Inspector Gray says on receiving information that events were planned, Police stood up an operation to ensure high visibility and broad coverage.

“Our communities won’t stand for menacing motoring behaviour – and neither will we.

“Our staff have done an incredible job of suppressing these groups who tyrannise residents, businesses, and other road users,” says Inspector Gray.

He says any dangerous driving, unauthorised street racing, intimidating convoys, burnouts, skidding, and excessive noise will be met with zero-tolerance.

“While visible, we have taken enforcement action against other drivers to keep our roads safe,” says Inspector Gray.

From the operation:

101 infringement notices were issued, including 29 for excess breath alcohol.

30 vehicles were ordered off the road.

10 vehicles were impounded.

4 driver licences were suspended.

Inspector Gray says local officers have been supported by colleagues from Wellington and Eastern Districts. As part of the operation, the Police helicopter Eagle was temporarily deployed to the region to provide assistance.

Inspector Gray says Police will continue to monitor the area for any activity.

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

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

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.

Police said they were notified of the two-vehicle crash near Poroutawhao about 10.45am.

A Hato Hone St John paramedic and the truck driver were both seriously injured and taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.

Hato Hone St John MidCentral area operations manager Gareth Collings confirmed one of the service’s rapid response vehicles was involved.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene to assist.

“The rapid response vehicle will be assessed today to determine whether it is road worthy,” Collings said.

“Hato Hone St John takes the safety of the public and its people seriously and will be supporting Police with their investigation.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by this incident and we are offering support to our people who were involved.”

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the highway reopened about 2.10pm, but motorists were warned to expect delays while traffic cleared.

A passing motorist, Geoff Lewis, told 1News the crash involved a gas bottle delivery truck and an ambulance. He said the road was closed because the site was considered hazardous.

Police said the Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash and earlier asked motorists to delay travel and check the NZTA Journey Planner for alternative routes.

Now operating from Oxford Street, with a dedicated training centre opening in February, AllTrain’s move reflects both confidence in the district’s growth and a long-standing commitment to supporting local industry with practical, high-quality training.

Founded in 2014, AllTrain has built a strong reputation across the lower North Island as specialists in vehicle training and machine operator training. Their courses include WorkSafe forklift training, heavy truck (HT), dangerous goods (DG), elevated work platforms (EWP), working at Heights (WAH) and a wide range of industrial certifications delivered with flexibility at the core.

AllTrain director Maria Bayley says “We’ve been working with Horowhenua businesses for some time. Either clients came to us in Palmerston North, or we travelled to them to deliver courses on site. Establishing a base in Levin is a natural progression, it’s another branch for us and a district where we already have strong relationships.”

Responding to Opportunity and Infrastructure Growth

Maria, who has a background in hospitality, customer service roles and sales before owning Alltrain, saw clear opportunity in Horowhenua. New roads, infrastructure investment and business growth are creating demand for skilled operators and for training providers who can respond quickly.

“We see a gap in the market,” she explains. “What sets us apart is how flexible we are, and courses run around our clients’ needs, not the other way around. Whether it’s tailored packages, large groups, or accelerated programmes, we design training that works in the real world.”

AllTrain also maintains a training database that proactively notifies businesses when staff certifications are due for renewal, helping employers stay compliant without the administrative burden.

Deep Community and Industry Connections

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of AllTrain’s approach. The business works collaboratively with organisations such as Talent Central, Best Care (Whakapai Hauora) Charitable Trust and supports re-training initiatives through the Ministry of Social Development.

They are also active participants in industry networks including the Driver Change Network and the Crane Association, ensuring their training remains aligned with industry needs and best practice.

These connections reflect a strong service ethos and one that extends beyond compliance training to genuinely supporting people into work and progression.

Investing in People, Skills and Confidence

AllTrain’s courses are hands-on, practical and outcomes-focused, with a strong emphasis on employability. From driver training to heavy truck licences, programmes are designed to accelerate skills development and open doors to work.

“We’re passionate about upskilling people,” says Maria. “Training isn’t just about licences, it’s about confidence, capability and giving people real pathways into employment.”

That people-first focus was reinforced through Maria’s participation in the Sally Duxfield Women in Business retreat in October 2025, where she connected with other local business owners and gained clarity around AllTrain’s growth goals in Horowhenua.

“It gave me next-level clarity,” she says. “The connections and insight helped confirm that Horowhenua is where we need to be. I highly recommend her coaching”

 Looking Ahead in Horowhenua

As AllTrain opens its Levin training centre, the business is focused on becoming a long-term partner to local employers, supporting workforce development, safety and productivity across the district.

“We’re service-driven and excited about the opportunity to be here,” Maria says. “Horowhenua has momentum, and we’re here to support the community and industry as it grows.”

AllTrain is located on Oxford Street, Levin, with training commencing from February.

For more information, visit www.alltrain.co.nz

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 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

That campaign paid off and this week the Horowhenua District Council welcomed the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Board’s confirmation that the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway will proceed to construction with key design features reinstated.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the decision is a clear and powerful response to strong local and regional advocacy.

“This is a significant and very welcome moment for Horowhenua,” says Mayor Wanden.

“It’s not just a good outcome, it’s the right outcome. It reflects the strength of our community’s collective voice and the effectiveness of Council’s long-standing advocacy to ensure this project lives up to its original promises of safety, efficiency and regional connection.”

Following extensive public concern over earlier proposed design changes, NZTA Board has confirmed it will reinstate several critical features of the original expressway design, including:

• A grade-separated interchange at Tararua Road in Levin;
• A southbound onramp at Taylors Road, connecting to the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway;
• A vehicle overbridge at Manakau Heights, ensuring safe access for residents across the new highway.

“These features were not optional. They were essential to community safety, connectivity, and trust,” says Mayor Wanden. “The reinstatement of the Manakau bridge in particular is a win for every person who stood up and said: our safety matters, our voice matters. And I want to say, you were heard.”

Mayor Wanden extended his sincere thanks to the NZTA Board for listening and responding to community feedback, and to Ōtaki MP Tim Costley for his strong support and consistent advocacy throughout the process.

“Council has been at the table since this project was first conceived in 2012, through governments, delays, and shifting budgets. At every step, we’ve advocated constructively for an expressway that reflects the needs and realities of our district. I’m proud of our role, and I’m even prouder of the people of Horowhenua who never gave up on this project, or on each other.”

He also acknowledged the patience of the public as discussions progressed and concerns were worked through.

“We understand people were frustrated, even disillusioned at times, but this outcome shows what’s possible when a community comes together and speaks with clarity and conviction. It’s a win not just for us, but for future generations who will benefit from this safer, more resilient corridor.”

The Ō2NL project is part of the Government’s Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme and a priority under the current Government Policy Statement on land transport. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Horowhenua District Council remains a committed delivery partner alongside NZTA and iwi representatives, including Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga.

“This expressway will be a vital piece of infrastructure — connecting communities, boosting resilience, and enabling the growth areas like Tara-Ika to thrive,” says Mayor Wanden. “It’s a major step forward for our region — and today, we celebrate it together.”

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden says “We understand that large infrastructure projects can evolve, but the proposed changes have left many in our community feeling blindsided.” “This is not the design our community expected, particularly as it threatens to sever Manakau, a community that fought hard to prevent this very outcome.” 

“While NZTA ultimately controls the design, Council is both disappointed and concerned. It is essential that community voices are heard and respected in decisions of this scale and impact.” 

Among the proposed changes are the removal of the planned Manakau vehicle overbridge and a redesign of the Tararua Road interchange to a roundabout configuration. 

“These changes raise fundamental safety and accessibility concerns,” says Mayor Wanden. “Removing the Manakau overbridge would force residents to make right-hand turns across a high-speed state highway — a situation that was never contemplated in the original design or consent and would be heightened by the tolling decision.” 

Mayor Wanden has written to the Minister of Transport, Hon Chris Bishop, and to NZTA Chair Simon Bridges, requesting an urgent review and additional funding to ensure the final expressway design delivers the safety, efficiency, and resilience that were promised. 

“We’ve seen other Roads of National Significance receive additional investment to meet community needs. Ō2NL should be treated with the same level of commitment.” 

Council’s Role Under the Resource Management Act (RMA) 

In addition to its leadership role, Horowhenua District Council is also a responsible planning authority and is bound by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). 

Chief Executive Monique Davidson says Council takes this statutory role seriously and will ensure the process is followed appropriately and without bias. We are currently awaiting detailed information from NZTA about the nature and scale of the effects of the proposed design changes. Once received, we will assess those changes in accordance with the RMA. 

“We want to be clear with our community – when acting as a regulator, Council must base its decisions solely on planning evidence and legal criteria under the RMA,” Davidson said. 

Public Encouraged to Have Their Say 

Mayor Wanden is also encouraging residents to engage directly with NZTA and central government decision-makers. 

“The nature of some of these changes means that if they are not in the scope of the project when construction starts in spring, then they are very unlikely to come back into the project. If you have concerns, make your voice heard. Write to the Minister, contact NZTA, contact your local MP. This is a moment where community feedback matters”. 

Council remains firmly committed to advocating for the best possible outcome for Horowhenua and ensuring the community’s expectations are clearly represented. 

He was Joshua Eric Wilson, 33, of Levin.

“Police extend their sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time. The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.”