Latest news with #PalmerstonNorthCityCouncil
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
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rangitīkei District Council Confirms Collaborative Approach To Water Reforms
At the Council meeting held Thursday 22 May 2025, Rangitīkei District Council cemented its desire to work collaboratively with neighbouring councils to establish a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation. It unanimously resolved to progress newly ignited conversations with Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council, alongside Whanganui and Ruapehu District Councils - should they choose to. Rangitīkei District Council consulted with residents in March on three models for the future of water services delivery in Rangitīkei, as required by Local Water Done Well. Model 1: A Multi Council-Controlled Organisation with Whanganui District Council and Ruapehu District Council (Council's preferred model). Model 2: Keep the status quo – inhouse delivery. Model 3: A Multi Council-Controlled Organisation with as many Councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible. At the time of consultation, Model 3 - the development of a Council-Controlled Organisation with as many Councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible, was not viable. This was because other Councils had indicated a preference for alternative models. In early May 2025, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, and Whanganui District Councils were approached about collaborating with Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council to form a larger entity. 'We have received new guidance from the Department of Internal Affairs, the Local Government Funding Agency, and the Commerce Commission on the role each will play in the regulation of Local Water Done Well, and how Councils can best achieve economies of scale in a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation,' says Rangitīkei Mayor, Andy Watson. A key element of this guidance is that a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation servicing 50,000 connections would achieve the greatest cost efficiencies for bill payers. 'The understanding that 50,000 connections would unlock greater savings for all those involved has absolutely contributed to other councils re-entering discussions about a wider model,' says Mayor Andy. In the meeting, Mayor Andy extended an apology to Rangitīkei residents that the consultation document presented was not as comprehensive as Council would have liked; 'Government timelines are tight. Councils across New Zealand have had to consult with their communities without a full picture of what Local Water Done Well will look like, and certainty around how it will be implemented.' Of the 90 submissions received during public consultation, feedback was largely supportive of Council's preference to collaborate. Feedback also indicated Council's preferred model at the time - a smaller entity with Ruapehu and Whanganui District Councils (servicing approximately 31,000 connections) - would ensure local voice was balanced alongside the desire to decrease cost. There was concern from some submitters that an organisation too big would silence the Rangitīkei voice. Deputy Mayor and Central Ward Councillor, Dave Wilson, addressed these concerns directly, Deputy Mayor and Central Ward Councillor, Dave Wilson, addressed these concerns directly, assuring Rangitīkei residents that local voice will be prioritised in the governance structure of any future entity. 'Local voice remains central and will be prioritised. I understand and appreciate the concerns shared by our communities; however, I am also confident Rangitīkei voice will be protected in a larger Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation because that is the desire of Rangitīkei District Council,' said Councillor Wilson. Rangitīkei District Council will look to ensure that the constitution of the new Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation identifies key issues where agreement among the councils is required. In addition, Council accepted the preference expressed by Rangitīkei rural water supply schemes to not be transferred to the new entity. Partnership with iwi was also top of mind. Rangitīkei District Council resolved to continue working with Rangitīkei iwi and hapū on how best to combine their responsibilities as kaitiaki of the water ways and land with the councils' responsibilities for a safe and efficient provision of water services. The strong working relationship Rangitīkei District Council has with its neighbours was seen by Councillors and staff as a real strength of its strong negotiating position. Rangitīkei District Council Chief Executive, Carol Gordon, reiterated that relationships built on trust and transparency have been and will continue to be central to success. Rangitīkei District Council's decision is subject to its potential partners making their decision clear in the coming month: Palmerston North City Council will make its decision Wednesday 4 June Horowhenua District Council will make its decision Wednesday 4 June Ruapehu District Council will make its decision Wednesday 25 June Whanganui District Council will make its decision in early July Once all decisions have been made, staff will finalise the Water Services Delivery Plan which must be submitted to Government by September 3, 2025. We will inform Rangitīkei residents as soon as the final grouping of councils is clear. 'This is one of the biggest decisions Councils will make for their communities in decades. The three waters, Local Water Done Well debate has involved a huge workload over the last few years. 'I thank all who have engaged in this important work, and the staff who have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage. I am so proud of our Councillors and their drive to deliver long-term benefit for Rangitīkei,' says Mayor Andy.
RNZ News
04-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Vote set for sugary drinks ban at Palmerston North council venues
The proposal to ban "sugar-sweetened beverages" at many council-owned venues goes before the Palmerston North City Council on Wednesday. Photo: 123RF A proposal to ban the sale of fizzy and other sugary drinks at some Palmerston North venues could go flat this week if councillors sour on the move. The proposal to ban "sugar-sweetened beverages" at many council-owned venues goes before the Palmerston North City Council on Wednesday. But Mayor Grant Smith has already called the move a "bit of an overreach" and public submissions last year were mostly against it. Comments from public submissions included: "If someone wants to have a nice glass of Coke while they attend an event, let them," and, "It's not your business. Stay in your lane, council." The ban was already in place at the city library and community centres, but the proposal would extend that, including Arena Manawatū, which hosts concerts and sports. It's part of the council's proposed health promotion policy, which also includes smokefree and vapefree outdoor policies and a sun protection policy. Smith has said he supported these policies, but thought people should be able to choose to buy sugary drinks. "What will they ban next? Food? Alcohol?" he told Checkpoint in February. "It would make us quite unattractive, so I'm hoping that people can see common sense." The proposal to ban the sale of sugary drinks did not extend to alcohol, including wine and RTDs, which are full of sugar. Palmerston North City Council. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone RNZ asked the council why alcohol was excluded from the proposal, but did not receive a reply. "The policy promotes alternatives to SSBs [sugar-sweetened beverages] such as water, 100 percent fruit juice, unsweetened milk, artificially sweetened carbonated drinks and zero-sugar carbonated drinks," according to a council agenda paper, released ahead of Wednesday's meeting. As well as non-zero-sugar fizzy drinks, sugar-sweetened beverages include sachet mixes, fruit drinks, cordials, flavoured milk, cold tea or coffee, energy drinks and sports drinks. The agenda said the present policy encouraged venues apart from the library and community centres not to sell fizzy drinks on a voluntary basis, and that was already happening, except at public swimming pool the Lido. "[The arena], the largest venue in the city, has not sold [sugar-sweetened beverages] since January of 2020, when the catering contract was negotiated in line with the policy in place at that time," it said. "The draft policy is therefore a continuation of the current policy position of the council on healthy beverages, rather than the introduction of new policy or provision... "Because the policy only affects the sale of these drinks at council facilities and events, people can still bring their own sugary drinks for personal consumption, as long as they comply with other rules and limits described by individual venues." Among the options suggested for the sugary-drink part of the wider proposals was adopting the ban on sales, rejecting it in full, banning the sale at specific venues or events, or allowing their sale so long as healthy options are also available. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
