Latest news with #BernieWanden
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Levin Domain Open To Public From Dawn To Dusk
The Levin Domain has long been a beating heart of sport and spirit, and now the gates to this beloved space are being flung open during daylight hours. From scrums to picnics, Council is eager to learn how the community uses this space as it looks to enhance the domain and ensure it is enjoyed now and in the future. Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden says the opening of the domain ties into the work being done to transform the Levin Town Centre. 'The domain is a fantastic piece of green space in a great location right in the middle of town,' he says. 'Allowing our community to make the most of this space aligns with the Levin Town Centre Transformation vision to create an attractive and vibrant urban town centre environment. 'We must extend our thanks to the sports clubs and groups based at the domain, who are welcoming the community into this space. Let's reward that trust by making sure we treat the domain with the respect it deserves.' The Domain has a rich sporting history. The Hurricanes and Crusaders have graced its field, as well as the Chiefs Manawa and Hurricanes Poua. Cricket, too, has previously carved its mark, starting with Horowhenua's 1966 Hawke Cup challenge, the Domain hosted List A matches in the 1980s and 1990s, even welcoming Women's One Day Internationals. It is also home to the Levin tennis and squash clubs, and the Laurie Roberts Velodrome. The reopening of the domain to the public is an invitation to imagine the space in a new light, as a vibrant hub for the community to enjoy now and in the future. The Levin Domain is now open to the public daily during daylight hours. If you would like to provide feedback on how you see the domain best being used, you can email levintowncentre@
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Decision to back track on downgrading Ōtaki-Levin expressway met with joy
Ōtaki Gorge Road site at SH1 with Bridges. Photo: Supplied / NZTA / Mark Coote A decision from Waka Kotahi NZTA to back track on rescoping the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway has been met with joy in the community. Earlier this year, months out from work beginning a revised design for the road was released which saw on-ramps and overbridges removed and the northern end reduced from four lanes to two. The design also cancelled the bridge that would link Manakau Heights to the rest of Manukau. The change saw four councils - Horowhenua District Council, Horizons Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Kāpiti District Council come out and say it would curtail development . Waka Kotahi said last month the design changes were primarily driven by the government's drive to save money. It has since been announced that three elements of the initial design would be reinstated. They were a grade separated interchange with Tararua Road in Levin, a southbound on ramp at the southern end of the road and a bridge at Manakau Heights. Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden said the changes demonstrated a clear and powerful response to strong local and regional advocacy. "It's not just a good outcome, it's the right outcome. "It reflects the strength of our community's collective voice and the effectiveness of Council's long-standing advocacy to ensure this project lives up to its original promises of safety, efficiency and regional connection." Wanden thanked the NZTA board and local Ōtaki MP Tim Costley for which advocacy. Costley told RNZ that the changes were great news and was excited to see construction start later this year. He said the road had been cancelled and delayed over the past six years, so the revised scope caused frustration in the local community. "That was a lot for people to deal with, and it was kind of like here we go again." Construction of the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway was expected to be complete in 2029. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
After public outcry, NZTA reinstates features to Ō2NL Highway
After extensive public concern over proposed design changes to the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway, the NZTA Board has confirmed it will reinstate several critical features to the project. Last month, 1News reported the Horowhenua community said it had been "blindsided" by the changes to the expressway project to cut costs, which included scaling back the planned interchange to a roundabout. 'This is a significant and very welcome moment for Horowhenua,' Mayor Bernie Wanden said today. 'We've done it,' Ōtaki MP Tim Costley said. Additional funding has been confirmed for Tararua Rd in Levin to be a grade-separated interchange. ADVERTISEMENT The southern connection, near Taylors Rd, would include a southbound onramp, allowing vehicles travelling south on the current SH1 to join the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway north of Ōtaki. The local road at Manakau Heights would be connected across the new highway via a bridge. 'It's not just a good outcome; it's the right outcome,' Wanden said. By 2040, Horowhenua was expected to have an additional 16,000 people living in the district, and more than 760,000 people living within an hour's drive. 'We understand people were frustrated, even disillusioned at times, but this outcome shows what's possible when a community comes together and speaks with clarity and conviction. "It's a win not just for us, but for future generations who will benefit from this safer, more resilient corridor,' Wanden said. The Ōtaki to north of Levin project has been coming for a decade and locals want the road they were promised. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT NZTA chief executive Brett Gliddon said the agency considered value for money options — and listened to community feedback. The Ō2NL project was part of the Government's Roads of National Significance, and construction was set to begin later this year, with the road scheduled to open in 2029. 'Together we have secured the road we wanted,' Costley said. 'This decision shows the value in have strong local advocacy, and strong representatives fighting our local cause in Wellington and across the region.' The construction and operation of the road wouldl have a range of economic benefits associated with population and urban growth, employment, and economic activity. NZTA documents showed that the overall net GDP impact of the project was estimated at between $1.157 billion and $1.258 billion.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Teams Up With Palmerston North And Rangitikei To Deliver Water Services
Horowhenua District Council will join Palmerston North City Council and Rangitikei District Council to deliver water services and recognises Whanganui District Council and Ruapehu District Council as potential willing partners. Today's decision is projected to save the average Horowhenua household between $195 and $300 per year by 2027/28. The Government's Local Water Done Well policy requires all councils to decide how they will continue to deliver safe, reliable water services sustainably into the future, either alone or in partnership with other councils. Taking into account feedback from public consultation, elected members unanimously voted today to form a Joint Water Services Organisation with the two other councils, and leave the door open for Whanganui and Ruapehu to join if their respective councils vote in favour of this option. The Water Services Organisation will manage resources across councils, enabling lower operating costs and improved efficiency which will generate the estimated annual savings. It will also be able to borrow up to five times the amount it generates from water services charges through the Local Government Funding Agency, which is almost twice as much as Council can currently borrow. This means that the cost of increased investment in water infrastructure can be spread across the lifetime of the assets. 'Scale does matter and I am confident we have made the right decision. It's important we take a long-term view of water services delivery and while I acknowledge while this is a crucial milestone, it is only the start of a challenging journey ahead,' says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. 'I know some councils including Kāpiti and Manawatū have decided to go it alone rather than join forces with their neighbours. 'But our analysis – which was rigorous –convinced us that we can provide more sustainable water services by teaming up with other councils. 'And in the long term it will be cheaper for ratepayers too.' The next step is for the councils to work together to produce a Water Services Delivery Plan, which must be submitted to the Government by 3 September 2025. 'I'd like to acknowledge our hard-working Local Waters team, which just celebrated its first six months operating and maintaining our water assets and services,' says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 'They are doing an excellent job for the community and will continue to do so as we work through the many decisions, we need to make about how the new water services organisation will work. In other words, for now it is business as usual.' Ruapehu District Council and Whanganui District Council will decide on their preferred Water Services Delivery Model at their respective Council Meetings on 25 and 26 June. Modelling suggests that if all five councils formed a Water Services Organisation, savings of over $300m could be achieved over 30 years.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- 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.
