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/

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Mayor Bernie Wanden says the project reflects a strong blend of community feedback, future-focused design, and respect for Levin’s heritage.

“This is a project that honours our past while creating something meaningful for future generations. It’s about storytelling through design, retaining what matters to our community while opening up new opportunities for connection, activity, and growth.”

The detailed designs, prepared by Athfield Architects on behalf of The Wellington Company Ltd., incorporate key themes raised through community engagement, including onsite carparking, communal amenity space that will create a more inviting and connected town centre environment.

Group Manager Community Vision and Delivery David McCorkindale says the development is a cornerstone of the Levin Town Centre Transformation.

“We heard clearly from our community, and their aspiration is reflected in The Wellington Company’s designs. From accessible public spaces to thoughtful integration of hospitality and residential living, this is about creating a vibrant, connected heart for Levin.”

The proposal retains the footprint of the existing War Memorial Hall while introducing new elements that bring the space to life, including a town square and plaza, laneway terraces, and a mix of hospitality offerings such as a café and shared hospitality and dining spaces. Two hospitality providers are expected to activate the precinct, alongside approximately 20 new residential units.

Design features also incorporate elements of the existing building, including the use of original windows and the addition of mezzanine doors, helping to carry the story of the site forward.

“This is just one piece of the town centre transformation” McCorkindale says. “It’s one of several interdependent projects that together will reshape Levin’s town centre into a place where people want to spend time, do business, and connect.”

Council officers have until 21 May to confirm that the design conditions of the contract have been satisfied. Once confirmed, resource and building consent applications will be lodged to determine whether the development can proceed to construction in its current form.

If consent is granted, construction is expected to begin within three months of that milestone, with the project currently on track for completion by 31 December 2028.

Mayor Wanden says Council is committed to maintaining momentum while continuing to keep the community informed.

“We are delighted that the Wellington Company have embraced the challenge of considering the history and identity of the space and are looking to create a development that will act as a catalyst for the transformation of the Levin Town Centre.”

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 Solid Waste Bylaw sets the framework for how waste is collected, transported, disposed of, and managed across the district. It supports safe and efficient waste services while encouraging the reduction of waste sent to landfill, helping to protect public health and the environment.

Consultation opens on Monday 4 May 2026 and closes at 4pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

The current Solid Waste Bylaw is due to lapse in July 2026. Renewing the bylaw is important to ensure continuity of waste services and enable appropriate enforcement across the district.

At this stage, Council is not proposing any changes. Instead, the proposal is to carry over the existing Solid Waste Bylaw 2014, updated to align with a new template.

A broader review of waste services is planned as part of the Long Term Plan 2027, which will include further public consultation. Depending on the outcomes of that future review, the bylaw may need to be updated at that time.

We are legally required to consult on keeping the Solid Waste Bylaw 2014 unchanged. This means a valid bylaw stays in place while we continue to work on the 2027 Long Term Plan and any future waste service decisions.

Renewing the bylaw now provides certainty and continuity for the community, while allowing time for a more comprehensive discussion about waste and recycling services in the future.

Find out more

For more information and to have your say, visit letskorero.horowhenua.govt.nz/proposedsolidwastebylaw2026

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Horowhenua, with forecasts indicating two weather systems will affect the region – one moving up from the south today, followed by a second system from the north overnight.

These systems are expected to be slow-moving, with periods of high-intensity rainfall and the potential for thunderstorms and localised downpours.

While Horowhenua currently sits under a lower-level watch, conditions in surrounding areas are more severe, with a Red Warning in place for Wellington and an Orange Warning for the Tararua Range.

What this means for Horowhenua

Council is particularly mindful of the volume of rain forecast for the Tararua Range. Current modelling suggests 200-250mm could fall in some areas. If this rainfall tracks further west, it could increase the risk of river rises, localised flooding, and slips within Horowhenua.

Council preparations underway

Council has activated a duty manager approach and is monitoring conditions around the clock through to Wednesday.

Contractors, emergency services, and partner agencies are engaged and ready to respond if required. An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is on standby and will be activated if conditions escalate.

As a precaution, Kimberley Reserve has been closed.

There is also the potential for the Moutoa floodgates to be operated tomorrow if required.

When to expect impacts

The first period of heavier rain is expected around midnight, with another potential peak between 6am and 7am tomorrow morning. Forecasts will be updated again by MetService at 9pm this evening.

What residents should do

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take simple precautions:

• Clear gutters and drains around your property
• Secure loose outdoor items
• Avoid driving through floodwater
• Keep an eye on rising water levels in streams and drains
• Stay up to date with official weather forecasts and Council channels

Stay informed

This is a complex and evolving weather event, and conditions may change quickly. Council will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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.

Figures released by Stats NZ in February showed that the unemployment rate for 15 to 24-year-olds across New Zealand was at 16.5 percent, three times higher than the overall unemployment rate.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says across Horowhenua there are young people and jobseekers who want to work, contribute and build a future for themselves and their whānau, but who sometimes need the right support to take that next step.

“In every corner of Horowhenua there are young people and jobseekers who want to contribute, who want to work, and who want to build a future for themselves and their whānau,” Mayor Wanden says. “Often, what makes the difference is someone backing them, building their confidence, and helping open the door.”

Mayor Wanden says that what makes Mayors Taskforce for Jobs so special, is the unique way in which the team can support our job seekers. “Whether that be needing support to get the right gear to do the job, or a license that sets you up for success, that’s the true gold of this programme.”

Kereana Leith, MTFJ Community Employment Connector says the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Community Employment Programme demonstrates the power of community‑led local solutions to address employment challenges, particularly for young people aged 16 to 24. Delivered at a grassroots level, the programme provides one‑on‑one support for jobseekers, helping them prepare for work and move into roles that are meaningful and sustainable. At the same time, it works directly with employers to understand their needs and support them to connect with local people.

With many people across the wider region facing growing financial pressure and barriers to employment, this local, community-led approach continues to play an important role in connecting young people with practical support, local employers and pathways into meaningful work.

“The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs recognises that one size doesn’t fit all,” says Kereana. “By working locally and in partnership with central government, councils and communities can tailor solutions that reflect the realities on the ground.”

The programme is designed to support both sides of the employment relationship.

Tyson Jones, Work Ready Champion says “This is about supporting people into work, but it’s also about supporting employers. When local businesses hire through this programme, they are not just filling a vacancy. They are investing in someone’s confidence, capability and future, while helping build a stronger local workforce.”

Local employers are encouraged to get in touch if they are looking for employees or want to understand how the programme can support their business. People who are looking for work, training or a new opportunity are also encouraged to reach out.

“If you are an employer looking for your next team member, we want to hear from you. And if you are someone looking for work or needing support to take that next step, we are here to help. This programme is about backing our people and backing our community” adds Tyson.

In May 2024, the Community Employment Programme reached a significant national milestone, with more than 6,000 predominantly young people placed into work across rural and provincial Aotearoa since early 2020. During the 2023/24 year alone, 1,404 people benefitted from the programme, exceeding the 1,111 outcomes it was contracted to deliver.

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide movement of mayors committed to ensuring all young people are engaged in employment, education or training within their communities. For more information, visit the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs section, email mtfj@horowhenua.govt.nz or free phone 0800 944 994.

This inquiry follows the last two annual reviews of FENZ, and the extra Select Committee hearing with FENZ two weeks ago, all of which raised serious questions.

“I stand by our firefighters. That’s why I wrote to the Select Committee and moved a motion asking for an inquiry and I’m pleased all members have agreed,” says Costley.

“I am increasingly concerned by the fleet issues within FENZ that continue to provide more questions than answers, and by the confusing and contradictory nature of those answers.

“I receive daily messages from firefighters about fire trucks breaking down or not being available when needed. While there are a range of issues that have been raised more broadly around FENZ, the most consistent that has arisen on every occasion is that of FENZ’ fleet (fire trucks).

Costley says it is important that we get timely and accurate answers about what is happening with their trucks, the delays and breakdowns, and how long it will be before all current trucks are on the road.

“The impact of failures in this space is one that impacts every community in New Zealand, whether those areas have volunteer or paid staff, high-rise or low-rise, urban or rural.

“Our firefighters do an amazing job risking their lives to help New Zealanders in need – and I fully back them. What is important is that they have the necessary support from their leadership to effectively carry out their duties. This enquiry will provide the answers that every community and firefighter deserves,” says Costley.

The inquiry will be held over the coming months, gathering evidence through public submissions, hearings, and stakeholder consultations. The final report will deliver recommendations to Parliament.

However some provisions are to be withdrawn as per Minister Christopher Bishop’s decision on Council’s Plan Stop exemption application to the Ministry for the Environment.

Proposed Plan Change 6A seeks to rezone 22ha of land on the northwest of Levin from Deferred Residential (Future Residential) to Residential. This land is one of Council’s identified urban growth areas – known as Levin North West 1 (LNW1). If approved, the rezoning will allow urban-scale subdivision to happen, enabling 400 to 500 dwellings on a range of section sizes.

Minister Christopher Bishop has advised that he considered Council’s application and was satisfied that Proposed Plan Change 6A met the criteria under the RMA for an exemption and could proceed in part. However, some provisions were identified as not appropriate to continue and must now be withdrawn.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the decision gives clarity about what happens next.

“Proposed Plan Change 6A is an important part of planning for Horowhenua’s future growth, and this decision gives us a clear way forward,” says Mayor Bernie.

“It means the plan change can keep moving, while also making it clear which parts will continue and which parts have been withdrawn.”

“While we are disappointed that the removal of some provisions means work Council and Muaūpoko Tribal Authority put into shaping this plan change will not move forward as originally proposed, we remain focused on the parts that can still proceed and on planning well for our growing community.”

The provisions being withdrawn include three policies, six permitted activity conditions and one rule.

Mayor Bernie says it is important that the community understands both the decision and the next step in the process.

“We know submitters and residents want to understand what this means, and we will continue to keep people informed as the process moves ahead.”

The remainder of Proposed Plan Change 6A will now proceed to a public hearing. The hearing date will be advised in due course through a public notice and webpage update. Submitters who asked to speak at the hearing will also be advised directly.

For more information, visit letskorero.horowhenua.govt.nz/PPC6A