Anzac Day remains one of New Zealand’s most significant days of remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the courage, service and loss connected to war, and to honour returned and current New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

A range of dawn, civic and retreat services will be held across the district, with commemorations taking place in Foxton, Levin, Manakau, Moutoa, Ōhau, Shannon, Tokomaru and Waitārere Beach.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says Anzac Day continues to hold deep meaning for communities across Horowhenua.

“Anzac Day gives us the chance to stop, reflect and remember those who served our country, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is also an opportunity for people of all ages to come together as a community, pay their respects and acknowledge the lasting impact of service across generations.”

People are encouraged to attend a local service and take part in this year’s commemorations.

Anzac Day observances in Horowhenua on Saturday 25 April 2026

Foxton 28th Māori Battalion Service

5.45am – Head to cenotaph for Foxton Dawn Service
6.30am – Service at St John’s Methodist Church, Avenue Road, following the Dawn Service

Foxton Dawn Service

5.30am – Assemble on Clyde Street, outside Foxton Memorial Hall
5.45am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
6.00am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Service will take place in Foxton Memorial Hall

Foxton Civic Ceremony

9.00am – Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Main Street
9.35am – Parade assembles on Wharf Street and moves off to Cenotaph
9.40am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place inside Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom

Levin Dawn Service

5.45am – Assemble on the corner of Kent and Winchester Streets
6.00am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
6.15am – Cenotaph Service begins
6.45am – Return parade down Kent Street
Wet weather alternative: Service will take place at Levin RSA

Levin Civic Ceremony

10.00am – Parade assembles on Kent Street, past Thompson House Gardens
10.10am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
10.15am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place in Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō

Levin Retreat Ceremonies

4.45pm – The Avenue Cemetery
5.15pm – Tiro Tiro Road Cemetery

Manakau Special Memorial Service

7.20am – Assemble outside Manakau Hall to march to the War Memorial in Honi Taipua Street

Moutoa Civic Ceremony

9.00am – Moutoa Memorial Gates, Foxton-Shannon Road

Ōhau Civic Ceremony

3.00pm – Formal reflections and acknowledgement of Anzac Day at Ōhau Community Hall
3.30pm – Tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits, all welcome

Shannon Civic Ceremony

11.15am – Parade assembles at the corner of Vance Street and Plimmer Terrace
11.25am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
11.30am – Cenotaph Service begins

Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place in Shannon Memorial Hall

Tokomaru Civic Ceremony

10.00am – RSA and Country Club, Matipo Street

Waitārere Beach Civic Ceremony

8.30am – Tea and coffee at Waitārere Beach Bowling Club, Park Avenue
9.00am – Service begins

Road closures

Some temporary road closures will be in place to support the safety of participants and the public during parades and services. People are asked to follow signage and allow a little extra time when travelling on the day.

Wet Weather contingency

If bad weather is forecast, ceremonies will move indoors where possible. Any venue changes will be announced on Council’s Facebook page (@HorowhenuaDC) on the morning of Anzac Day.

Lest we forget.

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

On Friday the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will be running with increased capacity added after the game and there will be extra services on these lines before and after Saturday’s match.

The Wairarapa Line will be running on its usual timetable – with Friday’s last service leaving Wellington Station at 10.25pm and Saturday’s last service at 6.55pm.

Core bus routes will have increased capacity, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to access discounted fares.  

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700.    

Fish & Game made a submission on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill which sets out the specific changes needed to ensure the new laws work as intended — protecting the habitats, waterways, and public access that anglers and hunters rely on.

“We support replacing the RMA and we want this reform to succeed,” Chief Executive Corina Jordan says.

“But the Bills as drafted make it much harder for trout, salmon, and other valued introduced species to be protected. They define ecosystem health solely around indigenous species, which means environmental limits can’t be set with trout and salmon habitat in mind.

“While Fish & Game has been advocating for a reduction in bureaucracy and costs when restoring wetlands, we are concerned that the ability to protect wetlands has been reduced in the bills. We want to see a definition of wetlands and clear mechanisms to protect them – we’ve already lost more than 90 percent of what we once had,” says Ms Jordan.

“Access is a priority for our licence holders, losing access to a river is losing something we all have a right to enjoy. Access needs to be protected and improved.

“Ultimately, these proposed reforms as they currently stand mean an uncertain future for anglers and hunters.”

Fish & Game’s detailed submission on the reforms is available here.

The submission sets out the specific changes needed to ensure the new laws work as intended – protecting the habitats, waterways, and public access that anglers and hunters rely on.

Fish & Game’s submission calls for amendments to ensure:

• The goals framework explicitly includes recreation, fishing, hunting, public access, and habitat for trout, salmon, and game birds
• The ecosystem health definition is expanded to include valued introduced species so environmental limits can protect trout and salmon habitat
• Wetlands are clearly defined and explicitly protected, while restoration pathways are enabled
• Esplanade reserve provisions are strengthened and the 20-metre minimum width retained
• Water Conservation Orders and Sports Fish and Game Management Plans are recognised in planning and consenting decisions

Recreational fishing and game bird hunting contribute to regional economies and are a cornerstone of recreation, wellbeing, and connection to place for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.

“This submission reflects three decades of clear mandate from our licence holders: habitat, water quality, and access are what matter most. We are asking Parliament to listen to them.”

About Fish & Game New Zealand

Fish & Game New Zealand is the statutory manager for sports fish and game birds, established under the Conservation Act 1987. It manages trout, salmon, and game birds and advocates for the freshwater habitats they depend on, on behalf of 175,000 licence holders. Fish & Game is entirely user-funded.

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.

The Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will have extra capacity before and after the game.

A special Wairarapa Line service will run after the game, expected to depart approximately 30 minutes after the match finishes.

Core bus routes will have increased capacity, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to access cheaper fares.  

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700. 

Transport news: www.trafficfox.co.nz

The 33-year-old truck driver sealed his World Championship debut during the final DartPlayers New Zealand (DPNZ) event of the season, and did so in spectacular fashion. In a match against fellow Kiwi Ben Robb, Tata delivered nine perfect darts to finish a leg in the fastest way possible, becoming just the second New Zealander to achieve the feat in a local ranking event.

“I’m still buzzing,” said Tata. “To do it in the final game of the season and have it live-streamed around the world, I couldn’t have written it better.”

Tata’s flawless leg included back-to-back 180s and a 141 checkout, sparking huge excitement online and among darts fans across the country. It capped off a standout weekend in Christchurch where he finished top of the DPNZ rankings, earning a place in the expanded 2026 PDC World Darts Championship field.

It’s a major milestone for the Wainuiomata talent, who grew up with darts in his blood. His father Ra Tata was a national champion, and Jonny first made headlines in 2023 when he beat two-time world champion Peter Wright at the NZ Darts Masters.

Tata’s achievements also earned him a place in the new Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) Premier League, starting this weekend in Melbourne. He and Robb are the only Kiwi players competing in the eight-week competition, with $30,000 up for grabs and valuable stage time ahead of the world championships.

“It’s going to be exhausting with all the travel, but great prep,” Tata said. “I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best in the region.”

The road to London has been years in the making, with Tata stepping up his training and committing to daily practice. “A lot of practice and sacrifices went into this, and it feels great to be here,” he said.

Despite the whirlwind of travel and preparation ahead, Tata kept his celebration low-key, sharing a quiet meal with his father in Christchurch before heading home to Wellington to celebrate with his partner and kids.

The ANZ Premier League runs from 4 October to 22 November, followed by the PDC World Darts Championship from 12 December to 4 January at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Also, Ruby Knight, Paige Kernohan and Elizabeth Christensen all competed in the QEPark with Ruby winning the zilco series, Paige winning her 2nd ODE and Elizabeth placing.

Great job girls and ponies.

The Kāpiti, Hutt Valley, and Johnsonville lines will be running with extra capacity and additional services after the game.

Larger buses will be running on core bus routes, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to make the most of discounted fares.  

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700.   

Trains will have extra capacity before and after the game and the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will be running with extra services added after the game.

Core bus routes will have increased capacity, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Regular off-peak fares will apply when using Snapper. Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to access discounted fares.

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700.