Council’s Community Facilities and Services Manager Mark Hammond says, “Council knows there is never a good time to temporarily close a well-used facility, but the work is needed to keep the Aquatic Centre safe, reliable and fit for purpose for the community.” 

“We know this will be inconvenient for many people, especially regular users, families and those who rely on the different facilities or swim programmes.” 

“While disruption is not ideal, this is about Council investing in the long-term future of our community facilities so they can continue to support a thriving, connected Horowhenua,” Mayor Bernie Wanden adds.

The full Aquatic Centre closure will begin on Monday 13 April, with the facility planned to reopen on Monday 11 May.

Mark Hammond says, “Organising this kind of work is always challenging, and we do everything we can to reduce disruption to our swim school, fitness programme, and school holidays. It’s not easy, but that’s why we’ve chosen these dates.”

The Hydrotherapy Pool will close a week earlier from Monday 6 April, so ceiling tiles above the pool can be replaced before the full shutdown begins. This will also allow a new hydrotherapy pool liner to be installed.

During the closure, Foxton Pools will remain open, with additional classes and extended hours where possible. Swim lessons and some aquatic programmes will also continue at Foxton Pool where they can, and Swim School families will receive direct communication about any changes affecting them.

The work includes renewals to pool tanks, membranes, tiling, grouting and expansion joints, along with upgrades to circulating pumps, filtration and heating systems. Other work includes repairs to hardware, masonry, cladding, flooring, painting and replacement of the water supply on the eastern side of the facility, including hot water supply to the changing rooms.

While the closure will not be ideal for some, the work is necessary. Council appreciates the community’s patience while this work is completed and look forward to welcoming everyone back to a refreshed Levin Aquatic Centre.

We will continue to share updates on its website and Facebook pages as the project progresses.

For more information, visit the Levin Aquatic Centre Maintenance and Renewal Works project page

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.    

This much-loved triathlon series brings together tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau for two fun-filled days of movement, energy and community connection. Held in Shannon and Levin, both events feature run, cycle and swim legs designed for tamariki aged three and up, with caregivers encouraged to take part too.

“This is a brilliant way for whānau to get active together in a supportive, feel-good environment,” says Mayor Bernie Wanden. “It is not about competition. It is about building confidence, having fun and spending time together. We encourage everyone to come along and be part of the action. Keep an eye on our social media for updates.”

Event details

Shannon: Friday 20 February from 5pm to 7pm at Shannon School, $2 entry
Levin: Sunday 22 February from 10am to 2pm at Levin Aquatic Centre, $5 entry
Foxton: The previously advertised Foxton event will not proceed due to very low registrations.

What to expect

• Age group categories for 3 to 5, 6 to 7, 8 to 10, and 11 and over
• Run, cycle and swim courses suited to all levels
• Sausage sizzles, goodie bags and spot prizes
• Caregivers welcome to join in
• On site photographers capturing the fun

The Let’s Move Together Triathlon series aligns with Council’s priority to enhance health and wellbeing initiatives, as outlined in the Community Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2027. By hosting regular events and programmes, the series actively promotes community health and wellbeing.

Register now

Register online at aquatics.horowhenua.govt.nz
On the day registrations are also available at the Shannon event.

✨ What to Expect
Ease into the evening with local wines, dessert nibbles, and gentle background music by a talented youth musician. Then, as dusk settles, enjoy 75 minutes of exquisite acoustic music, curated to uplift and inspire.

🎶 Guest Artists: Saxcess
New Zealand’s premier saxophone quartet, Saxcess, delivers a rich kaleidoscope of sounds  swing, classical, tango, cutting-edge NZ contemporary, and much more. For decades, they’ve delighted audiences young and old across Aotearoa and beyond.

Saxcess members:

• Debbie Rawson (soprano/alto)
• Richard Marin (soprano/alto)
• Franz Ombler (tenor)
• Rachel Collingridge (baritone)

Let your ears travel the world, from the bold energy of Latin American saxophone pieces to the inventive sounds of New Zealand compositions.

Founded and led by Debbie Rawson, Saxcess is a project-based collective that has toured nationwide for nearly 30 years and have played all major Arts Festivals in Aotearoa, and performed original NZ compositions at Saxophone Congresses in Australia, Belgium, and the USA.

🎹 Pre-Concert Performance (8:15–8:30pm)
Be captivated by rising young pianist Kasra Mitchell-Kouttab, 15, whose talent and passion for classical music have already impressed audiences far beyond his years.

🕯️ Event Details

• Doors: 8:00pm | Pre-show: 8:15pm | Main concert: 8:30–9:45pm
• Venue: Historic local church, transformed by candlelight
• Tickets: $35 | Limited to 100 guests — bookings essential

💛 Music That Feels Good and Does Good
Each concert supports local community programmes — so your night out helps make a difference.

Whether for the spellbinding music, magical setting, or sense of connection, this is an evening you’ll never forget — and one you’ll return to season after season.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/candlelit-concerts-it-s-a-night-out-that-feels-good-and-does-good-f65u6qqj/tickets

The Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will have extra capacity before and after the game.

A special Wairarapa Line service will run after the game, expected to depart approximately 30 minutes after the match finishes.

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 cheaper 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. 

Transport news: www.trafficfox.co.nz

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

The 33-year-old truck driver sealed his World Championship debut during the final DartPlayers New Zealand (DPNZ) event of the season, and did so in spectacular fashion. In a match against fellow Kiwi Ben Robb, Tata delivered nine perfect darts to finish a leg in the fastest way possible, becoming just the second New Zealander to achieve the feat in a local ranking event.

“I’m still buzzing,” said Tata. “To do it in the final game of the season and have it live-streamed around the world, I couldn’t have written it better.”

Tata’s flawless leg included back-to-back 180s and a 141 checkout, sparking huge excitement online and among darts fans across the country. It capped off a standout weekend in Christchurch where he finished top of the DPNZ rankings, earning a place in the expanded 2026 PDC World Darts Championship field.

It’s a major milestone for the Wainuiomata talent, who grew up with darts in his blood. His father Ra Tata was a national champion, and Jonny first made headlines in 2023 when he beat two-time world champion Peter Wright at the NZ Darts Masters.

Tata’s achievements also earned him a place in the new Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) Premier League, starting this weekend in Melbourne. He and Robb are the only Kiwi players competing in the eight-week competition, with $30,000 up for grabs and valuable stage time ahead of the world championships.

“It’s going to be exhausting with all the travel, but great prep,” Tata said. “I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best in the region.”

The road to London has been years in the making, with Tata stepping up his training and committing to daily practice. “A lot of practice and sacrifices went into this, and it feels great to be here,” he said.

Despite the whirlwind of travel and preparation ahead, Tata kept his celebration low-key, sharing a quiet meal with his father in Christchurch before heading home to Wellington to celebrate with his partner and kids.

The ANZ Premier League runs from 4 October to 22 November, followed by the PDC World Darts Championship from 12 December to 4 January at London’s Alexandra Palace.

At the Gala Dinner you’ll savour a delicious three course plated dinner by Relish Cafe and Catering, accompanied by award winning Spy Valley wines and beer from DVB. Enjoy entertainment from some of Kāpiti’s up and coming musical talent and be blown away by Stew Darling’s incredible stories, all whilst supporting Mary Potter Hospice to renovate the Kāpiti community facilities. In addition, you will have a chance to bid on a collection of exciting auction items.

About the Speaker – Stew Darling

Stew Darling is a former Lieutenant Colonel in Military Intelligence with a 23-year career in the British Army running covert operations around the world. Stew worked with the FBI, CIA, and MI6 and was responsible for thousands of lives in high-stress environments including operations in The Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Author of Lead through Life and Unstoppable: Living Beyond Our Limits, he brings a unique perspective honed by his distinguished career in both covert military operations, business and leadership development. With over two decades of service in Military Intelligence, Stew mastered the art of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking under extreme pressure.

Stew transitioned seamlessly from his military career to business, he built an 8-figure ($) software company before returning to his passion of leadership coaching and motivational speaking. In telling his story, you will hear about his first hand experiences in high-stakes environments, his insights into overcoming adversity, fostering team cohesion, and leading with integrity.

Tickets: https://hospice-gala-dinner-2025.raiselysite.com/

Some of the exciting prizes on offer…

Light House Cuba Private Cinema Screening and Bar Tab – Private screening in Light House Cuba’s 34 seat cinema, for any currently screening movie of your choice. Turn it into a complete function with the $350 counter tab included that can be used on drinks, ice creams and confectionery. Valued at $925.

Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Ultimate Overnight Kiwi Experience – Ngā Manu is a nature and wildlife reserve in Waikanae. Get the Ultimate Overnight Kiwi Experience for up to 4 guests. It includes a stay in Theo’s Cottage, a Kiwi Night Encounter, and a Native Bird Close Encounter the next day. Perfect for the whole family! Valued at $600.

Minaret Station Alpine Luxury Lodge Experience -Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is one of the world’s most secluded and private luxury lodges. Nestled in a high alpine meadow at 3,000ft, surrounded by National Parks, mountains, and Lake Wanaka, only accessible by helicopter. Voucher includes return helicopter flights, one night’s accommodation in an alpine king or twin chalet, all meals and beverages provided, and a private guide for hiking from the Lodge. Valued at $8750.

A Night Under the Stars

When: 27 August 2025, 6:15 pm onwards  

6.15pm – 7pm: Canapés and welcome drinks; 7pm: Event commences

10.30pm: Event wraps up

Dress Code – Dress to impress, but don’t stress.

Where: Southward Car Museum, Paraparaumu

Why: A fundraising event for Mary Potter Hospice to help renovate the Kāpiti Community Base.

All funds raised from this event will stay in Kāpiti.

After 30 years the building is no longer fit for purpose. Patient numbers have increased significantly (the team cares for around 200 patients a year) and the team of staff and volunteers who are based in the building has grown to the point where some staff have been accommodated in a temporary porta cabin, and there are no ‘hot desk’ facilities for staff visiting from other teams.

Local architect John Tocker has been working pro bono on a cost effective solution that the Hospice now wish to implement and ensure that they can get at least another 10 years out of the current building as they continue to support the people of the Kāpiti Coast at the end of their lives.

Tickets: https://hospice-gala-dinner-2025.raiselysite.com/

They were even more surprised to learn that Steve is actually a Kāpiti resident, although he has spent months of most recent years performing to crowds of thousands at music festivals overseas, especially in the United States.

Steve McDonald is a ‘one man band’. He was actually the first New Zealander to both own a synthesizer, and load it for use in performance. That was way back in the 1970s.

Some may remember the ‘Dizzy Limits’ or ‘Timberjack’ , Wellington 1970s bands in which Steve McDonald featured singing and playing drums. Nowadays ‘he performs the lot on his own!’

Kāpiti Coast Grey Power is hosting a concert featuring Steve McDonald at Southwards Theatre on Thursday March 20 at 10am with coffee/tea from 9.30am. KCGP has previously held three-monthly ‘coffee mornings’ at the public facility in Ocean Road, Paraparaumu Beach.

These have over the last two years featured a conversational chat hosted by KCGP President and ex-Kāpiti Deputy Mayor Roger Booth. Guests have included ex-Prime Minister Sir Jim Bolger, ex-Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, television personality Kevin Milne, and ex-nun and NZGP Board member Kilian de Lacy.

However the numbers attending the session featuring local musician Andrew London as the interviewee and performer late last year made it clear that GP audiences had outgrown the Ocean Road facility. And it was also clear that the ‘coffee mornings’ were now of public interest. Upstairs at Southwards is the venue this time.

Roger Booth says Steve McDonald’s life story is a fascinating one. “The chat will be shared with Steve grabbing many moments to illustrate how his musical journey has travelled from a 60s pop singer to his extraordinary ability to use his synthesizer to its limits, alongside featuring both as an active instrumentalist and a Celtic singer.”

There will be no charge for entry, but an opportunity to give koha.

Trains will have extra capacity before and after the game and the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will be running with extra services added after the game.

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

Regular off-peak fares will apply when using Snapper. 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.