On Thursday 3 July the Old Horowhenua Hospital complex was targeted with an offender cutting the main water supply to the site.

Senior Sergeant O’Brien says the burglary was discovered by workers on Friday morning and the damage repairs were estimated to be around $20,000.  A plumber had to be called to reconnect the water supply to the building.

“At about 9am on Saturday 5 July police were called to a burglary in progress by a caretaker at the hospital complex. Police arrived to find a male running through the back fence of the complex. He had fled the premises allegedly leaving a substantial amount of copper piled up in sacks ready to go.”

Senior Sergeant O’Brien says Police made immediate area enquiries and this work encouraged the suspect to report to the station and hand himself in.

“Over several months the Old Horowhenua Hospital has been targeted by burglars removing copper pipes from within the buildings and under the floors.

“While the site is no longer a hospital it is still the offices for community organisations such as The Horowhenua Learning Centre, and Life to the Max who rely on the building for their daily work.”

Senior Sergeant O’Brien says the burglaries have caused thousands of dollars of damage and cutting and stealing pipe undermines the infrastructure of the building which can lead to further damage.

The offender responsible has been charged with five counts of burglary and will appear in the Levin District Court today.

“Police would like to thank the public for their help in locating the person responsible for the burglaries and damage.  Their quick thinking alerting police immediately made all the difference.

“We continue to encourage members of the public to contact us if you see any suspicious or unlawful behaviour in the community.

“Please contact Police on 111 immediately with as much information you can safely gather if an offence is currently in progress,” says Senior Sergeant O’Brien.

Information can be reported in non-emergencies or afterwards online at 105.police.govt.nz , clicking “Make a Report” or call 105.

About 3pm, a flatbed truck carrying containers and a grey Mini hatchback collided on State Highway 2, near the intersection with Avery Road.

The driver of the car died at the scene.

Senior Sergeant Carey Williamson says Police needed to hear from any road users who witnessed the crash, or the manner of driving, or either vehicle.

“The truck was carrying large white containers filled with oil, while the Mini in itself is distinctive. If you observed either vehicle before the collision, or the crash itself, please contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police by making a report online, or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250515/8522.

The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them. 

It protects public health and safety, safeguards the environment and helps Horowhenua District plan for future growth. 

While much of its content comes from combining existing bylaws there are changes, with the addition of stormwater regulations and a new registration requirement for businesses operating from trade premises. 

The registration process will allow Council to determine whether trade waste is being generated, in which case businesses will need to apply for a consent.

The new stormwater section introduces regulations to protect the stormwater network and the environment, including preventing contaminants being discharged into the network.

A common requirements section brings all information on water services including charges and payments and connection or disconnection from council networks into one bylaw, removing some previous inconsistencies.

There are also new rules around some water connections, for example introducing minimum pipe sizes.

“The new Bylaw is relevant to many in our community, from businesses to homeowners and rural residents,” says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 

“I recommend everyone have a look at it.”

The bylaw replaces the previous Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 and Water Supply Bylaw 2020 as well as the revoked Wastewater Bylaw 2015.

It comes into effect immediately.

Emergency services were called to the collision involving a truck and a van just before 7:20am.

One person died at the scene and a second person was transported to hospital with moderate injuries.

The road has since reopened.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Wilson says Police investigating the death of a man found deceased on Hokio Beach yesterday morning are asking for anyone in the area at the time to come forward with information.

About 7.30am, Police were alerted to the man’s body by a member of the public.

While his death is not currently considered suspicious, Police are making enquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding it, says DSS Wilson.

“We are now looking to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time he was last seen, which was between midnight and approximately 2am in the early hours of Thursday 20 February.

“In particular, our enquiries have established that a white ute – possibly a Ford Ranger, with “Wild Trax’’ written on the rear – was at the beach, and the two male occupants assisted a female member of the public to tow her vehicle after it became stuck.”

DSS Wilson says while Police have no reason to believe these men had any involvement in the man’s death, they are eager to speak to them as we believe they may have valuable information to share.

Anyone who can help with information is urged to get in touch through our 105 service, quoting reference number 250220/5112.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

In 2020, the Victorian Parliament in Australia passed the passed a similar Bill which meant for the first time there would be criminal penalties, including jail time for employers, when they underpay their staff.

“We are thrilled that this Bill is making its way through the House and looks set to become law,” said Wagstaff.

“Theft is theft. It’s past time that the legal system recognises that ‘theft by employer’ is every bit as serious and criminal as any other type of theft.

“Currently, workers who suffer theft of their wages or minimum entitlements only have civil remedies available to them. Workers must spend their own money to argue their case in the court or the Authority, a cost that is too high for many. Too often cases of ‘theft by employer’ go unpunished and unresolved.

 “We acknowledge Camilla Belich and Ibrahim Omer for their leadership on this issue and thank all political parties who have supported it.

“At a time when the workers’ rights in Aotearoa are under attack, we welcome this win for working people,” said Wagstaff.

Foodstuffs Own Brands has issued a recall of Pams brand Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets, with New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle warning not to eat them.

“If you have a 1kg bag of Pams Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets with a best-before date of 16 October, 2025, don’t eat them,” he says.

“Return the nuggets to the place of purchase for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out.”

The affected product is sold at Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak’nSave and Social Supermarket stores across the country.

NZ Food Safety said in a statement the affected products have been removed from stores.

The issue was raised following a customer complaint.

“As is our usual practice, we will work with Foodstuffs Own Brands to understand how this issue arose and to prevent it happening again,” says Mr Arbuckle.

Kennett’s rugby journey began as a player for Levin College Old Boys before making his representative debut in 1991 as Heartland player number 897. He was part of the historic 1993 Horowhenua-Kāpiti squad that claimed the province’s first championship title.

Kennett’s professional association with HKRFU started as Rugby Development Officer, followed by a stint as Sponsorship Manager. After playing rugby in the UK and Europe, he returned home to resume his work with the Union, gradually becoming a key figure across various roles.

Chair John Cribb highlighted Kennett’s immense impact:
“Corey has been a vital part of this Union for many years now, and the pride he shows for this province is second to none. HKRFU wouldn’t be in the position it is now if it wasn’t for Corey and his continued service and solidarity. There’s no one more deserving than Corey to be awarded this Life Membership.”

Kennett, who has served as CEO for 16 years and worked for the Union for over 20, recently oversaw the completion of the new HKRFU headquarters. Accepting his Life Membership, Kennett expressed deep gratitude.

“I am incredibly honoured to receive Life Membership of HKRFU,” he said. “Within my time associated with HKRFU, I have had three families—my rugby family, my work family, and my family at home. All three have been critical in making my time at HKRFU so enjoyable.”

Kennett also paid tribute to his family, particularly his wife, Esta, and their three sons, Nick, Ollie, and Jack.
“A huge thank you to my three boys—thank you for supporting me and for being the awesome men you are. Special thank you to my queen, my wife Esta. Thank you, darling, for always backing me, for always supporting me, and for always being there.”

With a legacy that spans on-field success and organizational growth, Kennett’s influence extends beyond HKRFU. His commitment to strengthening Heartland rugby has made a lasting impression on the province and its communities.

“I love my job, I love our amazing HK community, and I will feel forever thankful to be a part of HKRFU,” Kennett said.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised that during the first stage of work, there would be no access from SH57 to the western section of Tararua Rd, and a detour would be in place.

Northbound road users would be detoured on to Queen St East, and those travelling south to SH1 via Kimberley Rd.

Traffic would be able to flow steadily along SH57.

There will be a 30kph temporary speed limit on SH57 near the site for the safety of road users and crews.

Crews would work Monday to Friday between 6am and 6:30pm.

Outside these hours, the detour and temporary speed limit would remain during evenings and weekends.

The detours and temporary speed limit were expected to be in place until June. Completion of the roundabout was expected towards the end of the year.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Horowhenua District Council (HDC) were working in partnership to build the new roundabout, which would improve safety and provide a future connection to the new Ōtaki to north of Levin highway and the Tara Ika growth area.