From 1 October 2026, motorists will be required to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when overtaking a pedestrian, cyclist, horse rider or other vulnerable road user on the road.

The new law replaces the previous recommended guidance around passing cyclists and, importantly, is the first time horse riders have been included in a road safety measure aimed at preventing death and serious injury among our most vulnerable road users.
NZVRU Trust Chair Julia McLean said the change recognises a long-standing road safety concern and sends a clear message that vulnerable road users deserve greater protection.

“This is a landmark moment for road safety in New Zealand. For years, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders have been calling for stronger measures to reduce the risk of serious injury and death caused by unsafe overtaking.

“A passing-distance law is only effective if it is supported by education, awareness and enforcement. Drivers need to understand both their legal responsibilities and the potentially devastating consequences of passing too closely.”

The Trust said the law aligns strongly with its national Pass Wide & Slow campaign, which promotes safer behaviour around vulnerable road users and encourages motorists to leave plenty of space and reduce speed when passing.

While welcoming the new minimum standard, the Trust is continuing to advocate for drivers to give horses even more room.
International best-practice guidance recommends motorists allow at least two metres of space and reduce their speed to approximately 20 km/h when passing a horse. A horse can weigh more than 500 kilograms and may react suddenly to unexpected
movement, noise or proximity.

“Drivers often underestimate how vulnerable horse riders are. Giving a horse extra space and slowing down costs very little time but can prevent a life-changing incident.”

The Trust says the law is an important response to the ongoing toll of death and serious injury involving vulnerable road users.
Last year, McLean presented never-before-seen horse-rider fatality statistics at Parliament, helping to highlight the scale of the issue and the need for meaningful change.

The new law will be supported by a $300 infringement penalty, reinforcing the importance of safe overtaking behaviour.
“Our message remains simple: safe choices save lives,” said Julia McLean.

“Whether you’re passing a person walking, cycling or riding a horse, slow down, give them space and remember they are someone’s loved one. Everyone deserves to get home safely.”

Video When you See a Vulnerable Road User – Pass Wide and Slow

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

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

More news from the trust see: https://nzvulnerableroadusertrust.rocketspark.co.nz

The toilet block has reached the end of its useful life. Despite several attempts to fix it, the problems have continued, and the manufacturer has now confirmed it cannot be repaired. Council will remove the block, as spending more on it would not be good value for ratepayers.

Five other public toilets remain available in and around the Levin town centre:

• Salisbury Street, Levin
• Public Gardens, Bath Street
• Levin Adventure Park
• Mako Mako Road at Weraroa Domain
• Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street

The Salisbury Street, Bath Street and Levin Adventure Park toilets are open 7am to 5.30pm, extending to 8.30pm during daylight saving. The Mako Mako Road toilets are open 24 hours. The toilets at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō are available during the facility’s opening hours.

Horowhenua District Council’s Parks and Property Manager Lacey Winiata said the recurring faults had reached the point where continuing to repair the facility was no longer sustainable.

“We’ve had contractors attend the block a number of times, but the same faults continue to return. Spending further ratepayer money on short-term repairs that do not provide a lasting solution is neither sustainable nor responsible, particularly when other public toilets are available nearby.”

Ms Winiata acknowledged the closure would be an inconvenience for some people.

“We know this one is handy if you’re already in town. The map shows the closest alternatives, and Mako Mako Road is the one to remember if you need somewhere outside normal opening hours.”

Horowhenua District Council apologises for any inconvenience.

Pictured above: Map of public toilets in and around the Levin town centre.

Wingham joins the Hurricanes following three seasons with the Highlanders and is set to add competition and versatility to the club’s well-stocked front row contingent.

“I’m excited to be joining the Hurricanes in 2027. It’s a great opportunity to rub shoulders with some quality players and coaches, be part of a new environment, and to experience a new place,” Wingham said.

A powerful prop who can play on both sides of the scrum, Wingham came through the ranks in Dunedin, where he attended King’s High School. He was the school’s first New Zealand Schools representative in 23 years when he made the team in 2020 alongside fellow Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo, Harry Godfrey, and Siale Lauaki.

The 23-year-old continued his development with the Highlanders U20 side in 2021 and represented North Otago in the Heartland Championship the following year.

Wingham made his NPC debut with Otago in 2023 and has since played 38 times for the province. He started in last year’s historic Ranfurly Shield win over Canterbury and featured regularly in Otago’s run to the 2025 NPC final.

In 2024, Wingham made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes and made a total of eight appearances for the club.

Regarded as a promising youngster with plenty of potential, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is eager to add Wingham to a cohort of props that also features All Blacks quartet Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, and Siale Lauaki.

“Rohan’s a young prop, plays both sides of the scrum, and already has Super Rugby experience,” Laidlaw said.

“With our strong track record of producing quality props, we really feel like we can help develop him through our props who he can learn from and compete against, as well as through Jamie Mackintosh and his coaching.

“He’s a great addition to a strong area of the team. We look forward to him coming here and competing with those boys and putting his best foot forward during pre-season.”

Rohan Wingham

Date of Birth: 4 December 2002 (23-years-old)
Place of Birth: Dunedin
Position: Prop
Height: 1.89m
Weight: 120kg
Club: Dunedin Rugby Football Club
School: King’s High School
Playing Career: North Otago (2022), Otago (2023-present), Highlanders (2024-2026)
Honours: Ranfurly Shield (2025-2026)

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.

Now Potatoes New Zealand is celebrating the outstanding success of two rising stars from the potato industry, with James Blair of A S Wilcox crowned the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and Amber Davy of Eurogrow named Runner Up and winner of the Innovation Award.

The Young Grower of the Year competition showcases the very best emerging talent in New Zealand horticulture, challenging competitors across a wide range of technical, practical and leadership disciplines.

For the potato industry, seeing two of its own stand on the national podium was a proud moment.

Potatoes New Zealand Chair Paul Olsen said the achievements of James and Amber reflect the calibre of people working across the industry and the bright future ahead.

“These awards celebrate excellence, dedication and leadership, and we could not be prouder of what James and Amber have achieved,” says Olsen.

“To have James take out the national title and Amber secure both Runner Up and the Innovation Award is an incredible result for them personally, for their organisations and for the wider potato industry.

“Success at the Young Grower of the Year Awards does not happen by chance. It comes from hard work, a commitment to learning and a genuine passion for growing food. James and Amber exemplify these qualities and are wonderful ambassadors for our industry.”

Olsen said both competitors represent the next generation of industry leaders who will help shape the future of New Zealand’s potato sector.

“What stands out about James and Amber is not only their technical capability, but also their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to embrace new ideas. These are exactly the qualities that will help drive our industry forward and ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Olsen says the future of the industry is in good hands with people like James and Amber coming through. He says their achievements should inspire other young people to consider a career in horticulture and see the many opportunities that exist within the potato industry.

Young Grower of the Year title recognises his exceptional performance across a demanding programme of challenges that tested technical knowledge, business management, communication, leadership and practical growing skills.

Amber’s Innovation Award highlighted her ability to think creatively and embrace new approaches, while her Runner Up placing recognised her consistently high performance throughout the competition.

Potatoes New Zealand also congratulated all competitors who took part in the 2026 Young Grower of the Year Awards, including third place getter Amelia Marsden of Thomas Brothers Orchard, who was also recognised with the Outstanding Leadership Award.

“The standard of competition continues to be exceptionally high, and all finalists should be incredibly proud of their achievements,” says Olsen.

“As an industry, we celebrate James and Amber’s success and look forward to seeing the contribution they will continue to make to New Zealand horticulture in the years ahead.”

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.

Police were alerted at about 10.20am on Tuesday, August 25, after a science technician found a flask containing a substance identified as potentially unstable.

The substance was reported to be Tollens’ reagent, a solution containing silver ions and ammonia.

Emergency services, including Police, Fire and Emergency and ambulance crews, attended the Levin school.

A New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was also called to assess and remove the material.

The chemical was safely disposed of in the school’s back field at about 3pm under the supervision of specialists.

The evacuation was carried out as a precaution.

The Horowhenua College incident was followed by similar discoveries at schools in Auckland and Porirua.

The Ministry of Education said the incidents were a reminder for schools to review the chemicals stored on their sites and ensure they were being appropriately managed and disposed of.

Schools concerned about potentially hazardous chemicals were advised to seek specialist help and contact emergency services if there was an immediate safety risk.

The Ministry also advised schools not to move or handle a substance where there were safety concerns.

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.

The regional grant provides $331,350 to Wildlife Foxton Trust for pest and weed control at the Manawatū Estuary, a wetland of international importance. That project is expected to attract a further $844,500 in co-investment.

The grant is part of $529,035 in Department of Conservation Community Fund support announced for two conservation projects across Kāpiti and Horowhenua.

The second regional grant sees Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae awarded $197,685 to upgrade enclosures used in the captive breeding and management of the nationally endangered Whitaker’s skink.

Ngā Manu’s project is expected to attract a further $234,717 in cash and in-kind support from the reserve and its partners, taking the anticipated value of the work to more than $432,000.

The reserve has a long history of working with the Department of Conservation on breeding programmes for threatened native birds and reptiles. The new funding will strengthen its ability to breed and care for Whitaker’s skink, a species classified as Nationally Endangered.

Together, the two grants are expected to support more than $1.6 million of conservation work across Kāpiti and Horowhenua.
The regional funding forms part of a nationwide $9.2 million allocation to 20 community-led projects through the 2026 DOC Community Fund. Successful applicants will now work with DOC to finalise funding agreements, with payments linked to delivery and expenditure milestones.

For more see: https://www.wildlifefoxton.org

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