Latest news with #HorowhenuaDistrictCouncil
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Opinion: Let's Talk Rates
Rates invoices for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year will be landing in letterboxes and inboxes soon. In June, Horowhenua District Council adopted a rates resolution which signalled an average rate rise of 9.1% for 2025/26. This is lower than the 9.9% estimated in the Long-term Plan – evidence of our efforts to find savings wherever possible. It is still high though, and reflects the reality of the funding and financing crisis of local government. Nobody likes to hear rates are increasing, we get it, but balancing the wants and needs of the community with affordability remains a challenge. We are doing our best to provide a good balance as we strive to do what we said we would in the Long Term and Annual plans. Increased costs, Central Government reforms, and affordability pressures facing our communities mean it is as important as ever that we look for efficiency and effectiveness in everything we do. Just like when household costs rise and you might look at cancelling your Netflix subscription, cancelling a kids after school activity or putting some things back on the grocery shelf, here at Council the increased costs we face mean we have had to go through our budget with a fine-toothed comb and find savings. We take this very seriously, and over the last year have had to make some pretty challenging decisions off the back of some challenging conversations. Let's be clear though, the funding and financing system of Local Government is broken, and the affordability pressures on our communities means something has to give. We either need to reduce some of the services we're accustomed to, or enter a different conversation about the different ways in which we can fund and deliver the services our communities so dearly value. With our Annual Plan 2025/26 adopted and a decision made on Local Water Done Well in recent months, Council now has more clarity as we face an ever-changing future. On Wednesday 4 June, our elected members voted to join Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council to deliver water services, as well as recognising Whanganui District Council and Ruapehu District Council as potential willing partners. The rising cost of providing water services is one of Council's biggest challenges, which is why partnering with other councils to gain economies of scale and mitigate the impact on our ratepayers is so important. This decision gives us clarity and opportunities to reduce costs including having our three waters debt shifted from our balance sheet, but the work has only just begun. Our focus now turns to developing a Water Services Delivery Plan with our new partners to ensure that our water infrastructure is safe, fit for purpose, affordable, and Horowhenua residents will continue to receive the same high level of water services delivery as they have become accustomed to. More than 85% of the rates increase this year can be attributed to the rising cost of water services. This is not the cost of providing new infrastructure for growth but the cost of continuing to supply our community with safe drinking water and dealing with wastewater and stormwater effectively and sustainably. That is why our urban ratepayers will see a rates increase higher than the average, but many of our rural ratepayers will see little increase, and in some cases a decrease, as most rural properties are not connected to council-owned water, wastewater or stormwater networks. When you receive your rates notice, take the time to understand your invoice more and drill into the detail of what you get for your rates. Reading a copy of our recently published Pre-Election Report is a great start. Please remember though, Council isn't just an institution. It's made up of people who live locally too. Many of us are ratepayers ourselves, and we do this work because we genuinely care about our district and want to help it remain a fantastic place to live, work, and play. Your rates invoice may feel like your only direct contact with Council, but every time you pour a glass of water, drive on a local road, or use your local library, you are able to do so because through your rates, you're helping to build your community. We will continue to look for savings while maintaining and improving our service delivery, because that's the least you deserve Horowhenua.
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Stand For Something, Stand For Council: Nominations Open For Horowhenua Election Candidates
Are you passionate about your community? Eager to help shape the district's future? Then it might be time to stand for Council. Horowhenua District Council is calling for people to stand in this year's Local Government Election where a Mayor, councillors, and community board members will be elected for the next three years. Candidate nominations for this year's local body elections are now open and close at midday on Friday 1 August 2025. To be a candidate for an elected member position, you must be a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years old, and enrolled on the electoral roll. Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says she encourages people to throw their hats in the ring, but notes it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. 'Being an elected member is a serious job which carries a great deal of responsibility,' she says. 'You'll need to be a great advocate with expert relationship building skills as you carry the community's expectations into every decision. You will be responsible for ensuring all voices in our community are heard as you make decisions that balance financial prudence with the community's wants and needs – striking the balance is easier said than done.' Local government is ever-changing and with central government reforms including changes to waters services, the Resource Management Act, and potential structural changes of local government to navigate, as well as transformational local projects such as the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway, this next Council term will be one of the most significant in the Horowhenua District's recent history, she says. 'While there will be challenges, there will also be great opportunities, and it is the role of Council's elected members to see the bigger picture, set the direction, and together with the organisation deliver on a collective vision and strategy. 'We need a diverse range of elected members who together represent all sectors of our community. Voters want to see someone who represents their views and values among those they can vote for.' To learn more about standing in this year's election and download a nomination form, go to where you can also read the 2025 Pre-election Report.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Mission Briefing: Horowhenua District Council Releases Pre-Election Report
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dive into the Local Election this October as a candidate or a voter armed with all the knowledge you need to feel suitably informed. Luckily, Horowhenua District Council's Pre-election Report, which is now available online, is the perfect mission briefing. Think of the report as the Alfred to your Batman, the Kitt to your Knight Rider, the Jarvis to your Ironman – on hand to help you navigate this year's election and beyond. In this year's election, community members will choose the Mayor and Councillors for the next three years, and those in the Foxton area will elect the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board. There is also a binding referendum being held concurrently, which will decide whether the Māori Ward is retained from the 2028 local election. In the report, Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says Council is not just a building, a logo, or faceless bureaucracy. It's made up of real people who have put their hands up to serve this community because they care about its future. 'The Mayor and 12 Councillors are elected to lead, but more importantly, to serve. They carry the responsibility on behalf of the estimated 38,200 people who call Horowhenua home today, and for the generations still to come,' she says. 'For many, Council might be experienced through a rates invoice, a consent application, or when something has gone wrong. And yes, we don't always get it right. But behind every decision, every service and every project, is a team of people working hard to make a positive difference.' Those considering standing for Council should understand the nature of the responsibility. It's not about visibility or recognition. It's about contribution. It's about making decisions that improve people's lives, often in quiet and practical ways, and staying focused on what matters for the future. The next Council term will be one of the most significant in the district's recent history. Council will be required to navigate major reform programmes led by Central Government, including changes to water services, the Resource Management Act and the very structure of local government. These are fundamental changes that will affect how services are delivered, how they are funded and how our communities develop. At the same time, Council is progressing transformational local projects. The next Council will help lead through three of the five years of Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway construction, shape the future of the Levin Town Centre, oversee significant wastewater upgrades and more. These are long-term investments that will shape the heart and function of the district for decades to come. 'Council's role is to see the big picture, listen to many voices and lead with collective purpose. That requires open minds, clear values, robust debate, and a shared commitment to serve,' Mrs Davidson says. The Pre-election Report describes who we are as a district, Council's overarching vision of enabling what matters for its community, achievements in the last three years, preparing for the future, the challenges to overcome, major projects, and financials. You can find out more about standing for Council and read the full Pre-election Report at The 2025 Local Body Election – Key dates Tuesday 9 September 2025: Voting documents posted out, voting opens Saturday 11 October 2025: Voting closes at 12 noon Thursday 16 October – Sunday 19 October 2025: Declaration of final results. Stand for something. Stand for Council. Don't just dream. Vote to be heard.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Historical Foxton Courthouse A Step Closer To Restoration
Press Release – Horowhenua District Council The Foxton Historical Society (FHS) and Horowhenua District Council worked together to apply to the Lotteries Heritage and Environment Fund and successfully obtained $27,500 for the work. In need of strengthening and redevelopment, the Foxton Courthouse Museum project has received funding for a feasibility study. The Foxton Historical Society (FHS) and Horowhenua District Council worked together to apply to the Lotteries Heritage and Environment Fund and successfully obtained $27,500 for the work. This funding will allow Council and the FHS to develop the feasibility study. The aim is for the study to provide the basis for applications to funders, including Lotteries, for a future upgrade of the building. FHS co-chairman Te Kenehi Teira says: 'We welcome this grant which will support a further key stage of work towards the community goal of restoring the courthouse. Horowhenua District Council's ongoing support for the project has already delivered great practical results.' The society's aim is to make the courthouse an exciting, well-supported and financially independent settler and Māori Heritage centre, as well as a base for family/whakapapa research. The site has historical importance for iwi as it is land donated by Ihakara Tukumaru, who was instrumental in the founding of Foxton, and has been designated Wāhi Tūpuna. It is the second courthouse building, constructed in 1929, and is one of the very few remaining examples of this type of building. It is also a rarity in that it retains its original courtroom configuration. Restoration and redevelopment of the courthouse will provide value beyond the Foxton community. The proposed heritage centre role for the building will produce economic benefits as a tourism attraction, and as a resource for locals and visitors alike to make or discover social connections to Te Awahou Foxton. Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden says this project is a fantastic example of Council and the community working together. 'We were really pleased to hear the application for funding was successful,' he says. 'We know how hard members of the community are working to bring this restoration to life and the ability to do a feasibility study is an important step. When the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway is completed, making it easier for people to visit Foxton and Foxton Beach, this proposed heritage centre would give people yet another reason to enjoy their stay.' Through Better-Off Funding from Central Government, the previous work undertaken on this project includes a detailed concept plan for strengthening the building prepared by Myamoto NZ, and an interior design for the upgraded building by Essence Design is being commissioned. FHS co-chairman Jim Harper says: 'The society commends Council staff and members for the support and encouragement they are giving to this project. Once completed this proposed Te Awahou-Foxton Heritage Centre will be something that the community can be proud of.'
Scoop
17-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Historical Foxton Courthouse A Step Closer To Restoration
In need of strengthening and redevelopment, the Foxton Courthouse Museum project has received funding for a feasibility study. The Foxton Historical Society (FHS) and Horowhenua District Council worked together to apply to the Lotteries Heritage and Environment Fund and successfully obtained $27,500 for the work. This funding will allow Council and the FHS to develop the feasibility study. The aim is for the study to provide the basis for applications to funders, including Lotteries, for a future upgrade of the building. FHS co-chairman Te Kenehi Teira says: 'We welcome this grant which will support a further key stage of work towards the community goal of restoring the courthouse. Horowhenua District Council's ongoing support for the project has already delivered great practical results.' The society's aim is to make the courthouse an exciting, well-supported and financially independent settler and Māori Heritage centre, as well as a base for family/whakapapa research. The site has historical importance for iwi as it is land donated by Ihakara Tukumaru, who was instrumental in the founding of Foxton, and has been designated Wāhi Tūpuna. It is the second courthouse building, constructed in 1929, and is one of the very few remaining examples of this type of building. It is also a rarity in that it retains its original courtroom configuration. Restoration and redevelopment of the courthouse will provide value beyond the Foxton community. The proposed heritage centre role for the building will produce economic benefits as a tourism attraction, and as a resource for locals and visitors alike to make or discover social connections to Te Awahou Foxton. Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden says this project is a fantastic example of Council and the community working together. 'We were really pleased to hear the application for funding was successful,' he says. 'We know how hard members of the community are working to bring this restoration to life and the ability to do a feasibility study is an important step. When the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway is completed, making it easier for people to visit Foxton and Foxton Beach, this proposed heritage centre would give people yet another reason to enjoy their stay.' Through Better-Off Funding from Central Government, the previous work undertaken on this project includes a detailed concept plan for strengthening the building prepared by Myamoto NZ, and an interior design for the upgraded building by Essence Design is being commissioned. FHS co-chairman Jim Harper says: 'The society commends Council staff and members for the support and encouragement they are giving to this project. Once completed this proposed Te Awahou-Foxton Heritage Centre will be something that the community can be proud of.'
