All dogs over three months old must be registered each year. Owners are encouraged to complete their registration by 31 July 2026 to avoid a late payment penalty.  

This year, Council has introduced Pawmanent dog tags – a lifetime registration tag designed to stay with each dog for life. While registration still needs to be renewed annually, the new tags mean owners no longer need to replace tags every year, making the process simpler and reducing waste.  

Mayor Bernie Wanden says registering your dog is an important responsibility for all owners.  

“Dog registration helps us keep our community safe and ensures we can quickly reunite lost dogs with their owners,” he says.  

“With the introduction of Pawmanent tags, we’ve made things easier for owners while also reducing unnecessary waste.”  

Mayor Wanden says registration fees directly support a range of animal management services across the district.  

“These fees help fund essential services like responding to complaints, providing education programmes, caring for animals at the pound, and rehoming dogs,” he says.  

“It’s about making sure dog owners are contributing their fair share to services that benefit the whole community.”  

Dog owners are also reminded to keep their contact details up to date so Council can get in touch quickly if their dog is found. 

Renewing your dog’s registration is quick and easy online at horowhenua.govt.nz/pawsonline. By paying online, dog owners can skip the queues at Council offices and avoid heading out in the winter cold. Owners can also choose to receive future renewal notices by email, helping to reduce paper use. 

A 50% late payment penalty applies to registrations not paid by 31 July 2026. Anyone who may have difficulty paying is encouraged to contact Council on 06 366 0999 or at enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz to discuss possible options. 

Painga Project’s mobile optometry clinic ‘Celia’ is in the region this week, providing free eye exams to Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten children as part of the charity’s Wellington pilot. Every child seen has already been screened by Painga Project — and 17 per cent of the children screened were found to need a full eye exam, a result that points to significant unmet need
among our youngest learners.

Celia has travelled from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, where she currently works in 53 of the highest equity index primary and intermediate schools. She hasn’t come alone: ‘Whina’, Painga Project’s mobile audiology clinic, has made the trip too, acting as a support vehicle where children can choose the frames for their glasses if they need them. Exams, glasses and follow-up are all free for whānau.

Painga Project is a charity built around a simple idea: equity at the school gate. A child who cannot see the board, or the pictures in a book, starts their education already behind — often without anyone knowing why. By bringing screening, full eye exams and free glasses directly to kindergartens and schools during the day, the clinic removes the cost, travel and time-off-work barriers that stop many families from accessing vision care.

“These children are about to begin their school journey, and good vision changes everything about how that journey goes,” says Sarah Corson, CEO at Painga Project. “What we’re seeing at Whānau Manaaki kindergartens tells us the need in this region is real. We’d love the Wellington community to get behind a permanently based mobile clinic — so this isn’t a one-off visit”.

The pilot is also a chance for Painga Project to better understand pre-school vision needs, and for the wider Wellington region — from Levin and Porirua to the city — to see what the charity could deliver locally. With funding for a Wellington-based mobile clinic, Painga Project could bring free vision care to children across the region, year round.

Locals who would like to support the mahi — as funders, partners or volunteers — can get in touch via paingaproject.co.nz or donate through the charity’s Givealittle page givealittle.co.nz/org/the-painga-project

Since launching earlier this year, the show has featured local musicians, business owners, students, creators, community leaders, and other inspiring guests, covering everything from careers and mental health to local events and issues affecting young people.

The Social Link airs every Wednesday at 6pm, with a replay on Saturdays at 2pm, and is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

Link to the show: https://www.coastaccessradio.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=d29b544d-0d1a-453a-b468-c32f55a67a07

Metlink will add extra carriages on the Kāpiti, Hutt Valley and Johnsonville lines for the match at Hnry Stadium on Saturday 11 July.

The game kicks off at 5.10pm, and about 20,000 fans are expected to use their match tickets to travel on Metlink bus and rail services.

Standard weekend timetables will run before the game, but additional trains will leave Wellington Station after fulltime on the Kāpiti, Hutt Valley and Johnsonville lines to help fans get home.

Match tickets can be used on Metlink bus and train services at no extra cost on Saturday. Passengers simply need to show their event ticket to the driver or onboard staff.

The free travel does not apply to harbour ferries, Airport Express buses, or Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility taxis.

An extra harbour ferry sailing will leave Queens Wharf at about 7.30pm after the game, but bookings are required through East by West.

Buses will run to normal Saturday timetables after the match, with some larger double-decker buses replacing standard buses.

Metlink says passengers should expect busy services, allow extra time and check the Metlink app or website before travelling.

Rail lines will remain open on Friday 10 July and Saturday 11 July during the Matariki long weekend, but there will be disruption on Sunday 12 July while KiwiRail carries out upgrade work.

On Sunday, buses will replace trains all day on the Hutt Valley Line.

In the evening, buses will also replace trains on the Johnsonville Line, and on the Kāpiti Line between Wellington and Porirua.

The rail work is part of wider upgrades aimed at improving reliability and preparing the Wellington network for the arrival of Tūhono trains and higher-capacity services from 2030.

Off-peak fares will apply across the long weekend, including on the Matariki public holiday on Friday, when Metlink services will run to Sunday timetables.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend a community evening at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō to help whānau better understand and manage the challenges children face online.

Filmmaker, author and speaker Rob Cope, producer of the documentary Our Kids Online, will present Parenting in an Online World 101, a practical session on helping young people stay safer online.

The session will cover key online risks including cyberbullying, social media pressure, gaming, online predators, pornography, artificial intelligence and the sharing of intimate images.

It will also share practical tools for parents and caregivers, including filters and parental controls, safer smartphone settings, healthy boundaries around device use, and ways to have important conversations with tamariki/children and rangatahi/youth.

Cope says keeping children safe online requires a collective effort from families, schools and communities.

“We need to tackle this as a community so that all of our kids are safe. When I protected my kids online, I also protected yours, so please, please protect your kids online so that you are also protecting mine,” he says.

Councillor Jo Mason, Chair of the Community Wellbeing Committee, says the event supports Council’s focus on safer, stronger communities.

“Supporting parents and caregivers to navigate the online world is an important part of creating safer communities. Community safety is a priority within Horowhenua District Council’s Community Wellbeing Strategy, He Hapori Pakari, and a continuing area of focus for the Community Wellbeing Committee. By equipping whānau with practical knowledge and tools, the event aims to strengthen the wellbeing and safety of tamariki and rangatahi both online and offline.”

Parenting in an Online World 101 is open to parents, caregivers and whānau who want to better support their children online.

Event details: Thursday 6 August 2026 at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, Levin. Doors open at 6pm and the event starts at 6.30pm. This is an R18 event.

Tickets are $10 and available through Eventfinda. 

The award recognises the collaborative effort that has helped former refugee whānau from Colombia and Venezuela build a sense of place, belonging and connection in Horowhenua. Through a strong partnership between Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Council, community organisations, government agencies, and former refugee residents themselves, the programme has created opportunities for people to connect, participate and thrive.

Mayor Bernie Wanden said the recognition was a win for the entire Horowhenua community.

“This award belongs to our community. It recognises what can happen when people come together with a shared commitment to making others feel welcome and valued.”

“At its heart, this programme is about belonging. It’s about creating connections, building relationships and ensuring people feel like Horowhenua is home. That’s something we can all be incredibly proud of.

“What made the recognition even more special was seeing members of our former refugee community standing alongside our partners from Muaūpoko Tribal Authority to receive the award. It was a powerful reminder that the strongest communities are built together.”

Board member of Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Tracey White said the success of the programme reflected the power of partnership and manaakitanga.

“Welcoming former refugee whānau into our rohe is a privilege. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to share our history, culture, build meaningful relationships and help create a genuine sense of belonging for new whānau arriving in Horowhenua.”

“This recognition reflects the power of coming together, learning from one another and building a stronger community for everyone.”

The award was received by representatives from Horowhenua District Council, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and key contributors from the former refugee community who have helped shape the programme’s success. Their presence reflected the partnership approach that sits at the heart of the initiative and the shared commitment to making Horowhenua a place where everyone can belong.

In recognising the programme, the judges said:

“The last Census showed that more than one in four Kiwis wasn’t born here. Helping support the newest New Zealanders with a sense of belonging while preserving their cultural heritage and life experiences makes for a stronger, richer, more cohesive community now and for generations to come.”

The Highly Commended award recognises the power of community connection, partnership and belonging, and the positive impact those values continue to have on people choosing to make Horowhenua their home.

“After a rigorous first round of judging, the results are now in. The Electra Business & Innovation Awards team would like to congratulate all the businesses that entered and extend their best wishes to the finalists as they move forward to the second round of judging.”

One of the Electra Business & Innovation Awards Managers, Natalie Rutene, commented – “This is one of my favourite times of year. Working with our judges to identify finalists and recognise businesses doing incredible things across the Horowhenua and Kāpiti districts is genuinely rewarding work. It is great to see so many awesome businesses and not-for-profits putting themselves forward for recognition, and even better to see just how tight the competition has been this year.”

Main Awards Finalists

Construction and Trades: Sponsored by Mills Albert Ltd

● AAM – Affordable Audio & Mechanics
● Premium Garage Doors
● The Block Busters Ltd
● Whittaker Electrical Ltd

Consumer Services: Sponsored by Zebunisso Alimova – Mike Pero Mortgages

● Birthworx
● Driving Miss Daisy Levin – Waikanae
● Nation Beauty
● Vanilla Hair Parlour Ltd

Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism: Sponsored by Kapinua

● Hey Coastie
● Kaewa Tours
● Salt & Pepper Cafe
● The Custard Pie

Manufacturing, Production and Processing: Sponsored by MTF Kāpiti

● Frank House Limited
● Norca Rugs & Textiles Ltd
● Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Not for Profit, Community and Public Services: Sponsored by LT McGuinness

● Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC)
● Projects For Good – Golf For Good
● The Kilns at Te Horo
● The Mahara Gallery Trust (Toi MAHARA)

Professional and Business Services, or Technology: Sponsored by Graphic Press & Packaging

● BOSS. Back Office Support & Solutions
● CORUM Limited
● Organic Wealth
● Pou Architecture
● Procure 101
● Rustam Nomozov – Mortgage Lab

Retail: Sponsored by: New World Levin

● Four Square Shannon
● Four Square Waikanae Beach
● Q Variety Store
● We Love Local

About the Electra 2026 Business & Innovation Awards
Now in its 32nd year, the Electra Business & Innovation Awards celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation across the Horowhenua and Kāpiti business communities.
The awards recognise businesses of all sizes from all sectors that are making a real impact.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Night, which will be held on Thursday 1st October 2026 at the Horowhenua Events Centre, bringing together entrants, partners, supporters and the wider business communities for an evening of celebration,
connection, and recognition. Early Bird tickets are on sale.

For more information visit www.bkh.org.nz

Central Districts Water will be the new publicly owned water services organisation 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 from July 2027. 

Created as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, the organisation will provide safe, reliable and sustainable water services while remaining locally owned, community focused and accountable to the councils and communities it serves. Central Districts Water is committed to protecting water as a taonga, safeguarding public health and making the long-term investments needed to ensure resilient water services for future generations.

Over the past year, Mr Dyhrberg has led the establishment of Central Districts Water as Executive Director, overseeing the transition programme on behalf of the three councils. Working closely with councils, iwi partners, staff and stakeholders, he has guided the work required to establish the organisation, and will now lead it into its operational phase as Chief Executive.

Mr Dyhrberg, who holds degrees in Law and Commerce, brings more than 30 years’ experience across local government, infrastructure, telecommunications, energy and health. Alongside leading the establishment of Central Districts Water, he has served as Deputy Chief Executive of Palmerston North City Council and has previously held the roles of Acting Chief Executive, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Infrastructure Officer, with responsibility for major infrastructure planning and delivery, customer and regulatory services, emergency management and organisational performance.

Prior to joining local government, Mr Dyhrberg held senior roles with Spark New Zealand and Chorus, leading large-scale national infrastructure and network delivery programmes across broadband, mobile and utilities networks. He also brings significant governance experience, including nine years as a director of Electra Limited, the electricity network company serving the Kāpiti and Horowhenua districts, where he chaired the Health and Safety Committee and served as a director of subsidiary companies.

Board Chair Steve Maharey said the Board was delighted to appoint a leader who had already played a defining role in shaping the organisation.

“Chris has the rare combination of having led the beginning of the establishment of Central Districts Water while bringing more than three decades of experience in major infrastructure organisations and delivering essential public services. The Board is confident he is the right person to lead Central Districts Water into its next chapter.”

Mr Maharey said Central Districts Water had been established with a clear purpose: to provide high-quality water services while strengthening the long-term resilience of the region.

“Central Districts Water has been created to ensure our communities continue to receive safe, reliable water services while investing for the future and protecting the resources on which we all depend. This organisation has been built on partnership. Our three shareholder councils have shown leadership by working together with iwi to create a strong, capable organisation focused on doing the best for the communities it serves. Chris understands our relationships with our shareholders, iwi and communities are every bit as important as the infrastructure itself.”

Mr Dyhrberg said it had been a privilege to help establish Central Districts Water and he was honoured to be appointed its founding Chief Executive.

“Helping with the establishment of Central Districts Water has been one of the highlights of my career. Building an organisation around a clear purpose from day one has meant every decision has been guided by protecting public health, caring for water as a taonga and delivering services our communities can trust. We’ve built strong foundations over the past year, and I’m excited to lead an organisation that continues to strengthen its partnerships with councils, iwi and communities.”

Mr Dyhrberg said Central Districts Water’s greatest strength would be its people.

“Our water staff across the three councils bring decades of knowledge and experience delivering these essential services to our communities. They will be central to Central Districts Water’s success. While I already know many of the Palmerston North team well, I’m looking forward to spending more time with our Horowhenua and Rangitīkei crews and, together, building an organisation our communities can rely on for generations to come.”

Mr Dyhrberg’s start date at CDW is still to be confirmed, but likely early August. 

About Central Districts Water

Central Districts Water is the publicly owned water services organisation jointly owned by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council. The organisation is responsible for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the three districts, working in partnership with iwi and local communities to provide safe, reliable and sustainable water services.

Grey Power National Vice-President David Marshall said, while the organisation welcomes constructive debate about the future
of retirement income, it remains firmly opposed to any move toward means-testing.

“New Zealand Superannuation provides certainty, dignity and independence for older New Zealanders. Undermining that
certainty risks eroding confidence in the entire system for future retirees,” says Mr Marshall.

For four decades, Grey Power has consistently advocated for a universal, non-means-tested system and continues to oppose any
change to that principle. Grey Power also notes that New Zealand’s superannuation model is widely regarded as efficient and effective in providing baseline income security.

“Universal superannuation works because it is clear, fair and predictable,” Marshall says. “It ensures all New Zealanders have a
foundation to live with dignity in later life.”

Over its 40-year history, Grey Power has advocated across a wide range of issues affecting seniors, including healthcare
access, energy affordability, aged care standards, retirement village regulation, rates rebates, and Super Gold Card benefits.
Protecting NZ Super, however, remains central to its work

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he firmly opposes altering the universal nature of New Zealand Superannuation, officially ruling out means-testing and confirming Labour will not increase the retirement age. He maintains that KiwiSaver should strictly remain a supplementary retirement income, rather than a replacement for, or justification to erode, state superannuation.

Today’s announcement importantly delivers six new teaching spaces to Paraparaumu College, and significant upgrade and redevelopment funding to address long-standing condition issues at both Porirua School and Mana College

“I’ve worked with the Principal at Paraparaumu college for some time, and worked constructively with the Minister and lobbied hard to secure these six new classrooms,” says Mr Costley.

“There have been issues to work through over the last year, particularly helping to tell our local story in Kāpiti. This includes taking into account out-of-zone students, which can impact the Ministry’s utilisation rates for existing classrooms, and future growth predictions. I wrote to the Minister last year explaining why I thought Paraparaumu College was a special case and deserved extra consideration.

“I’m particularly grateful to Principal Mark Robinson who has been a strong advocate for Paraparaumu College. He has invited me to the school on multiple occasions to walk me through the issues, helped me to understand what is needed, and also hosted the Education Minister at his school last year. This has all led to positive outcomes for staff and students.”

Ms Stanford said “These schools have been under pressure from growing student numbers. Delivering these classrooms will ease that pressure and support better environments for teaching and learning.” 

She said today’s announcement brings the total number of new classrooms funded in the lower North Island to 153 over the past three years and nearly 1400 across New Zealand.

“As a result of this, more students will be learning in new, warm, safe, dry classrooms. The Government has been able to deliver more bang for buck by improving the way school property is planned and built.”

Paraparaumu College was promised some new classrooms by the last Government, but they were never funded and never delivered, a pattern across many schools in New Zealand. “I’m proud to have helped turn this around and delivered the funding for our local college,” says Mr Costley.