Held at the Horowhenua Events Centre in Levin, the awards that have been taking place over three decades, brought together businesses, supporters and community leaders from across Kāpiti and Horowhenua for an evening celebrating business excellence, innovation and community spirit.

Udderly Organic was a standout, taking home five awards: Electra Business of the Year; Manufacturing, Production and Processing; Customer Experience – Horowhenua; New/Emerging; and Environmental Sustainability. Its success highlighted the quality and ambition of businesses operating in Horowhenua and was a proud moment for the district’s food and beverage sector.

Shannon Four Square received the special Judges’ Award – Heart of the Community, recognising its contribution to the community it serves. Created at the judges’ discretion, this award is only presented when they believe a business is worthy of special acknowledgement, making it a particularly meaningful recognition for the team.

Other local successes included Nation Beauty, which won the Consumer Services Award, and Premium Garage Doors, which took home the Construction and Trades Award and the Innovation Award.

Doug Rowan was also announced as the 2026 Horowhenua Business Hall of Fame Laureate, recognising an outstanding career devoted to leadership and service. The honour celebrates his lasting contribution to business and the meaningful difference he has made in the wider community.

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden says the evening highlighted the people, hard work and community connections behind local business success.

“Our businesses contribute so much to Horowhenua. They create jobs, support local causes and help make our towns places where people feel connected. Udderly Organic’s outstanding success and Shannon Four Square’s Heart of the Community Award reflect the different ways our businesses make a difference.

“It was a pleasure to celebrate on home turf and welcome our Kāpiti neighbours to Levin. Our districts share strong connections, and these awards are a wonderful opportunity to come together, recognise achievement and celebrate the people behind our business community.”

The shared Kāpiti–Horowhenua awards provide an opportunity for businesses across both districts to connect, learn from one another and gain recognition for their work. Hosting this year’s celebration in Levin brought that wider business community together in Horowhenua.

Across the evening, the achievements of winners and finalists showcased the diversity of local enterprise, from food producers and trades to retailers and service businesses. The awards also recognised the commitment involved in building a business, developing a team and consistently delivering for customers.

“I also want to acknowledge Business Kāpiti Horowhenua, the volunteer-run community not-for-profit organisation behind these special awards. Their work ensures our community’s voice remains at the heart of the awards programme.”

Horowhenua District Council as a sponsor congratulates all winners, finalists and entrants, and acknowledges the organisers, judges and other sponsors who made the evening possible.

This year’s winners include:
Electra Business of the Year: Sponsored by Electra
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Construction and Trades: Sponsored by Mills Albert Ltd
● Premium Garage Doors

Consumer Services: Sponsored by Zebunisso Alimova – Mike Pero Mortgages
● Nation Beauty

Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism: Sponsored by Kapinua
● The Custard Pie

Manufacturing, Production and Processing: Sponsored by MTF Kāpiti
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Not for Profit, Community and Public Services: Sponsored by LT McGuinness
● Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC)

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

Retail: Sponsored by New World Levin
● We Love Local

Customer Experience – Horowhenua: Sponsored by The Horowhenua Company
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Customer Experience – Kāpiti: Sponsored by Spark Business Hub Kāpiti
● We Love Local

New/Emerging: Sponsored by Kāpiti Business Chamber
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Small Business: Sponsored by NZME
● Pou Architecture

Environmental Sustainability: Sponsored by ANZ Bank New Zealand
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Innovation: Sponsored by Elite Diagnostics
● Premium Garage Doors

Judges’ Award – Heart of the Community
● Four Square Shannon

Hall of Fame Horowhenua – Sponsored by Horowhenua District Council
● Doug Rowan

Hall of Fame Kāpiti – Sponsored by Kāpiti Coast District Council
● Mark Brosnahan

“Putting your business forward for an award takes courage,” said Heather Hutchings, Lead Judge of EBIA. “It means opening the doors, sharing your story, and allowing others to look closely at what you’ve built, and that in itself deserves recognition.”

About the Awards
The Awards recognise businesses based in the Kāpiti Coast and Horowhenua districts. Running continuously since 1993, the awards celebrate innovation, sustainability and best business practice across all industries and sectors in our regions. Business Kāpiti Horowhenua (BKH), a volunteer-run, not-for-profit body, organises the Electra Business & Innovation Awards.

Kāpiti’s dedicated electrification expo is bringing solar, home batteries, electric vehicles, e-bikes, hot water heat pumps, induction cooktops and more together under one roof. 

Solar power expert Iain McIssac of Green Van Solar & Electrical says this is an opportunity for the public to see the tech up close, compare options and talk directly to the people who install, supply and use it every day.

“Basically the Expo is about finding ways to use the latest technology to help people to save money and ensure essentials are operating during a power cut, including medical emergencies and natural disasters.”

McIssac says there are a lot of options available now from hot water heat pump, DC car charging and the latest battery technology. He says even solar panels are getting upgrades every year.

“With power prices rising and now sitting at around 40cents a KW it doesn’t take long for those power bills to get out of control. Come and see us at the Expo and we can guide you through options says McIssac.

Home energy technology has changed dramatically in just a few years. An average household has the potential to save over $3,000 across their home energy and transport costs — and many people don’t realise how much is now within reach.

The Expo will have Exhibitor stalls — solar, batteries, EVs, e-bikes, hot water heat pumps and more from local and national suppliers. There will also be talks from independent experts and community leaders on what works, what to watch for, and how to get started

This free expo is on Sunday, 4 Oct, 10am – 4pm at the Waikanae Memorial Hall.

The Boil Water Notice for the Mangaore water supply was lifted at 4pm on Thursday 24 September 2026.

Test results from samples collected on Wednesday 23 September 2026 were received this afternoon and confirm the water meets all drinking water requirements. As a result, the precautionary boil water notice has been lifted and residents no longer need to boil their water before use.

The notice was issued as a precaution after two dead rats were discovered in one of the reservoirs during a routine inspection. The affected reservoir was immediately taken offline, and Council worked closely with Taumata Arowai, the water regulator while remedial work and testing were carried out.

Chief Executive Monique Davidson said the incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and robust monitoring systems.

“We know a boil water notice can be disruptive, and we’d like to thank the Mangaore community for their patience and cooperation while this work was completed.”

“We’re pleased to confirm that the water is safe to drink and the boil water notice has now been lifted.”

“While this type of situation was concerning, this is exactly why we have regular inspections, monitoring programmes and response procedures in place. These systems enabled us to quickly identify the issue and take immediate action.”

“Providing safe, reliable drinking water is one of our most important responsibilities, and we will continue to monitor the supply, and we’ll always err on the side of caution for this reason.”

Council will continue working with Taumata Arowai and review the incident to understand how the rodents entered the reservoir and identify any further improvements that can be made to the water supply system.

Residents can now return to using tap water as normal.

From 1 October 2026, motorists will be required to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when overtaking a pedestrian, cyclist, horse rider or other vulnerable road user on the road.

The new law replaces the previous recommended guidance around passing cyclists and, importantly, is the first time horse riders have been included in a road safety measure aimed at preventing death and serious injury among our most vulnerable road users.
NZVRU Trust Chair Julia McLean said the change recognises a long-standing road safety concern and sends a clear message that vulnerable road users deserve greater protection.

“This is a landmark moment for road safety in New Zealand. For years, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders have been calling for stronger measures to reduce the risk of serious injury and death caused by unsafe overtaking.

“A passing-distance law is only effective if it is supported by education, awareness and enforcement. Drivers need to understand both their legal responsibilities and the potentially devastating consequences of passing too closely.”

The Trust said the law aligns strongly with its national Pass Wide & Slow campaign, which promotes safer behaviour around vulnerable road users and encourages motorists to leave plenty of space and reduce speed when passing.

While welcoming the new minimum standard, the Trust is continuing to advocate for drivers to give horses even more room.
International best-practice guidance recommends motorists allow at least two metres of space and reduce their speed to approximately 20 km/h when passing a horse. A horse can weigh more than 500 kilograms and may react suddenly to unexpected
movement, noise or proximity.

“Drivers often underestimate how vulnerable horse riders are. Giving a horse extra space and slowing down costs very little time but can prevent a life-changing incident.”

The Trust says the law is an important response to the ongoing toll of death and serious injury involving vulnerable road users.
Last year, McLean presented never-before-seen horse-rider fatality statistics at Parliament, helping to highlight the scale of the issue and the need for meaningful change.

The new law will be supported by a $300 infringement penalty, reinforcing the importance of safe overtaking behaviour.
“Our message remains simple: safe choices save lives,” said Julia McLean.

“Whether you’re passing a person walking, cycling or riding a horse, slow down, give them space and remember they are someone’s loved one. Everyone deserves to get home safely.”

Video When you See a Vulnerable Road User – Pass Wide and Slow

More traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

More traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

More news from the trust see: https://nzvulnerableroadusertrust.rocketspark.co.nz

With spring being a busy time for farmers, Police have seen a number of burglaries where fuel, firewood, hot water cylinders, and tools have been targeted.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Russ, South Taranaki Area Response Manager, says Police urge the community to get in touch with Police if they see any suspicious or unlawful activity occurring in the area.

“We believe there have been a number of burglaries that have not been reported and we ask the community to report any unlawful activity, even if it seems low level.

“When a report is made, it builds a picture of where we need to be, and we need the public’s help in making our community safer.”

Police also encourage members of the community to take a few quick steps to help prevent themselves from being targeted.

“The biggest deterrent to crime is prevention, and most rural burglaries and thefts occur at properties with no to little security in place,” Senior Sergeant Russ says.

“Storing equipment securely away from public view and locking gates and sheds are effective.

“If possible, installing preventative tools like sensor lights, CCTV cameras, signage, pin-code gates, and driveway or building alarms can also deter this activity.”

If you see any suspicious or unlawful behaviour happening, please contact Police immediately on 111, with as much information as you can safely gather.

Non-emergencies or information reported after-the-fact can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The fund comes from endowment land at Foxton Beach and is managed by Horowhenua District Council on behalf of the community. Grants are paid from the income the fund earns each year, never from the fund itself. This helps ensure the fund continues to support future generations.

Until now, there was no public application process. That changed with a policy adopted in September 2025, developed with Te Awahou Foxton Community Board, descendants of the original landowners of Papangaio J Block, and the wider Foxton Beach community.

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Chairperson Ross Brannigan, said the change puts community ideas front and center. 

“For years, we’ve had people come to us with ideas about what Foxton Beach needs. Now there’s a clear way for them to put those forward.

“Foxton Beach is a small community and local people here know exactly what would make a real difference. I’d encourage anyone with a good idea to apply.”

Funding is available across four areas: heritage and culture, recreation and conservation, economic development, and wellbeing and community. Projects could include community facilities or shared assets, environmental and coastal projects, cultural and heritage initiatives, or projects that simply bring people together.

Applications must be for public services or amenities that benefit the people of Foxton Beach, and the project needs to sit within the Kere Kere Ward.

Applications will be assessed by Council officers, then reviewed by a working group of Board members and representatives of the descendants of Papangaio J Blocks original landowners. The Board will then make recommendations to Council, which will make the final decision.

Applications close on Wednesday 30 September. For help with your application, phone 06 366 0999 or email Democracy.Services@horowhenua.govt.nz

Full criteria, FAQs and details on how to apply are on our Apply for Foxton Beach Endowment Fund page.

Agreed by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Rangitīkei District Council and Nga Tapūwae o Hau through the Joint Shareholders’ Committee, the Statement will guide Central Districts Water (CDW) through its establishment phase and once it begins delivering water services on 1 July 2027.

At its core, the Statement requires CDW to provide affordable, efficient, safe and reliable water services, while planning for the long term and remaining accountable and connected to the communities it serves.

It requires a long-term and affordable approach to infrastructure investment, aligned with council growth plans and iwi and hapū planning documents. It also sets expectations for strong governance and financial management, open communication and responsive customer service, resilient services, improved environmental outcomes and meaningful involvement of councils, mana whenua, iwi and hapū in planning and delivery.

While CDW will operate across a larger service area, the Statement recognises that communities , iwi and hapū, have different circumstances, priorities, relationships and responsibilities and these need to be built into the way CDW operates from the outset.

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden says one of the strengths of the Statement is its focus on both affordability today and investment for future generations.

“Water infrastructure requires decisions that look well beyond a single annual plan or council term. CDW needs to take a long-term approach while keeping affordability and value for money front and centre. That means being upfront about investment, managing risks well and making sure the capital programme supports the growth and environmental outcomes our communities need.”

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith says signing the Statement gives the CDW Board a clear understanding of what is expected.

“We’ve been determined from the outset that Central Districts Water should be built through true partnership, with our communities and their long-term interests at the centre of decision-making. There are no side chats, everyone is at the table, the rules of engagement are clear and there has been real unity.

“This Statement gives us a common direction: safe and reliable services, value for money, good long-term planning and an organisation that remains connected to the communities it serves.”

Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson says the partnership has been strengthened by recognising that communities across the service area are different.

“Rangitīkei is different from Palmerston North and different again from Horowhenua. We have rural communities, smaller towns and different infrastructure challenges, so retaining that local understanding is incredibly important to us. What has worked well through this process is that we haven’t tried to pretend every community is the same. The Statement gives CDW a clear expectation to deliver the benefits of working regionally while keeping a strong local focus.”

Nga Tapūwae o Hau representative Danielle Harris says the Statement provides a crucial foundation for an enduring partnership between CDW and mana whenua, iwi and hapū across the three districts.

“Wai is not simply infrastructure. It carries responsibilities and relationships that have endured for generations. What is significant is that these expectations have been agreed collectively. There is a shared understanding that relationships with mana whenua, iwi and hapū are part of the fabric of how CDW thinks, plans, invests and makes decisions from the beginning. That gives us an honourable starting point for a meaningful relationship built on trust, where local knowledge, tikanga and the different circumstances of iwi and hapū across the rohe are understood, respected and given effect to. We will not be judged by what we have done today, but by what the state of wai is in centuries to come.”

Central Districts Water Chair Hon Steve Maharey says the Statement gives the Board and establishment team clear priorities as they build the organisation.

“This document tells us very clearly what our shareholders and partners expect from us. Success will not be measured simply by whether water continues to come out of the tap, or goes down the drain. Our job is to gain the benefits of working together at scale without losing sight of the different communities, relationships and priorities within the area we serve. Having our partners aligned on those expectations gives us clear direction as we work towards 1 July 2027.”

The full Statement of Expectations can be viewed at www.centraldistrictswater.co.nz/expectations

Communities can stay up to date through the CDW website, social media channels and an email newsletter launching in the coming months.

There will also be opportunities for people to learn more and provide feedback, including on the Water Services Strategy, as CDW prepares to begin operating on 1 July 2027.

Until then, the three councils remain responsible for water services, and service requests or concerns should continue to be directed to the relevant council.

As part of the Levin Town Centre Transformation, the project will deliver a series of public murals across Council-owned buildings and spaces, helping to create a more vibrant, welcoming and distinctive town centre.

Public art is an important part of creating places where people want to spend time. It brings colour and character to everyday spaces, celebrates local identity and helps the community to connect with the places they live, work and visit.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the project is about creating places that reflect the unique character of Horowhenua.

“The Levin Town Centre Transformation is about creating a town centre that’s vibrant, welcoming and uniquely ours. Public art has an important role to play in achieving that vision. It helps tell our stories, reflect who we are and helps create places that people are proud of and want to visit.”

Council is looking for artists who can create high-quality, contemporary works that respond to place and contribute to Levin’s evolving identity.

Murals will be commissioned for a range of Council-owned sites, with artists selected based on their style, experience and how well their approach suits each location.

Expressions of Interest are open to both established and emerging artists. Council is particularly interested in artists who value storytelling, creativity and collaboration, and who understand how public art can enhance shared public spaces.

Applicants will be asked to provide information about their artistic background, examples of previous work and their approach to creating public art that reflects both place and community.

Expressions of Interest close at 5pm on Monday 7 September 2026.

The Expressions of Interest Guide and online application form are available on Placemaking – Mural Expressions of Interest page.

The regional grant provides $331,350 to Wildlife Foxton Trust for pest and weed control at the Manawatū Estuary, a wetland of international importance. That project is expected to attract a further $844,500 in co-investment.

The grant is part of $529,035 in Department of Conservation Community Fund support announced for two conservation projects across Kāpiti and Horowhenua.

The second regional grant sees Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae awarded $197,685 to upgrade enclosures used in the captive breeding and management of the nationally endangered Whitaker’s skink.

Ngā Manu’s project is expected to attract a further $234,717 in cash and in-kind support from the reserve and its partners, taking the anticipated value of the work to more than $432,000.

The reserve has a long history of working with the Department of Conservation on breeding programmes for threatened native birds and reptiles. The new funding will strengthen its ability to breed and care for Whitaker’s skink, a species classified as Nationally Endangered.

Together, the two grants are expected to support more than $1.6 million of conservation work across Kāpiti and Horowhenua.
The regional funding forms part of a nationwide $9.2 million allocation to 20 community-led projects through the 2026 DOC Community Fund. Successful applicants will now work with DOC to finalise funding agreements, with payments linked to delivery and expenditure milestones.

For more see: https://www.wildlifefoxton.org

The proposed solar farm will utilise the region’s abundant sunlight to generate renewable energy for businesses and households in New Zealand.

The project

The proposed solar farm will be located on a private rural site approximately 10km north of Foxton, within the Horowhenua District. The project is currently in the planning stages with environmental, technical and planning assessments underway alongside direct discussions with mana whenua, neighbours, and other stakeholders.

Designed to minimise its environmental impact, the proposed solar farm will consist of approximately 150,000 solar panels, will generate enough renewable energy to power around 43,000 homes and will connect to the existing 220kV overhead transmission line that crosses the property.

Bright prospects

Genesis says the proposed solar farm will contribute towards decarbonising the energy sector and is also anticipated to deliver significant socio-economic benefits to the region.

“Construction will create job opportunities – Genesis encourages all contractors working on its solar farm developments to hire local contractors and utilise lead suppliers wherever possible. It’s estimated that around 250 workers will be required to construct the project.

“Once the proposed solar farm is operational, 3 to 5 ongoing roles will be created including maintenance contracts for panel cleaning, fence repair, road grading, etc. and Genesis hopes to be able to source this work from local contractors.”

Genesis says the employment benefits extend through the local supply chain to fuel supply, vehicle servicing, accommodation, hospitality, cleaning companies, tradespeople, and tool and equipment suppliers.

Powering the future

“The proposed solar farm will likely utilise state of the art solar photovoltaic panels mounted on a horizontal, single-axis tracking system that enables the panels to track the sun. This technology operates in varying daylight conditions, including low light and cloudy weather and is extremely efficient for generating clean electricity with minimal noise and water consumption.”

The solar farm would consist of solar photovoltaic panels similar to those installed throughout New Zealand on residential and commercial properties.

The panels will be mounted on steel frames with a height maximum of 2.5 to 5.5 metres (depending on the technology used), supported by driven piles that will create minimal disturbance to the land. The design would allow sheep to graze in and around the solar panels once the solar farm is operational, meaning that the land would still be capable of contributing to the region’s agricultural industry.

The company says once complete, the proposed solar farm is expected to generate clean electricity for at least 35 years.