They might be organising fundraisers, supporting rangatahi, caring for the environment, leading in sport or the arts, or simply showing up for others when it counts.

Now is the time to put their name forward.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Civic Awards and Youth Excellence Awards, giving Horowhenua the chance to recognise the people whose mahi/work, generosity and achievements help our district thrive.

The awards celebrate those who contribute their time, energy and heart to community life – from long-serving volunteers and behind-the-scenes helpers, to inspiring rangatahi/youth leading the way in sport, arts and culture, academia and community service.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the awards are an important reminder of the strength, kindness and talent found across Horowhenua.

“So much of what makes Horowhenua special happens because people choose to give their time, skills and aroha/love to others. They are often the ones working quietly in the background, but their impact is felt right across our towns, villages and communities. These awards are our way of saying we notice, we value you, and we are grateful.”

He says the Youth Excellence Awards also give the district a chance to champion young people who are already achieving at a high level.

“Our rangatahi/youth bring fresh ideas, determination and creativity to everything they do. Whether they are excelling in the classroom, on the field, on stage, or through service to others, they deserve to be encouraged and celebrated. These awards help show them that their community is behind them.”

The awards support the aims of Horowhenua District Council’s Community Wellbeing Strategy by helping to strengthen community pride, connection and belonging. By recognising the achievements of our people, we help create a district where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.

How to nominate

These awards are for the people who make a difference – the ones who give their time, lift others up, and help make Horowhenua feel like home.

Anyone can nominate. If you know a volunteer, young achiever, coach, teacher, committee member, neighbour or community group doing great things, now is your chance to recognise them.

A nomination only takes one person to start – and it could mean a great deal to someone who has spent years giving to others.

Nomination forms and full criteria are available online at:

• Civic Awards
• Youth Excellence Awards

If you need help with your nomination, call 06 366 0999 or email community@horowhenua.govt.nz

Who can be nominated?

Civic Awards

The Civic Awards honour individuals and/or volunteer groups who have made a significant, unpaid contribution to community life. 

Nominees can be acknowledged in areas such as:

• Community, cultural or religious affairs
• Service to youth, recreation or education
• Service to conservation.

Youth Excellence Awards

Open to young people aged 12 to 24, these awards celebrate excellence in:

• Community service
• Academia
• Arts and culture
• Sport

Up to 16 scholarships of $500 will be awarded in 2026. Since the initiative began more than 20 years ago, more than 260 young people across Horowhenua have received Youth Excellence Awards. 

“These scholarships can make a real difference, whether they help with study costs, travel to events, equipment, or the next step in a young person’s journey. It is a practical way to say: we believe in you,” Mayor Bernie says. 

Previous nominees who were not selected are welcome to reapply.

Nominations close on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

Award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday 19 November 2026.

Alongside her journey is Peyton, who is coming to understand what a Tangata Tiriti partnership is and Grayson, a young Māori lawyer navigating his role in the system.

Performed by an ensemble cast, including well known rangatahi Hariata and Tamati Moriarty, the play is presented in Te Rākau’s unique Theatre Marae framework, creating space for collective reflection and shared experience.

Te Rākau is the longest running Māori theatre company in Aotearoa founded in 1989.

Recommended age 12+ contains swearing and depicts some violence. Children under 12 can accompany for free with a paying adult.

Friday 31 July, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Horowhenua College, Levin

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/levin/tickets

Thursday 30 July, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Ōtaki College, Ōtaki

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/otaki/tickets

Saturday 1 August, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, Paraparaumu

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/paraparaumu/tickets

Horowhenua is set to mark the Māori New Year with a vibrant programme of events bringing together reflection, remembrance and community connection.  

A series of free events will take place across the district, delivered by Horowhenua District Council in partnership with local iwi and hapū, offering opportunities for people to come together in ways that are meaningful to them.  

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the season is an important time for communities across the district.  

“Matariki and Puanga give us a chance to pause and reflect – to remember those who have passed, spend time with whānau and look ahead with a sense of hope. In Horowhenua, we are fortunate to be able to work closely with our iwi and hapū partners across the district to deliver a programme that brings people together in many different ways, from quiet moments of reflection through to shared celebrations.”  

Di Rump, Chief Executive for Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, says “For Muaūpoko, Matariki is deeply connected to our whenua and our people. “Matariki hunga nui” Matariki of many people. It’s a time to honour those connections and to come together as a community, sharing in reflection, remembrance and renewal.”   

Shane Royal, Chair of Te Tūmatakahuki, reflects on the significance of Matariki as a sacred time that weaves together whakapapa, memory, and aspiration. “Ka rere a Matariki, ka rere anō ā tātou wawata mō te tau e tū mai nei” speaks to the rising of the Matariki cluster as a tohu that calls us to pause, to remember, and to realign ourselves. It is a time to honour those who have journeyed beyond the veil, acknowledging their enduring presence within our whakapapa, while also giving space to collective dreaming and intention-setting for the future. In this way, Matariki embodies a distinctly Māori worldview, one where the rhythms of the natural world are inseparable from human experience. The movement of the stars is not distant or abstract; it is intimately connected to our identity, our responsibilities, and our hopes. Through Matariki, we are reminded that looking to the past and planning for the future are not separate acts, but part of a continuous, intergenerational flow that binds people, whenua, and the cosmos together.”  

Robert Ketu, spokesperson for Ngāti Whakatere, comments “As we welcome the tohu of Puanga Matariki, all creation is influenced by the patterns of the seasons. From the tuna migrations in Autumn to the time when the whenua sleeps during the Winter, it then greets the Spring with new growth and replenishment. Ka hoki mai ki tuturu. We invite you to join us for Matariki Ki Otāuru: A day of culture, celebration, kai, and whakawhanaungatanga. Local performances, kids entertainment, food stalls and craft stalls.”  

This year’s programme includes a mix of cultural, community and whānau-friendly events across the district.  

Highlights include:  

• Kapahaka Hapori Kai Night | Wednesday 1 July, 5pm to 7pm, Waiopehu College Auditorium
  A celebration of kapahaka in Taitoko, featuring local tamariki and rangatahi, and in honour of Matariki, kai will be available to take home following the performances.   
• Lights over Te Awahou | Saturday 4 July, 5pm to 8pm, Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park
  An evening of lights, music and kai celebrating the arrival of Puanga.   
• Puna Kaukau – Mid-Winter River Swim | Sunday 5 July, from 5.45am, Gladstone Reserve
  A chance to honour the awa and welcome the new year.   
• Matariki Kaumātua Day Out | Wednesday 8 July, 10am to 2pm
  A day of connection and celebration for older members of the community.   
• Te Putanga mai o Matariki – Hautapu Ceremony | Thursday 9 July, 5.30am
  Kohuturoa Marae A dawn ceremony led by Muaūpoko, grounded in remembrance and renewal.   
• Matariki ki Otāuru | Friday 10 July, 10am to 2pm, Te Maire Park, Shannon
  Mark the Matariki public holiday in Otāuru and celebrate the Māori New Year with Ngāti Whakatere.  
• Taitoko Night Market | Saturday 11 July, 3pm to 7pm, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Levin Mall carpark
  A vibrant night market celebrating food, culture and community.   

Mayor Wanden says the programme reflects strong partnerships across the district.  “Alongside our iwi and hapū partners, I’d also like to acknowledge Electra for helping to make this year’s event possible. These celebrations are grounded in Te Ao Māori and brought to life through collaboration with iwi, hapū and our wider community.  We encourage everyone to take part, learn something new, and connect in a way that feels meaningful to them.”  

For the full programme and event details, visit: https://www.horowhenua.govt.nz/News-Events/Events/Matariki

Books Aloud is a mixed bag of genres – from kids books, novels, art and historical books and everything in between. All books discussed and narrated will be available for purchase at your favorite book store or through the authors distributers along with a book giveaway or two.

Books Aloud is hosted by Catherine Scullin / Viv Bailey.

The Books Aloud programme is sponsored by:
Books and Co

This show is brought to you by Books and Co, Main Highway Ōtaki, your local independent bookshop stocking a huge range of quality books for all ages, including the best of NZ authors.

Play Episodes

https://player.accessmedia.nz/player.aspx?PID=7117b7a3-d1ae-4a2e-a3c9-a97875a89a3b&skin=light

Once each season, Levin’s historic Uniting Church is transformed into an intimate, immersive concert space glowing with hundreds of flickering candles, where music, mood, and connection come together in a truly unique live experience.

📍 Venue
Levin Uniting Church
87 Oxford Street, Levin

📅 Friday 26 June
🚪 Doors open: 7.00pm
🎶 Concert begins: 7.30pm
⚠️ Please note: Doors close promptly at 7.35pm

🍷 Included in your ticket
• Complimentary New Zealand wine (or non-alcoholic option)
• Dessert nibbles
• Immersive candlelit concert experience

💛 Music That Feels Good and Does Good
Every ticket supports Levin Uniting Church & Community Centre and the free programmes, support services, and community initiatives we provide for local whānau, including those experiencing hardship, isolation, or vulnerability.

🎟️ Seats are strictly limited to 100 and this event is expected to sell out.

Book early to avoid disappointment and experience rock music reimagined by candlelight.

✨ What to Expect
Step inside a beautifully transformed heritage church lit by around 900 candles, creating a warm, atmospheric setting for an extraordinary evening of live music.

Arrive early, settle in, and enjoy the pre-show ambience with local hospitality, dessert nibbles, and gentle live music from a talented young local musician.

Then prepare for a powerful 75-minute concert featuring reimagined rock classics performed live in strings, blending intensity, beauty, and cinematic sound.

🎻 Special Guest Artists: The Family Lockdown Quartet

Born during the 2020 lockdown, this remarkable family ensemble began performing online and quickly evolved into a sought-after live act across Aotearoa, including performances at Te Papa, Rimufest (Tauranga), and Wellington’s Cuba Classics Series.

Rupa and Donald bring decades of professional musical experience, while Lucy and Gemma are emerging classical musicians studying at Victoria University and already performing professionally.

Together they transform iconic rock anthems into powerful, emotional string arrangements.

🔥 Programme highlights include:
• Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
• Kashmir – Led Zeppelin
• Back in Black – AC/DC
• Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones
• Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
• Dream On – Aerosmith
• Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
…plus more iconic favourites

🎷 Opening Performance
We are proud to showcase a talented young local rangatahi saxophonist performing live for the very first time – an inspiring opening to a night of music and connection.

To Book: https://events.humanitix.com/candlelit-concerts-rock-edition-it-s-a-night-out-that-feels-good-and-does-good/tickets?

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.

Anzac Day remains one of New Zealand’s most significant days of remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the courage, service and loss connected to war, and to honour returned and current New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

A range of dawn, civic and retreat services will be held across the district, with commemorations taking place in Foxton, Levin, Manakau, Moutoa, Ōhau, Shannon, Tokomaru and Waitārere Beach.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says Anzac Day continues to hold deep meaning for communities across Horowhenua.

“Anzac Day gives us the chance to stop, reflect and remember those who served our country, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is also an opportunity for people of all ages to come together as a community, pay their respects and acknowledge the lasting impact of service across generations.”

People are encouraged to attend a local service and take part in this year’s commemorations.

Anzac Day observances in Horowhenua on Saturday 25 April 2026

Foxton 28th Māori Battalion Service

5.45am – Head to cenotaph for Foxton Dawn Service
6.30am – Service at St John’s Methodist Church, Avenue Road, following the Dawn Service

Foxton Dawn Service

5.30am – Assemble on Clyde Street, outside Foxton Memorial Hall
5.45am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
6.00am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Service will take place in Foxton Memorial Hall

Foxton Civic Ceremony

9.00am – Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Main Street
9.35am – Parade assembles on Wharf Street and moves off to Cenotaph
9.40am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place inside Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom

Levin Dawn Service

5.45am – Assemble on the corner of Kent and Winchester Streets
6.00am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
6.15am – Cenotaph Service begins
6.45am – Return parade down Kent Street
Wet weather alternative: Service will take place at Levin RSA

Levin Civic Ceremony

10.00am – Parade assembles on Kent Street, past Thompson House Gardens
10.10am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
10.15am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place in Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō

Levin Retreat Ceremonies

4.45pm – The Avenue Cemetery
5.15pm – Tiro Tiro Road Cemetery

Manakau Special Memorial Service

7.20am – Assemble outside Manakau Hall to march to the War Memorial in Honi Taipua Street

Moutoa Civic Ceremony

9.00am – Moutoa Memorial Gates, Foxton-Shannon Road

Ōhau Civic Ceremony

3.00pm – Formal reflections and acknowledgement of Anzac Day at Ōhau Community Hall
3.30pm – Tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits, all welcome

Shannon Civic Ceremony

11.15am – Parade assembles at the corner of Vance Street and Plimmer Terrace
11.25am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
11.30am – Cenotaph Service begins

Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place in Shannon Memorial Hall

Tokomaru Civic Ceremony

10.00am – RSA and Country Club, Matipo Street

Waitārere Beach Civic Ceremony

8.30am – Tea and coffee at Waitārere Beach Bowling Club, Park Avenue
9.00am – Service begins

Road closures

Some temporary road closures will be in place to support the safety of participants and the public during parades and services. People are asked to follow signage and allow a little extra time when travelling on the day.

Wet Weather contingency

If bad weather is forecast, ceremonies will move indoors where possible. Any venue changes will be announced on Council’s Facebook page (@HorowhenuaDC) on the morning of Anzac Day.

Lest we forget.

The Awards brought together recipients, whānau and supporters for an evening acknowledging service, commitment and local achievement. The event highlighted the many ways people contribute to the strength and wellbeing of Horowhenua, often quietly and without seeking recognition.

Hosted by Mayor Bernie Wanden, the ceremony honoured three Civic Honour recipients, four Certificates of Recognition recipients and fifteen outstanding young people through the Youth Excellence Scholarships.

Mayor Bernie says the Awards were an opportunity to reflect on the difference people make when they choose to support their community.

“These recipients are the people who step forward when something needs to be done. They give their time generously, they support others, and they help create a district where people feel connected and supported. Their impact is significant, and we are proud to recognise them.”

“It is a privilege to celebrate individuals whose actions strengthen Horowhenua. Their commitment, compassion and willingness to help others make a real and lasting contribution to our district. The Awards remain one of the most meaningful and uplifting events of the year,” Mayor Bernie adds.

Youth Excellence Scholarships were presented in arts and culture, sport, community service and academia. These scholarships recognise the effort, talent and leadership of local rangatahi and provide practical support as they work toward their future goals.

Civic Honours were awarded to:

Mary Davis
Jeffrey Paulin
Wayne and Debra Kaye

Pictured below: Civic Honours recipients with Mayor Bernie, (from left to right) Wayne and Debra Kaye, Mary Davis and Jeffrey Paulin.

Certificates of Recognition were presented to:

Corey Prouting
Frank Taylor
Jack Gibson
Robert Ropata Remihana

Pictured above: Certificate of Recognition recipients with Mayor Bernie, (from left to right) Ropata Remihana, Frank Taylor, Corey Prouting and Jack Gibson.
Pictured below: Civic Honour and Certificates of Recognition recipients with Mayor Bernie.

Youth Excellence Scholarships were awarded to:

Arts and Culture

Haewon Kim
Hunter Kahukuranui Pakau
Pusa Fonoti
Saoirse Williamson

Community Service

Tyson Jones
Sienna Laplanche
Dycen Taituha
Owen Winstanley

Sport

William Dunsmore
Fletcher Warren
Anahera Easton
Finn Pedersen

Academia

Tareesha Kiran
Liam Roach
Youan Salt

Pictured below: Youth Excellence Scholarship recipients.

Youth Excellence Arts and Culture recipients also shared performances during the evening, offering a glimpse of the talent and creativity present across Horowhenua.

“The Awards highlighted the value of giving back to the community. When people choose to contribute their time, energy and skills, it strengthens the whole district. These recipients show what community in action looks like, and we appreciate all they do,” Mayor Bernie ends.

Applications are now open for the Horowhenua District Council Tertiary Education Scholarship, offering a $1,000 scholarship and a paid summer internship with Council during the 2025-2026 over summer.

You’re eligible to apply if you can answer yes to these two questions:

• Are you living in Horowhenua?
• Are you a school leaver planning on studying for a tertiary qualification in 2026 or continuing tertiary study in 2026?

Council Chief Executive Monique Davidson says the scholarship is about supporting local talent and helping young people see a future for themselves in local government Horowhenua.

“We want to back our rangatahi and show them they can have a real impact on their community,” says Monique.

“This scholarship helps with study costs, but just as importantly, it gives students a foot in the door. You’ll work alongside our teams, learn how local government works, and contribute to projects that make a real difference for Horowhenua.”

Davidson says this is part of Council’s wider commitment to young people, from youth spaces and development programmes to creating hands-on opportunities that connect students to their community.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 20 October 2025. So get your application in today at horowhenua.govt.nz/Scholarship.

For more information, contact Sue Fifita-Tovo at suehtp@horowhenua.govt.nz or call (06) 366 0999.

The spirits of Halloween have infested the library and warped beloved fairy tale characters into monstrous versions that thirst for blood and horror! Survive the hideous Seven Dwarfs, escape the deformed Three Little Pigs, and keep an eye out for the creature stalking the shelves – the Big Bad Wolf…

Careful which corner you turn, or you’ll find yourself trapped in a terrifying nightmare from which there may be no return!

Beginning in the Youth Space, courageous participants will be taken through a twisting path by guides that winds through all areas of the library, and (hopefully) end up alive and well at the Main Entrance.

Saturday October 25th. Doors open at 4:45pm
“Fright Sessions” start from 5.00pm – for families and younger children
“Terror Sessions” start from 8.00pm – for older children (recommended 12+)

Each session runs for approximately 15 minutes and has a maximum limit of 20 participants – session priority will be given to pre-purchased ticketholders. Please arrive 10 minutes ahead of your session time.

If the experience becomes too frightening, staff will be available to remove affected participants.

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/haunted-library-once-upon-nightmare/levin/tickets