However some provisions are to be withdrawn as per Minister Christopher Bishop’s decision on Council’s Plan Stop exemption application to the Ministry for the Environment.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 However, some provisions were identified as not appropriate to continue and must now be withdrawn.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means the plan change can keep moving, while also making it clear which parts will continue and which parts have been withdrawn.”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The provisions being withdrawn include three policies, six permitted activity conditions and one rule.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

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

While to the south, Wellington Water continues to self-destruct, the model is far more hopeful for Central Districts Water which is a jointly owned water services council controlled organisation (WS-CCO)  that will begin operating from 1 July 2027.

While each council will retain ownership of its water assets, the Shareholders’ Committee provides a formal mechanism for shared oversight and local input as the new entity is established and transitions into operation. 

In December 2025, the three councils agreed that the Shareholders’ Committee would be made up of the Mayor of each Council, an elected member (and an alternative) from each council, and the committee will have three iwi representatives. 

The collective iwi across the three council regions have formed a Roopu (working group), called Nga Tapuwae o Hau, to represent them.  The three iwi nominations to the Committee were made through Nga Tapuwae o Hau for the three councils to approve.

Horowhenua District Council is represented by Mayor Bernie Wanden, Councillor Sam Jennings, with Councillor Mike Barker as the alternate.

Palmerston North City Council is represented by Mayor Grant Smith, Councillor Kaydee Zabelin, with Councillor Brent Barrett as alternate

Rangitikei District Council is represented by Mayor Andy Watson, Deputy Mayor Dave Wilson, with Councillor Fiona Dalgety as alternate. 

The iwi representatives will be Hayden Turoa of the Tainui Confederation with Tiwana Tibble as his alternate, Danielle Harris of the Kura hau po Confederation, with Di Rump as her alternate, and Marj Heeney representing the Greater Rangitikei region, with Suze Hepi as her alternate.

The Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Bernie Wanden says the appointments reinforce to our communities the importance of local voice and partnership in shaping the future of water services.

“This committee brings together councils and iwi to ensure decisions are grounded in local knowledge, local priorities, and long-term care for our communities and environment. Strong local representation and shared oversight are critical as Central Districts Water is established.”

The committee’s first task will be to oversee the shortlisting of over 60 applicants who have put their names forward for the Central Districts Water board.

Palmerston North City Mayor Grant Smith says the strong interest in board roles reflects the importance of getting the foundations right.

“We’ve seen a high calibre field of applicants, with experience across governance, infrastructure, finance and community leadership. It’s a positive signal for our region, and it means we can take the time to appoint a board with the skills needed to set Central Districts Water up well from the start.”

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson says the Shareholders’ Committee will meet for the first time this week, with board appointments a key priority.

“Our focus now is on making sure the right governance is in place so the new organisation can be ready to deliver from day one. This is an important milestone, and we’ll continue to keep our communities informed as the next steps progress.”

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.

Every year, Council faces a balancing act, making sure the services our community relies on are delivered, while doing everything possible to keep rates and costs affordable for households and businesses.  

At its meeting this week, Horowhenua District Council endorsed the budget for its proposed Annual Plan for 2026/27. The Annual Plan will be formally adopted later this year. Rates for individual properties for 2026/27 will be set in June.

The 2026/27 Annual Plan is being shaped in a particularly challenging environment, with significant central government reforms and cost pressures affecting councils and communities  across the country.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says councillors know many people are feeling the pressure and have worked carefully through the budget with that in mind.

“We know times are tough for many households, and councillors don’t lose sight of that,” Mayor Bernie explains. “That’s why we’ve taken a careful look at every dollar, found savings where we can, and reduced the rates increase from an earlier forecast of around 11.6% to 5.8%, while still protecting the essential services our community relies on.”

“Councillors worked through a wide range of options, looking closely at where costs could be reduced or changes could be made,” Mayor Bernie says. “We were very mindful of avoiding decisions that would create unnecessary disruption for our community, while also managing the real cost and capacity pressures councils are facing as a result of wider reforms, and keeping affordability front of mind.”

The lower-than-forecast rates increase was achieved through detailed budget reviews and identifying efficiencies across Council operations, including delaying or rephasing some non-critical spending, without proposing cuts to core services. Council also negotiated well on behalf of our community and were able to significantly reduce some contracted costs.

This confirms a number of budget decisions, including investment in new technology such as automatic licence plate recognition to support parking services. It also includes not progressing a new community plan in 2027/28, reducing climate change funding, and exploring the removal of formal i-SITE accreditation at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom.  

It also endorses Council’s direction of travel in continuing to find ways to work differently and deliver affordable services to our community. For example, we’ll keep asking people to sign up for email rates invoices where possible to reduce printing and postage costs.  These small changes all add up.

Mayor Bernie says the Annual Plan approach reflects a clear and practical focus on what matters most to the community in the year ahead. 

“Our focus is on the basics, keeping core services running well, maintaining and renewing important infrastructure like roads and water, looking after the community facilities people use every day, and managing growth in a sensible and affordable way, even in a period of significant reform and rising costs. It’s about making careful choices now, while making sure we’re in a good position to take a fresh look at priorities through next year’s Long Term Plan.”

Because the Annual Plan does not propose any significant or material changes, formal public consultation is not required under legislation. Council will still keep the community informed and explain what the plan means as it moves through to adoption.  Council will also begin early conversations with the community later this year as part of developing the next Long Term Plan, which will provide further opportunities for people to have their say on Council’s future priorities and direction.

Alongside the Annual Plan, Council endorsed proposed fees and charges for 2026/27. Fees and charges help ensure costs are shared fairly between those who use specific services and the wider community, while supporting access to essential facilities and services. 

Council is required to consult on the changes to Resource Management fees. Consultation on them will open from 16 February to 16 March 2026. Council will continue to keep the community informed as the Annual Plan and Fees and Charges progress, including information about any consultation required.

Support is available to help ratepayers who may find rates increases difficult to manage, including through rates rebates and payment plan options.

If you need help or want to see what support is available, visit our Rating Information page or call Council on 06 366 0999.

The new rating valuations have been prepared for 19,440 properties on behalf of the Horowhenua District Council by Quotable Value (QV).  

Rating valuations are usually carried out on all New Zealand properties every three years to help local councils set rates for the following three-year period. They reflect the likely selling price of a property (excluding chattels) at the effective revaluation date, which is 1 August 2025. 

On average, residential property values in the Horowhenua District have decreased by 12.1% over the three years since the previous effective revaluation date of 1 August 2022. The average home value is now $568,000, while the associated land value has also decreased 17.2% to $270,000. 

QV Consultant Jason Hockly said, “While the new rating valuations show a decrease in property values over the past three years, most of this decline occurred in 2022 and early 2023 after the post-Covid peak of late 2021- early 2022. Since mid-2023, values in the district have been relatively stable.”  

“Residential markets throughout the district have shown variable value changes since 2022.  Capital Values (CVs) have decreased by between 5% to 20% depending on type and location, and land values have also seen variable decreases, with most on average down between 5% to 25%.” 

“The commercial and industrial markets have been mostly stable since 2022, with any upward or downward variations being property specific.” 

Hockly added, “Overall, commercial properties have decreased in capital value (CV) by 4.0%, and industrial properties have increased by 2.0%.”  

In the rural sector, values have mostly remained steady across the district; however, there has been an average decrease of 20% for hill country land values. 

District-wide averages show that dairy farms have decreased in capital value by 0.8%, with pastoral properties decreasing 2.6%. Horticultural properties have decreased by 4.0%, and forestry properties have decreased 2.4%. 

Overall, the lifestyle category has decreased 13.8% on capital value (CV) and 12.6% on land value (LV). 

What does this mean for you?

A change in your property’s value does not automatically mean your rates will go up or down. 

The revaluation does not change the total amount of rates Council collects. Instead, it helps determine how that total is shared between properties. Whether your rates increase, decrease, or stay similar will depend on how your property’s value has changed compared with others across the district. 

• If your value has dropped more than the district average, you may pay a slightly smaller share of rates. 
• If your value has dropped less than average, your share may increase slightly. 
• If your value has changed in line with the district average, your share is likely to stay similar. 

Some parts of your rates are charged as a fixed amount per property, while others are linked directly to land value or capital value, which is why a change in valuation can affect properties differently. 

New rating values can be viewed online at www.horowhenua.govt.nz/Revaluations and will be posted to property owners from 17 December 2025. If owners do not agree with their rating valuation, they have the right to object by 5 February 2026.   

New values apply from 1 July 2026 for the 2026/27 rating year. 

How does Horowhenua compare with the rest of New Zealand?

The changes in our District are broadly in line with trends across many parts of Aotearoa where property markets have softened following the post-COVID peak. Many Councils are experiencing flat or declining values, particularly in land values. 

Rating revaluations are not the same as market valuations

The effective rating revaluation date of 1 August 2025 has now passed, and any changes in the market since then will not be included in the new rating valuations. In many cases, this means a sale price achieved in the market today may differ from the new rating valuation set as at 1 August 2025. 

The updated rating valuations are independently audited by the Office of the Valuer-General and must meet rigorous quality standards before the new rating valuations are certified. They are not designed to be used as market valuations for raising finance with banks or as insurance valuations. 

For more information on rating valuations, visit www.qv.co.nz/about/about-rating-valuations or, to object to a new rating valuation, visit www.qv.co.nz/services/rating-valuations/object-rating/

The independent review by Tonkin and Taylor assessed the main remediation options previously considered and found that some are unlikely to deliver the best environmental outcomes.

The review found that capping the sides of the old landfill would be costly, with a very rough estimate of between $700,000 and $1 million, and is likely to have limited environmental benefit given the age and condition of the closed landfill. It also found that installing a 200 metre groundwater extraction trench is not feasible, as it would require dewatering wetlands and treating extracted groundwater, and could create new environmental risks without clear evidence of benefit.

Instead, the review points to other interventions that are more likely to be effective. These include improving how the neighbouring wetland functions, looking closely at how nearby drains interact with groundwater and the Hōkio Stream, and strengthening monitoring so Council can better understand what is happening and respond early if conditions change.

Importantly, the review confirms that recent surface water monitoring has not shown unsafe levels of ammoniacal nitrogen in the Hōkio Stream, and an ecological assessment found no evidence of current harm to stream life at the time of survey. However, it also makes clear that the current monitoring network needs to be improved to better understand how groundwater, wetlands, drains and stream flows interact across the site.

Council’s immediate focus is on action. This includes putting an enhanced monitoring framework in place to provide better, more frequent information and allow changes to be detected early. This approach means Council is actively managing risk and will be ready to move quickly if indicators show that intervention is needed.

Following the workshop on Wednesday 17 December which included an independent technical advisor who spoke to the Tonkin and Taylor findings, Council will move to implement the updated monitoring framework and consider options for next steps.  Alongside enhanced monitoring, Council is progressing practical environmental work. This will include working with iwi partners, the Neighbour Liaison Group (NLG) and Project Management Group (PMG) to explore wetland enhancement and potential drain modifications on adjacent land recently purchased by Council.

These options are aimed at strengthening natural buffering, managing risk, and protecting the Hōkio Stream over the long term.

Chief Executive Monique Davidson acknowledges that this is a long running and deeply felt issue for many in our community, particularly local Iwi and those who call Hōkio home. Mrs Davidson says, “Regardless of what the data shows at any point in time, Council recognises the concern and maemae that many people carry and remains committed to being open, careful and guided by expert advice.”

Mrs Davidson continues “Ratepayers rightly expect that when Council invests in solutions, those investments deliver real outcomes. By focusing on enhanced monitoring and interventions that are more likely to work, Council is ensuring decisions are based on solid evidence and that resources are directed where they will make the most difference.”

Council is developing an Access & Parking Strategy to guide how people get to, from and around the town centre – both now and as Levin continues to grow. Rather than presenting a draft upfront, Council is starting by asking the community what matters most.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the early input will help inform the issues, opportunities and priorities the strategy needs to address.

“Accessibility and parking play a big role in how people experience the town centre. We want to understand how residents are currently moving around, where the pain points are, and what people think will be most important for the future,” says Mayor Bernie.

The work comes at a pivotal time, with the upcoming Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) expressway set to reshape how traffic flows through Levin. Once open, the reduction in through-traffic is expected to create safer, quieter streets and unlock opportunities to make Oxford Street more people-friendly and better connected.

Council is seeking feedback on:

• how people currently access the town centre

• their experience finding parking

• what helps or makes it harder to get around

• what should be prioritised in the future when it comes to town centre access and parking.

• Ideas for managing parking demand and turnover

“This is about planning ahead so Levin’s Town Centre remains vibrant, accessible and welcoming. The more we hear now, the better placed we’ll be to make balanced decisions that support our community and local economy,” says Mayor Bernie.

Have Your Say

The Access & Parking Survey is now live and takes around five minutes to complete. Engagement runs from Tuesday 18 November 2025 until 4pm, Friday 16 January 2026.

The survey and information are available at: letskorero.horowhenua.govt.nz/ltcaccessandparking

The Awards brought together recipients, whānau and supporters for an evening acknowledging service, commitment and local achievement. The event highlighted the many ways people contribute to the strength and wellbeing of Horowhenua, often quietly and without seeking recognition.

Hosted by Mayor Bernie Wanden, the ceremony honoured three Civic Honour recipients, four Certificates of Recognition recipients and fifteen outstanding young people through the Youth Excellence Scholarships.

Mayor Bernie says the Awards were an opportunity to reflect on the difference people make when they choose to support their community.

“These recipients are the people who step forward when something needs to be done. They give their time generously, they support others, and they help create a district where people feel connected and supported. Their impact is significant, and we are proud to recognise them.”

“It is a privilege to celebrate individuals whose actions strengthen Horowhenua. Their commitment, compassion and willingness to help others make a real and lasting contribution to our district. The Awards remain one of the most meaningful and uplifting events of the year,” Mayor Bernie adds.

Youth Excellence Scholarships were presented in arts and culture, sport, community service and academia. These scholarships recognise the effort, talent and leadership of local rangatahi and provide practical support as they work toward their future goals.

Civic Honours were awarded to:

Mary Davis
Jeffrey Paulin
Wayne and Debra Kaye

Pictured below: Civic Honours recipients with Mayor Bernie, (from left to right) Wayne and Debra Kaye, Mary Davis and Jeffrey Paulin.

Certificates of Recognition were presented to:

Corey Prouting
Frank Taylor
Jack Gibson
Robert Ropata Remihana

Pictured above: Certificate of Recognition recipients with Mayor Bernie, (from left to right) Ropata Remihana, Frank Taylor, Corey Prouting and Jack Gibson.
Pictured below: Civic Honour and Certificates of Recognition recipients with Mayor Bernie.

Youth Excellence Scholarships were awarded to:

Arts and Culture

Haewon Kim
Hunter Kahukuranui Pakau
Pusa Fonoti
Saoirse Williamson

Community Service

Tyson Jones
Sienna Laplanche
Dycen Taituha
Owen Winstanley

Sport

William Dunsmore
Fletcher Warren
Anahera Easton
Finn Pedersen

Academia

Tareesha Kiran
Liam Roach
Youan Salt

Pictured below: Youth Excellence Scholarship recipients.

Youth Excellence Arts and Culture recipients also shared performances during the evening, offering a glimpse of the talent and creativity present across Horowhenua.

“The Awards highlighted the value of giving back to the community. When people choose to contribute their time, energy and skills, it strengthens the whole district. These recipients show what community in action looks like, and we appreciate all they do,” Mayor Bernie ends.

✨ 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