We support the intent.  

There is room to improve how local government works. Greater efficiency, less duplication, and clearer decision-making are all goals we share. Our communities expect us to deliver value, and we are committed to doing that.  

But the reality on the ground is more complex. Councils are already navigating significant reform, including major changes to how water services are delivered, alongside preparing Long Term Plans, managing infrastructure demands, and responding to ongoing cost pressures. Overlaying a three-month window to develop outline proposals for structural reform, while this work is underway, is a significant ask. Good reform takes time. It requires careful analysis, strong community input, and a clear understanding of local impacts. These are not decisions that should be rushed. At the same time, we want to be clear about our starting point.  

Over the past few years, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen our financial position. We are ranked among the lowest councils in New Zealand for expenditure relative to our size, and we have made a series of decisions to reduce reliance on debt and manage costs responsibly. That work matters. It means we are in a more stable position than many, but it does not remove the challenges ahead. Alongside structural reform, there is also increasing focus on affordability. Some of what is being proposed sounds straightforward. For example, the idea of rates capping. On the surface, who wouldn’t want to pay less?  

But the reality is more complex. Current indications are that councils may be expected to limit rates increases to around 2 to 4 percent in the coming years. At the same time, the cost of maintaining and renewing infrastructure continues to rise, along with the expectations communities have of the services we provide. Those two things do not naturally sit together. In simple terms, if councils are required to limit what they collect, they will need to reduce or change what they deliver. That is the broader context we are working within.  

So what do we know, and what do we not yet know?  

We know that change is coming across the local government sector. We know that affordability will remain a strong focus. We know that we are required to develop our next Long Term Plan within a set legislative timeframe. We also know that we cannot pause that work while national decisions are finalised. We do not yet know exactly how Government policy will land, or what decisions may follow the upcoming election. What we cannot do, however, is wait.  

The Long Term Plan process is required by law, and it needs to be developed now. That means we must plan based on the information we have, while remaining flexible enough to respond as things become clearer. That is why we are beginning work on what we are calling our Future Fit Roadmap. This is a structured process to make sure we are financially sustainable and prepared for the changes ahead. It will involve looking carefully at how we operate, what services we deliver, and how those services are funded over time.  

We are in the early stages of this work. No decisions have been made, and we are not yet at the point of presenting options. This phase is about building a clear understanding of the challenges and the choices in front of us.  

Over the coming months, we will work through this in stages. We will test different approaches, consider how changes may need to be sequenced, and ensure that when options are brought forward through the Long Term Plan, they are well-informed and transparent.  

We know that conversations like this can raise questions. They should. We need to be sure that whatever our future it’s in the best interests of Horowhenua. Our commitment is to be open about the realities we are facing, clear about the choices ahead, and upfront about what those choices may mean for our community, and we are looking for ways to ensure meaningful community conversations are enabled. There are no easy answers, but there is a responsibility to plan ahead, rather than react later.  

If there was ever a time to take an interest in local government, it is now.”  

The previous Labour-led government in 2020 dropped speeds from 100km/h to 80km/h on SH1 south of the Horowhenua town and on SH57 near the town, past the old Kimberley Centre, a psychiatric institution.

Now, a large retirement village, Speldhurst, has its main entrance on that stretch of road, where motorists between Wellington and Manawatū avoid going through Levin.

The drop to 80km/h was reversed last year, as the current government upped speeds on many sections of highway that were previously lowered.

Now, NZTA has undertaken public consultation on a reversal to 80km/h for the roads near Levin, saying it was doing so due to community concerns.

Consultation closed on 9 April and transport agency regional relationships director Linda Stewart said it received about 800 submissions for the proposed SH57 change and 600 for the proposed SH1 change, between Ōhau and Manakau.

It was too early to say which option the submissions favoured.

“We are currently analysing the submissions and will announce a decision in the coming months,” Stewart said. “The decision will consider community feedback alongside technical assessments, crash history and a cost-benefit analysis.”

Stewart said consultation was an essential part of the decision-making process.

Speldhurst residents committee chairman Roger Parton said many of the submissions about SH57 might have come from the village’s 720 residents.

“I’ve been whipping them along,” he said.

There had been one fatal crash on the stretch of highway since speed limits went back up, after there were none in the five years of the lower speed limit.

Parton said there were also several near misses, making residents entering or leaving the village nervous. Some waiting to turn right into the driveway had even reported getting overtaken by fast-moving vehicles.

“They go out there with some trepidation, because they don’t know what’s coming.”

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden and the local council last year campaigned to keep the speeds at 80km/h, although most submissions then were in favour of the rise.

Story by Jimmy Ellingham

The organisation is owned by the three councils, which will continue to manage water services until Central Districts Water begins full operations on 1 July 2027.

Board connects with staff and councils

The newly appointed Board of independent directors was formally welcomed with a pōwhiri in Palmerston North last Wednesday, hosted by representatives from Nga Tapūwae o Hau, which is a rōpū (working group) formed by the collective iwi across the three council regions to represent them.

They have three representatives sitting on the shareholders committee alongside representatives of the three shareholder councils.

Following the welcome, Board members joined a workshop with elected members where they heard more about the development of the Statement of Expectations, the key document outlining what councils expect of Central Districts Water, and received an update on the planned transfer of debt next year.

On Thursday, the Board travelled across the three districts to meet with staff working in, and supporting, water services.

Central Districts Water Board Chair, Hon Steve Maharey, said the visits were an important opportunity to build understanding early.

“It’s important to the Board that we understand the unique features of each of the three council areas,” Mr Maharey said.

“Central Districts Water will need to support large urban centres like Palmerston North, the coastal communities of Horowhenua, and the rural areas of Rangitīkei. Getting out early to meet staff and elected members has been a valuable opportunity to listen and learn, and to build a strong understanding before decisions are made.”

The Board will now meet monthly as the transition of services to Central Districts Water begins.

Transition Director Chris Dyhrberg said Central Districts Water has also taken a significant step forward with its registration as a company.

“This is a requirement under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation and formally establishes the organisation as a legal entity. It enables Central Districts Water to begin putting in place the people, systems and financial arrangements needed to operate, and marks the start of the transition toward taking on responsibility for water services over time.”

He said the transition team, which includes staff from Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council, is working together to ensure local priorities are reflected in the new organisation.

“We have strong momentum, and the establishment team is working collaboratively to build an organisation that will deliver high-quality water services while reflecting the needs and character of each local community.”

With the Board now in place, its immediate focus is recruiting and appointing a Chief Executive. The recruitment process is now underway.

Pictured below: Members of the Central Districts Water board at the Pōwhiri.

About Central Districts Water

Central Districts Water is a council-controlled organisation being established by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council to deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across the three districts.

The organisation will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and investing in water infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable services for communities now and into the future.

On Friday the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will be running with increased capacity added after the game and there will be extra services on these lines before and after Saturday’s match.

The Wairarapa Line will be running on its usual timetable – with Friday’s last service leaving Wellington Station at 10.25pm and Saturday’s last service at 6.55pm.

Core bus routes will have increased capacity, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to access discounted fares.  

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700.    

While to the south, Wellington Water continues to self-destruct, the model is far more hopeful for Central Districts Water which is a jointly owned water services council controlled organisation (WS-CCO)  that will begin operating from 1 July 2027.

While each council will retain ownership of its water assets, the Shareholders’ Committee provides a formal mechanism for shared oversight and local input as the new entity is established and transitions into operation. 

In December 2025, the three councils agreed that the Shareholders’ Committee would be made up of the Mayor of each Council, an elected member (and an alternative) from each council, and the committee will have three iwi representatives. 

The collective iwi across the three council regions have formed a Roopu (working group), called Nga Tapuwae o Hau, to represent them.  The three iwi nominations to the Committee were made through Nga Tapuwae o Hau for the three councils to approve.

Horowhenua District Council is represented by Mayor Bernie Wanden, Councillor Sam Jennings, with Councillor Mike Barker as the alternate.

Palmerston North City Council is represented by Mayor Grant Smith, Councillor Kaydee Zabelin, with Councillor Brent Barrett as alternate

Rangitikei District Council is represented by Mayor Andy Watson, Deputy Mayor Dave Wilson, with Councillor Fiona Dalgety as alternate. 

The iwi representatives will be Hayden Turoa of the Tainui Confederation with Tiwana Tibble as his alternate, Danielle Harris of the Kura hau po Confederation, with Di Rump as her alternate, and Marj Heeney representing the Greater Rangitikei region, with Suze Hepi as her alternate.

The Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Bernie Wanden says the appointments reinforce to our communities the importance of local voice and partnership in shaping the future of water services.

“This committee brings together councils and iwi to ensure decisions are grounded in local knowledge, local priorities, and long-term care for our communities and environment. Strong local representation and shared oversight are critical as Central Districts Water is established.”

The committee’s first task will be to oversee the shortlisting of over 60 applicants who have put their names forward for the Central Districts Water board.

Palmerston North City Mayor Grant Smith says the strong interest in board roles reflects the importance of getting the foundations right.

“We’ve seen a high calibre field of applicants, with experience across governance, infrastructure, finance and community leadership. It’s a positive signal for our region, and it means we can take the time to appoint a board with the skills needed to set Central Districts Water up well from the start.”

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson says the Shareholders’ Committee will meet for the first time this week, with board appointments a key priority.

“Our focus now is on making sure the right governance is in place so the new organisation can be ready to deliver from day one. This is an important milestone, and we’ll continue to keep our communities informed as the next steps progress.”

Every year, Council faces a balancing act, making sure the services our community relies on are delivered, while doing everything possible to keep rates and costs affordable for households and businesses.  

At its meeting this week, Horowhenua District Council endorsed the budget for its proposed Annual Plan for 2026/27. The Annual Plan will be formally adopted later this year. Rates for individual properties for 2026/27 will be set in June.

The 2026/27 Annual Plan is being shaped in a particularly challenging environment, with significant central government reforms and cost pressures affecting councils and communities  across the country.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says councillors know many people are feeling the pressure and have worked carefully through the budget with that in mind.

“We know times are tough for many households, and councillors don’t lose sight of that,” Mayor Bernie explains. “That’s why we’ve taken a careful look at every dollar, found savings where we can, and reduced the rates increase from an earlier forecast of around 11.6% to 5.8%, while still protecting the essential services our community relies on.”

“Councillors worked through a wide range of options, looking closely at where costs could be reduced or changes could be made,” Mayor Bernie says. “We were very mindful of avoiding decisions that would create unnecessary disruption for our community, while also managing the real cost and capacity pressures councils are facing as a result of wider reforms, and keeping affordability front of mind.”

The lower-than-forecast rates increase was achieved through detailed budget reviews and identifying efficiencies across Council operations, including delaying or rephasing some non-critical spending, without proposing cuts to core services. Council also negotiated well on behalf of our community and were able to significantly reduce some contracted costs.

This confirms a number of budget decisions, including investment in new technology such as automatic licence plate recognition to support parking services. It also includes not progressing a new community plan in 2027/28, reducing climate change funding, and exploring the removal of formal i-SITE accreditation at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom.  

It also endorses Council’s direction of travel in continuing to find ways to work differently and deliver affordable services to our community. For example, we’ll keep asking people to sign up for email rates invoices where possible to reduce printing and postage costs.  These small changes all add up.

Mayor Bernie says the Annual Plan approach reflects a clear and practical focus on what matters most to the community in the year ahead. 

“Our focus is on the basics, keeping core services running well, maintaining and renewing important infrastructure like roads and water, looking after the community facilities people use every day, and managing growth in a sensible and affordable way, even in a period of significant reform and rising costs. It’s about making careful choices now, while making sure we’re in a good position to take a fresh look at priorities through next year’s Long Term Plan.”

Because the Annual Plan does not propose any significant or material changes, formal public consultation is not required under legislation. Council will still keep the community informed and explain what the plan means as it moves through to adoption.  Council will also begin early conversations with the community later this year as part of developing the next Long Term Plan, which will provide further opportunities for people to have their say on Council’s future priorities and direction.

Alongside the Annual Plan, Council endorsed proposed fees and charges for 2026/27. Fees and charges help ensure costs are shared fairly between those who use specific services and the wider community, while supporting access to essential facilities and services. 

Council is required to consult on the changes to Resource Management fees. Consultation on them will open from 16 February to 16 March 2026. Council will continue to keep the community informed as the Annual Plan and Fees and Charges progress, including information about any consultation required.

Support is available to help ratepayers who may find rates increases difficult to manage, including through rates rebates and payment plan options.

If you need help or want to see what support is available, visit our Rating Information page or call Council on 06 366 0999.