That’s why Horowhenua District Council is encouraging everyone to be aware of H5 bird flu and know what to do if they come across sick or dead wild birds.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is leading New Zealand’s response following recent detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds. Council is supporting that response by sharing practical information with our community.

The good news is there are no confirmed cases in Horowhenua, and the risk to people remains very low. Chicken and eggs remain safe to eat.

What you can do

If you’re out enjoying our beaches, lakes, reserves or other natural areas and see three or more sick or dead wild birds together, please don’t touch or move them.

Instead:

• Report them to MPI by calling 0800 80 99 66 or reporting online.
• If it’s safe to do so, take a photo and note the location.
• Keep children and dogs away from sick or dead birds.

If you keep chickens or other poultry, now is a good time to review your biosecurity practices and reduce contact between domestic birds and wild birds where possible.

Protecting our native wildlife, our environment and our local poultry industry is something we can all play a part in. By knowing what to look for and reporting unusual bird deaths, you’re helping experts monitor the situation and respond quickly if needed.

For the latest information, reporting guidance and advice, visit MPI’s H5 bird flu webpage at www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu

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. 

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.

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/

Electra is wholly owned by electricity consumers – including you. Have your say: vote for the Trustees who will protect and present your interests.

Voting online is secure and takes less than 2 minutes.

Candidate profiles can be viewed below.

Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 5 June 2026. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your say before voting closes.

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.