Latest news with #HorowhenuaDistrictCouncil
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Councils Condemn Overnight Disruption And Thank Police For Strong Response
Horowhenua District Council and Palmerston North City Council are thanking Police and emergency services for their strong, coordinated response to unlawful gatherings in the region overnight, and are condemning the dangerous behaviour that put the safety of residents at risk. The gatherings involved a large convoy of vehicles and over 1,000 individuals. This follows similar illegal activity in Levin last year that saw State Highway 1 barricaded and weapons reportedly present. This year, Police acted early — deploying teams including Riot Police, Armed Offenders Squad and the Eagle helicopter, implementing a visible and proactive presence across the region. While their efforts successfully prevented major disruption in Levin, the group dispersed north along Tavistock Road and State Highway 57, State Highway 56 and Palmerston North before coming back to Levin. One bystander was taken to hospital with moderate injuries after an incident on SH57, with Police reporting further incidents with other bystanders and vehicles on SH56. No police are reported to be injured despite, having a vehicle deliberately rammed, Police car tyres slashed and fireworks being aimed at officers. 10 arrests have been made so far, with more to come as Police investigate footage from the evening. Mayor Bernie Wanden said the behaviour witnessed last night is disgraceful. 'This activity isn't just reckless — it's dangerous. People have been hurt. Most of the individuals involved are not from Horowhenua, yet it's our community that bears the burden. I commend Police and emergency services for their quick and decisive actions. Their efforts have helped to keep our residents safe and prevent further harm.' Mayor Grant Smith says street racing is completely unacceptable. 'It was great to see the significant police presence in Horowhenua and Palmerston North overnight to help demonstrate that street racing is not welcome in our city or our wider region. While those involved may think it's just a bit of fun, it is intimidating behaviour for communities. In past events, these incidents have also passed on large costs to ratepayers to repair damaged roads and clean up broken glass and car parts. We understand from the Police that a number of youths were involved in what occurred last night. We encourage parents to chat to their young people about the dangers of street racing and encourage them to ask questions when their teens are going out late at night about their plans. I want to thank the Police for their efforts last night and hope those involved get the message that street racing is simply not welcome in our region' Both Councils are continuing to liaise with Police to monitor the situation and support any required responses. Our thoughts are also with those injured last night, and their loved ones.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Council Responds To Proposed Ō2NL Design Changes
Press Release – Horowhenua District Council Horowhenua District Council acknowledges proposed design changes to the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) announced by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi over the weekend. Council recognises that this project significantly affects many residents, landowners, and communities across Horowhenua. 'We understand that large infrastructure projects can evolve, but the proposed changes have left many in our community feeling blindsided,' says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. '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.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Council Responds To Proposed Ō2NL Design Changes
Horowhenua District Council acknowledges proposed design changes to the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) announced by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi over the weekend. Council recognises that this project significantly affects many residents, landowners, and communities across Horowhenua. 'We understand that large infrastructure projects can evolve, but the proposed changes have left many in our community feeling blindsided,' says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. '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.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Horowhenua District Council Adopts Annual Plan
They say goals without plans are just wishes, which certainly rings true in Local Government. Horowhenua District Council moved a step closer to achieving its goals for the next year when it adopted its Annual Plan and set fees and charges for 2025/26 at a Council meeting on 14 May. The Annual Plan is Year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2044, so it builds on the work and feedback Council received from the community during consultation last year. Council made the decision to not consult on the Annual Plan 2025/26 in December 2024 due to it closely following the budget and plan for year 2 of the LTP that was adopted in June 2024. The Local Government Act recognises that where Councils are sticking with the Long Term Plan and not making significant or material changes, consultation is not needed. When talking about rates and rates increases, the analogy of a 'pie' is often used. The size of the pie represents the rates income for next year, and the slices of the pie represent the average rates increase per ratepayer. When adopting the Annual Plan on 14 May, Council agreed the size of the pie. On 25 June, when the most up to date data on the number of rating units, valuation of new rating units and new houses is received by Council, it will set the rates and the pie will be sliced based on the total number of rating units at that date. Confirmed in the Annual Plan is a 10.2% increase in the total rates or size of the pie, which is smaller than the 11.6% forecast in the LTP. Residents who are connected to water and wastewater services will see a higher increase as the majority of our cost increases (just over 85%) this year are related to providing water and wastewater services. Therefore, residents who are not connected to water and wastewater services will see a much lower increase this year. Council is one step closer to giving that clarity to the community. Rates at a property level will be agreed in June. You will be able to see your estimated rates for 2025/26 from 3 June at Mayor Bernie Wanden says the Annual Plan is an important tool for Council and the community alike as they look to the future together. 'It's a challenging process, balancing the wants and needs of the district with affordability, but we believe we have struck a good balance and we have remained committed to what we promised in the Long Term Plan,' he says. 'We've tried our absolute best to reduce the rates rise while still investing in core infrastructure and delivering a wide range of services, ensuring this remains a great place to live, work, and play.' Council also set the fees and charges for 2025/26. Fees and charges ensure costs are fairly split between users and the rest of the community. For example, we charge for the use of a public pool to help pay for some of the costs of running it. Legally, the proposed Food Act and Resource Management Act related fees had to be consulted on. Council asked the community for feedback on these, as well as all other proposed fees, and three submissions were received. Minor changes to the proposed fees and charges presented to Council in December 2024 were recommended. The entry fee for Shannon Pool was adjusted from $2.10 to $2 following community feedback. With restricted payment options available at the facility and users paying with cash, rounding the fee to a whole dollar makes it more practical and convenient for the community. The Foxton Pools fee was changed from $5.70 to $5.60 to align with charges at the Levin Aquatic Centre. The full list of adopted fees and charges for 2025/26 will be advertised to the public before coming into effect on 1 July 2025.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Votes For Local Waters Bylaw
Press Release – Horowhenua District Council The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them. Council has today voted to adopt the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, following a period of public consultation. The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them. It protects public health and safety, safeguards the environment and helps Horowhenua District plan for future growth. While much of its content comes from combining existing bylaws there are changes, with the addition of stormwater regulations and a new registration requirement for businesses operating from trade premises. The registration process and will allow Council to determine whether trade waste is being generated, in which case businesses will need to apply for a consent. The new stormwater section introduces regulations to protect the stormwater network and the environment, including preventing contaminants being discharged into the network. A common requirements section brings all information on water services including charges and payments and connection or disconnection from council networks into one bylaw, removing some previous inconsistencies. There are also new rules around some water connections, for example introducing minimum pipe sizes. 'The new Bylaw is relevant to many in our community, from businesses to homeowners and rural residents,' says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 'I recommend everyone have a look at it.' The bylaw replaces the previous Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 and Water Supply Bylaw 2020 as well as the revoked Wastewater Bylaw 2015. It comes into effect immediately.
