Alongside her journey is Peyton, who is coming to understand what a Tangata Tiriti partnership is and Grayson, a young Māori lawyer navigating his role in the system.

Performed by an ensemble cast, including well known rangatahi Hariata and Tamati Moriarty, the play is presented in Te Rākau’s unique Theatre Marae framework, creating space for collective reflection and shared experience.

Te Rākau is the longest running Māori theatre company in Aotearoa founded in 1989.

Recommended age 12+ contains swearing and depicts some violence. Children under 12 can accompany for free with a paying adult.

Friday 31 July, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Horowhenua College, Levin

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/levin/tickets

Thursday 30 July, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Ōtaki College, Ōtaki

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/otaki/tickets

Saturday 1 August, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, Paraparaumu

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/paraparaumu/tickets

Club Secretary Kiri Maxwell says, “On any given weekend in Ōtaki, the sound of boots on grass, laughter on the sidelines, and the steady encouragement of whānau tells a familiar story. It’s not just about sport – it’s all about identity, belonging, and the quiet determination to lift a community. For many tamariki and rangatahi, Raukawa ki Runga offers more than an opportunity to play. It offers direction, a place to grow.”

Te Tahi Takao, pāpā (dad) says, “He nui ake ngā hua o ngā whakataetae i te hākinakina anake. Mā ngā whakataetae nei ka whai wāhi ā mātou tamariki ki te whakapakari i te māia, te manawaroa, te ngākau whakaute, me ngā hononga kaha ki ētahi atu. He tino mea whakahirahira te kite atu i a rātou e mau ana i ngā tae o Raukawa ki Runga me te whakahīhī nui.

“The tournaments provide much more than sport. They help our tamariki develop confidence, resilience, respect, and strong relationships. Seeing them represent Raukawa ki Runga with pride is something very special.”

Te Aumangea Raureti-Maxwell, kaitākaro (player) says, “Ehara i te mea ko ngā kēmu anake te tino wāhanga pai. Āe rā, e hiahia ana mātou ki te toa, engari ko ētahi o aku tino maharatanga ko te tākaro tahi me ōku whanaunga, te whakatipu hoa pumau, te kai tahi, te tautoko tētahi ki tētahi, me te katakata tahi. Ko ēnei ngā wā e whakakaha ake ai i ō mātou hononga, e whakatata mai ai hoki mātou ki a mātou anō.\

“The best part isn’t always the games. Of course we want to win, but some of my favourite memories are playing with my cousins, making lifelong friends, sharing meals, supporting each other, and laughing with each other. Those are the moments that bring us closer.”

Tainui Cooper, kaitākaro (player) says, “Ina mau au i te tīhate o te tīma, ehara i te mea e tākaro ana mōku anake. E tū ana au hei māngai mō tōku whānau, tōku marae, me tō tātou iwi. Nā taua mana, nā taua whakahīhī hoki, ka ū tonu ahau ki te whakapau kaha i runga i te papa tākaro, ā, i waho atu hoki i te papa.

“It gives me pride to represent Raukawa. When I pull on the jersey, I’m not just playing for myself. I’m representing my whānau, my marae, and our people. That sense of pride pushes me to do my best both on and off the field.”

NZCT General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications Ben Hodges says, “We’re delighted to support a sporting kaupapa that enables local rangatahi to participate as Māori. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the gaming machine fundraising partnership we share with the Family Hotel Ōtaki”

Raukawa ki Runga became a registered charitable trust in 2021 and works to support whānau wellbeing through sport, education and recreation. Based in Ōtaki, the organisation provides opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to connect through shared kaupapa, while promoting health, leadership and cultural identity. The club currently fields approximately ten touch rugby and rugby league teams ranging from under-10s through to senior grades.

Painga Project’s mobile optometry clinic ‘Celia’ is in the region this week, providing free eye exams to Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten children as part of the charity’s Wellington pilot. Every child seen has already been screened by Painga Project — and 17 per cent of the children screened were found to need a full eye exam, a result that points to significant unmet need
among our youngest learners.

Celia has travelled from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, where she currently works in 53 of the highest equity index primary and intermediate schools. She hasn’t come alone: ‘Whina’, Painga Project’s mobile audiology clinic, has made the trip too, acting as a support vehicle where children can choose the frames for their glasses if they need them. Exams, glasses and follow-up are all free for whānau.

Painga Project is a charity built around a simple idea: equity at the school gate. A child who cannot see the board, or the pictures in a book, starts their education already behind — often without anyone knowing why. By bringing screening, full eye exams and free glasses directly to kindergartens and schools during the day, the clinic removes the cost, travel and time-off-work barriers that stop many families from accessing vision care.

“These children are about to begin their school journey, and good vision changes everything about how that journey goes,” says Sarah Corson, CEO at Painga Project. “What we’re seeing at Whānau Manaaki kindergartens tells us the need in this region is real. We’d love the Wellington community to get behind a permanently based mobile clinic — so this isn’t a one-off visit”.

The pilot is also a chance for Painga Project to better understand pre-school vision needs, and for the wider Wellington region — from Levin and Porirua to the city — to see what the charity could deliver locally. With funding for a Wellington-based mobile clinic, Painga Project could bring free vision care to children across the region, year round.

Locals who would like to support the mahi — as funders, partners or volunteers — can get in touch via paingaproject.co.nz or donate through the charity’s Givealittle page givealittle.co.nz/org/the-painga-project

Since launching earlier this year, the show has featured local musicians, business owners, students, creators, community leaders, and other inspiring guests, covering everything from careers and mental health to local events and issues affecting young people.

The Social Link airs every Wednesday at 6pm, with a replay on Saturdays at 2pm, and is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

Link to the show: https://www.coastaccessradio.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=d29b544d-0d1a-453a-b468-c32f55a67a07

The award recognises the collaborative effort that has helped former refugee whānau from Colombia and Venezuela build a sense of place, belonging and connection in Horowhenua. Through a strong partnership between Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Council, community organisations, government agencies, and former refugee residents themselves, the programme has created opportunities for people to connect, participate and thrive.

Mayor Bernie Wanden said the recognition was a win for the entire Horowhenua community.

“This award belongs to our community. It recognises what can happen when people come together with a shared commitment to making others feel welcome and valued.”

“At its heart, this programme is about belonging. It’s about creating connections, building relationships and ensuring people feel like Horowhenua is home. That’s something we can all be incredibly proud of.

“What made the recognition even more special was seeing members of our former refugee community standing alongside our partners from Muaūpoko Tribal Authority to receive the award. It was a powerful reminder that the strongest communities are built together.”

Board member of Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Tracey White said the success of the programme reflected the power of partnership and manaakitanga.

“Welcoming former refugee whānau into our rohe is a privilege. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to share our history, culture, build meaningful relationships and help create a genuine sense of belonging for new whānau arriving in Horowhenua.”

“This recognition reflects the power of coming together, learning from one another and building a stronger community for everyone.”

The award was received by representatives from Horowhenua District Council, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and key contributors from the former refugee community who have helped shape the programme’s success. Their presence reflected the partnership approach that sits at the heart of the initiative and the shared commitment to making Horowhenua a place where everyone can belong.

In recognising the programme, the judges said:

“The last Census showed that more than one in four Kiwis wasn’t born here. Helping support the newest New Zealanders with a sense of belonging while preserving their cultural heritage and life experiences makes for a stronger, richer, more cohesive community now and for generations to come.”

The Highly Commended award recognises the power of community connection, partnership and belonging, and the positive impact those values continue to have on people choosing to make Horowhenua their home.

Today’s announcement importantly delivers six new teaching spaces to Paraparaumu College, and significant upgrade and redevelopment funding to address long-standing condition issues at both Porirua School and Mana College

“I’ve worked with the Principal at Paraparaumu college for some time, and worked constructively with the Minister and lobbied hard to secure these six new classrooms,” says Mr Costley.

“There have been issues to work through over the last year, particularly helping to tell our local story in Kāpiti. This includes taking into account out-of-zone students, which can impact the Ministry’s utilisation rates for existing classrooms, and future growth predictions. I wrote to the Minister last year explaining why I thought Paraparaumu College was a special case and deserved extra consideration.

“I’m particularly grateful to Principal Mark Robinson who has been a strong advocate for Paraparaumu College. He has invited me to the school on multiple occasions to walk me through the issues, helped me to understand what is needed, and also hosted the Education Minister at his school last year. This has all led to positive outcomes for staff and students.”

Ms Stanford said “These schools have been under pressure from growing student numbers. Delivering these classrooms will ease that pressure and support better environments for teaching and learning.” 

She said today’s announcement brings the total number of new classrooms funded in the lower North Island to 153 over the past three years and nearly 1400 across New Zealand.

“As a result of this, more students will be learning in new, warm, safe, dry classrooms. The Government has been able to deliver more bang for buck by improving the way school property is planned and built.”

Paraparaumu College was promised some new classrooms by the last Government, but they were never funded and never delivered, a pattern across many schools in New Zealand. “I’m proud to have helped turn this around and delivered the funding for our local college,” says Mr Costley.

Horowhenua is set to mark the Māori New Year with a vibrant programme of events bringing together reflection, remembrance and community connection.  

A series of free events will take place across the district, delivered by Horowhenua District Council in partnership with local iwi and hapū, offering opportunities for people to come together in ways that are meaningful to them.  

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the season is an important time for communities across the district.  

“Matariki and Puanga give us a chance to pause and reflect – to remember those who have passed, spend time with whānau and look ahead with a sense of hope. In Horowhenua, we are fortunate to be able to work closely with our iwi and hapū partners across the district to deliver a programme that brings people together in many different ways, from quiet moments of reflection through to shared celebrations.”  

Di Rump, Chief Executive for Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, says “For Muaūpoko, Matariki is deeply connected to our whenua and our people. “Matariki hunga nui” Matariki of many people. It’s a time to honour those connections and to come together as a community, sharing in reflection, remembrance and renewal.”   

Shane Royal, Chair of Te Tūmatakahuki, reflects on the significance of Matariki as a sacred time that weaves together whakapapa, memory, and aspiration. “Ka rere a Matariki, ka rere anō ā tātou wawata mō te tau e tū mai nei” speaks to the rising of the Matariki cluster as a tohu that calls us to pause, to remember, and to realign ourselves. It is a time to honour those who have journeyed beyond the veil, acknowledging their enduring presence within our whakapapa, while also giving space to collective dreaming and intention-setting for the future. In this way, Matariki embodies a distinctly Māori worldview, one where the rhythms of the natural world are inseparable from human experience. The movement of the stars is not distant or abstract; it is intimately connected to our identity, our responsibilities, and our hopes. Through Matariki, we are reminded that looking to the past and planning for the future are not separate acts, but part of a continuous, intergenerational flow that binds people, whenua, and the cosmos together.”  

Robert Ketu, spokesperson for Ngāti Whakatere, comments “As we welcome the tohu of Puanga Matariki, all creation is influenced by the patterns of the seasons. From the tuna migrations in Autumn to the time when the whenua sleeps during the Winter, it then greets the Spring with new growth and replenishment. Ka hoki mai ki tuturu. We invite you to join us for Matariki Ki Otāuru: A day of culture, celebration, kai, and whakawhanaungatanga. Local performances, kids entertainment, food stalls and craft stalls.”  

This year’s programme includes a mix of cultural, community and whānau-friendly events across the district.  

Highlights include:  

• Kapahaka Hapori Kai Night | Wednesday 1 July, 5pm to 7pm, Waiopehu College Auditorium
  A celebration of kapahaka in Taitoko, featuring local tamariki and rangatahi, and in honour of Matariki, kai will be available to take home following the performances.   
• Lights over Te Awahou | Saturday 4 July, 5pm to 8pm, Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park
  An evening of lights, music and kai celebrating the arrival of Puanga.   
• Puna Kaukau – Mid-Winter River Swim | Sunday 5 July, from 5.45am, Gladstone Reserve
  A chance to honour the awa and welcome the new year.   
• Matariki Kaumātua Day Out | Wednesday 8 July, 10am to 2pm
  A day of connection and celebration for older members of the community.   
• Te Putanga mai o Matariki – Hautapu Ceremony | Thursday 9 July, 5.30am
  Kohuturoa Marae A dawn ceremony led by Muaūpoko, grounded in remembrance and renewal.   
• Matariki ki Otāuru | Friday 10 July, 10am to 2pm, Te Maire Park, Shannon
  Mark the Matariki public holiday in Otāuru and celebrate the Māori New Year with Ngāti Whakatere.  
• Taitoko Night Market | Saturday 11 July, 3pm to 7pm, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Levin Mall carpark
  A vibrant night market celebrating food, culture and community.   

Mayor Wanden says the programme reflects strong partnerships across the district.  “Alongside our iwi and hapū partners, I’d also like to acknowledge Electra for helping to make this year’s event possible. These celebrations are grounded in Te Ao Māori and brought to life through collaboration with iwi, hapū and our wider community.  We encourage everyone to take part, learn something new, and connect in a way that feels meaningful to them.”  

For the full programme and event details, visit: https://www.horowhenua.govt.nz/News-Events/Events/Matariki

Once each season, Levin’s historic Uniting Church is transformed into an intimate, immersive concert space glowing with hundreds of flickering candles, where music, mood, and connection come together in a truly unique live experience.

📍 Venue
Levin Uniting Church
87 Oxford Street, Levin

📅 Friday 26 June
🚪 Doors open: 7.00pm
🎶 Concert begins: 7.30pm
⚠️ Please note: Doors close promptly at 7.35pm

🍷 Included in your ticket
• Complimentary New Zealand wine (or non-alcoholic option)
• Dessert nibbles
• Immersive candlelit concert experience

💛 Music That Feels Good and Does Good
Every ticket supports Levin Uniting Church & Community Centre and the free programmes, support services, and community initiatives we provide for local whānau, including those experiencing hardship, isolation, or vulnerability.

🎟️ Seats are strictly limited to 100 and this event is expected to sell out.

Book early to avoid disappointment and experience rock music reimagined by candlelight.

✨ What to Expect
Step inside a beautifully transformed heritage church lit by around 900 candles, creating a warm, atmospheric setting for an extraordinary evening of live music.

Arrive early, settle in, and enjoy the pre-show ambience with local hospitality, dessert nibbles, and gentle live music from a talented young local musician.

Then prepare for a powerful 75-minute concert featuring reimagined rock classics performed live in strings, blending intensity, beauty, and cinematic sound.

🎻 Special Guest Artists: The Family Lockdown Quartet

Born during the 2020 lockdown, this remarkable family ensemble began performing online and quickly evolved into a sought-after live act across Aotearoa, including performances at Te Papa, Rimufest (Tauranga), and Wellington’s Cuba Classics Series.

Rupa and Donald bring decades of professional musical experience, while Lucy and Gemma are emerging classical musicians studying at Victoria University and already performing professionally.

Together they transform iconic rock anthems into powerful, emotional string arrangements.

🔥 Programme highlights include:
• Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
• Kashmir – Led Zeppelin
• Back in Black – AC/DC
• Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones
• Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
• Dream On – Aerosmith
• Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
…plus more iconic favourites

🎷 Opening Performance
We are proud to showcase a talented young local rangatahi saxophonist performing live for the very first time – an inspiring opening to a night of music and connection.

To Book: https://events.humanitix.com/candlelit-concerts-rock-edition-it-s-a-night-out-that-feels-good-and-does-good/tickets?

The expos will bring together local employers, training providers, recruitment advisors and work-ready programmes, giving attendees the chance to explore opportunities, make connections and get practical support – all under one roof. CV writing support and wellbeing services covering budgeting and health will also be available on the day.

Open to all, the expos welcome anyone looking for work, exploring training options, or simply wanting to know what’s available in their community. Each event brings together local employers, training providers, recruitment advisors, and wellbeing services – covering every aspect of your work-readiness journey, all under one roof. Attendees can work on their CV with our careers advisors, get interview training, talk to employers directly and learn about the other services that can contribute to their overall wellbeing.

Mayor Bernie Wanden encouraged residents to take advantage of the expos. “These expos are a great opportunity for people in our communities to connect directly with employers and training providers,” says Mayor Bernie.  “Whether you’re looking for your first job or wanting to build new skills, there’s something here for everyone. We’re proud to support initiatives that help our people thrive and strengthen our local workforce.”

Shannon Job and Training Expo

Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Venue: Shannon Memorial Hall

Foxton Job and Training Expo

Date: Thursday 4 June 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Venue: Foxton War Memorial Hall 

The Job and Training Expo is a collaborative initiative between Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, Ministry of Social Development, Horowhenua District Council, and local community partners.

Attendance is free, and no registration is required. Attendees can come along and write their CV with careers advisors or bring their CV along and be ready to connect with employers and training providers.

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.