“The damning report details the inconsistent and incorrect answers, Board-level governance failures, and a lack of transparency around crucial procurement decisions coupled with no records from the time. This has led to aging and broken trucks, and years of delay for replacements,” Costley says.

Costley points to two key examples from the inquiry, relating to different types of fire trucks.

“Thirty new trucks were purchased in 2019, and none of them are in use seven years later. Aerial (ladder) appliances have also suffered significant delays. Despite a ‘final inspection’ in July 2025, they are still sitting with original manufacturers, not yet delivered to FENZ and far from being put into operational use.

“Both contracts are stuck in commercial disputes, with trucks withheld from FENZ while issues are resolved.

“Blaming today’s problems on the state of FENZ at its 2017 inception does not cut it. Many of today’s leaders held leadership roles in the Fire Service prior to 2017, and the state of the many fire appliances today is worse than it was nine years ago. FENZ have been going backwards, not forwards.

Costley says new taxes will not fix FENZ. “Funding has not been the issue, spending and delivery has been. FENZ needs to focus on consistently delivering new trucks into the fleet so every brigade has appliances within the expected age.

“It should not have taken an inquiry like this to bring these issues to light. We have seen misleading response rates, obfuscation over new appliances, and leaders telling the committee that there were processes and equipment were in place that simply were not. I have found the truth not through the answers given to the committee, but through endless hours spent trawling through submissions and speaking with firefighters from north of Auckland to the deep south.

“Despite the challenges the inquiry found, I continue to be impressed by the quality of the men and women who serve in fire stations, both full-time and volunteer,” says Costley.

In May of this year Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced a new Chair had been appointed to the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board.

“I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr Raveen Jaduram as Chair of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board,” said Minister van Velden.

Mr Jaduram succeeds Rebecca Keoghan MNZM, who has served as Chair since July 2021, following her earlier role as Deputy Chair from June 2019.

“I would like to thank Ms Keoghan for her service during a critical period for Fire and Emergency New Zealand. She has supported the organisation through its post-amalgamation phase, strengthening its structure, and advancing important work on workplace culture and organisational integrity,” said van Velden.

ACT Party MP Brooke van Velden is retiring from Parliament in November.

With spring being a busy time for farmers, Police have seen a number of burglaries where fuel, firewood, hot water cylinders, and tools have been targeted.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Russ, South Taranaki Area Response Manager, says Police urge the community to get in touch with Police if they see any suspicious or unlawful activity occurring in the area.

“We believe there have been a number of burglaries that have not been reported and we ask the community to report any unlawful activity, even if it seems low level.

“When a report is made, it builds a picture of where we need to be, and we need the public’s help in making our community safer.”

Police also encourage members of the community to take a few quick steps to help prevent themselves from being targeted.

“The biggest deterrent to crime is prevention, and most rural burglaries and thefts occur at properties with no to little security in place,” Senior Sergeant Russ says.

“Storing equipment securely away from public view and locking gates and sheds are effective.

“If possible, installing preventative tools like sensor lights, CCTV cameras, signage, pin-code gates, and driveway or building alarms can also deter this activity.”

If you see any suspicious or unlawful behaviour happening, please contact Police immediately on 111, with as much information as you can safely gather.

Non-emergencies or information reported after-the-fact can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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 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.

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.”

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.