Age on the Go 2026 is a free expo bringing together local services, health providers, support organisations and community groups all under one roof, giving older people the chance to connect, discover local support, and learn what’s available across Horowhenua. This year’s event is on track for a record number of stallholders, covering everything from health and wellbeing to independence, recreation and community connection.

The expo is supported by the Older Persons’ Network, a group of representatives from organisations across the district dedicated to supporting older people to live well and age well.

With dozens of stalls, attendees will be able to see what clubs and hobbies are available locally, talk to health providers, get their blood pressure checked, understand all that the library team has on offer, connect with community services and meet new friends over a cup of tea and a game. Raewyn’s Cafe will also be setting up on-site for the day, so there’s plenty of reasons to stay a while. Best of all, entry is free and everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and whānau along.

Mayor Bernie Wanden, Chair of the Older Persons Network, says the expo is one of his favourite events on the calendar.

“I’ll admit I’m well into the demographic Age on the Go is aimed at these days, so I have a bit of a personal interest in making sure it’s a good one. It’s a fantastic chance to see the sheer range of support and services we have right here in Horowhenua, and a reminder of just how connected our community is.

“Whether you’re coming along for yourself or on behalf of a parent or grandparent, I’d encourage everyone to come and see what’s on offer.”

Age on the Go is part of Horowhenua District Council’s commitment to He Hapori Pakari – Strong Communities, our Community Wellbeing Strategy, where a Connected Community is one of our key priorities.

Event details

• Date: Friday 16 October 2026
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Where: Horowhenua Events Centre, 33 Victoria Street, Levin
• Entry: Free

For more information, visit https://www.horowhenua.govt.nz/CommunityPlaces/Community-Services/Older-People/Age-on-the-Go-Expo

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 SFO’s Counter Fraud Centre has been offering free webinars to government agencies, drawing on insights and practical examples from real SFO cases – and will now open these to all businesses with a New Zealand business email address.

“Fraud and corruption can have a substantial impact on businesses, including cost, stress to staff and reputational damage,” SFO Director Karen Chang says.

“We know that when people are under pressure, the risk of an insider threat – someone who can cause harm to an organisation from within – can grow, with small, private companies particularly vulnerable.”

According to a recent global report by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), private companies were victimised by the largest percentage of insider fraud, accounting for 44% of 2402 cases from 143 countries studied, with smaller organisations being the most vulnerable, followed by public companies and government.

The findings are backed by a recent NZ New Zealand Security Intelligence Service report, which says more insiders are causing harm to their organisations. The report said both public and private sector organisations in New Zealand are vulnerable to these threats, including theft of intellectual property, not following proper process, or misuse of assets.

“Very few employees become an insider threat, but they could do disproportionate damage to their organisations,” Ms Chang says. “It’s important to understand the risks and red flags. People may be led to commit fraud or corruption due to a series of pressures and events including financial stress, work dissatisfaction or job insecurity.

“We want to help businesses learn more about strong oversight and controls to detect and prevent fraud and corruption in their organisations.”

Upcoming webinars:

• Corruption 101 – September 22: This webinar explores what corruption looks like in practice, why people become involved, and where risk is highest across common operational areas. Participants will gain a practical, risk-based understanding of how to help strengthen an organisation’s defences.
• Fraud risks in procurement – October 15: In this webinar participants will learn about the various forms of fraud that can occur throughout the procurement lifecycle and see how taking a risk-based approach can help manage the risks.

To register visit: https://www.sfo.govt.nz/counter-fraud/workshops-and-webinars

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.

The first of these significant decisions saw Horowhenua District Council adopt the Levin Town Centre Retail Transformation Strategy and approve $200,000 in funding to begin delivering improvements and implementation of the Strategy.

The Retail Transformation Strategy provides a roadmap for strengthening our town centre over the next 10 to 15 years, with the goal of making it the place people from across Horowhenua choose to meet, eat, shop and spend time.

Councillor Clint Grimstone, Levin Ward Councillor and Council representative on the project’s Steering Group, says the decisions signal a shift from planning to action.

“We know the Taitoko, Levin town centre has huge potential, and these decisions give us a clear direction and some real momentum,” Councillor Grimstone says.

“Council’s aim is to create a town centre our community can feel proud of. By investing now, we can make improvements people will see and experience, while supporting local businesses and creating a town centre that works for everyone.

“A strategy sitting on a shelf won’t transform our town centre. By making $200,000 available from our existing Town Centre Activation budget, we can get moving now and deliver improvements our community can see and experience.”

The funding will support early initiatives such as improved street cleaning and gardens, better signage, enhanced public spaces, and work to improve access, safety and vibrancy.

Council will also establish a contestable fund to support town centre retailers and property owners to improve their shopfronts. Potential projects could include repainting, upgraded signage and lighting, façade improvements. The details and timing of the contestable fund will be finalised and communicated in the coming weeks.

The Strategy responds to feedback from residents, retailers and property owners, who highlighted the need for greater retail variety, a stronger hospitality offering, more activity and a refreshed town centre environment.

At the same meeting, Council made a second key decision confirming the pathway for the redevelopment opportunity associated with the six strategically located Council-owned properties on Oxford Street. Council chose to apply the intent of its First Right of Refusal to Iwi Policy by providing iwi and hapū with an exclusive opportunity to put forward redevelopment proposals through an Expression of Interest process before any opportunity is offered to the wider market.

“This is an opportunity to work in partnership with iwi and hapū and invite forward ideas that can deliver the outcomes we want for these important sites,” Councillor Grimstone says.

The opening of the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway, currently expected in late 2029, will significantly change how traffic moves through Horowhenua. Councillor Grimstone says Council is determined to prepare early and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

“We’re not waiting for the expressway to open before thinking about what comes next,” he says. “This is our opportunity to make Taitoko, Levin town centre a destination in its own right, somewhere people choose to stop, spend time and return to, rather than simply pass through. With the direction set, funding behind it and key sites moving forward, now it’s time to get on with it. The redevelopment of these Oxford Street properties presents an opportunity to be a catalyst and transformative development in the heart of the Town Centre.”

The Lower North Island Boys Tier 4 secondary school hockey tournament runs from Monday, August 31 until Friday, September 4.

Hockey New Zealand lists Horowhenua Hockey Association as the host of the tournament, with matches being played at the hockey facilities at 41 Adkin Ave, in Levin.

The competition is part of Hockey New Zealand’s national secondary schools tournament programme and brings Lower North Island boys’ teams together for five days of competition.

Levin is also hosting the North Island Secondary Schools Hurricanes Under-15 Girls Rugby 15s tournament.

School Sport New Zealand lists the rugby tournament as running in Levin on August 31 and September 1, with New Zealand Rugby organising the event.

The two competitions mean Levin will be a centre for secondary school sport throughout the opening days of September, with players, coaches and supporters travelling to the town for hockey and rugby.

The hockey tournament continues through to Friday, while the Hurricanes Under-15 girls competition concludes on Tuesday.

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.

With over 5,300 high-school students and their caregivers already registered to attend, including many students from the Horowhenua district, the university says it will be a day to remember.

Iconic Wellington landmarks will be lit up green to mark the occasion, contributing to a city-wide celebration. From the moment visitors exit the train station and head to the bus stop outside our Pipitea campus, they will see Wellington through green-tinted glasses.

The event offers prospective students a chance to attend sample lectures, explore the University’s campuses, and get a feel for life as a student in the capital. They will have the chance to ask big questions of the University’s in-house philosophers, use some giant rollers to create a printed design, play some student-created video games, and even sample some ice cream made with liquid nitrogen.
Local retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses are also getting involved, offering discounts and giveaways to visitors through our funky festival wristband.
Vice-Chancellor Bryony James says that while attracting prospective students to Open Day is a key focus, the event is as much about showcasing the city vibe as our three fantastic campuses.
“What an incredible city to be a student in. You’re right in the beating heart of the creative, political, legal, corporate and scientific ecosystem of the country.
“The best thing about Open Day is watching the spark ignite someone’s sense that they might just have found their place in the world.”
The event is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to attract and engage prospective students while supporting the Wellington scene. Open Day 2026 is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of future students in recent years.

Registrations are open now. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/open-day

There are free buses throughout the day between campuses:
 Kelburn campus, Kelburn parade, Kelburn
 Pipitea campus, Bunny Street, Pipitea
 Te Aro campus, Vivian Street, Te Aro

Applications open on Friday 31 July 2026. The Horowhenua District Council Tertiary Education Scholarship provides $1,000 toward study fees, along with the opportunity to gain paid work experience at Council over the 2026–2027 summer break.

The scholarship is open to local students who are keen to explore what a career in local government could look like. To be eligible, applicants must answer yes to both of the following:

• Do you live in or are you from Horowhenua?
• Are you leaving school to begin a tertiary qualification in 2027, or continuing tertiary study in 2027?

The successful applicant will receive:

• $1,000 to help with tertiary study fees.
• Up to 10 weeks paid holiday work experience with Horowhenua District Council

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the scholarship is one way Council is investing in local talent and opening the door for young people to see where a future in local government could take them.

“Our rangatahi have so much to offer Horowhenua, and this scholarship is about supporting them to achieve their goals while encouraging them to stay connected with their community,” says Mayor Wanden

“Alongside helping with study costs, the paid work experience gives students valuable insight into local government, the opportunity to develop new skills, and the chance to contribute to projects that make a real difference for the people of Horowhenua.”

Mayor Wanden says the scholarship reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people through opportunities that connect learning, employment and community impact.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 30 August 2026. Apply online on the Tertiary Scholarship page: https://www.horowhenua.govt.nz/CommunityPlaces/Ceremonies-Scholarships/Horowhenua-Tertiary-Education-Scholarship