Our future is changing – now's the time to have your say

Published on May 29, 2026

Headstart reform - Lets Korero - Have your say.

The future of Horowhenua is being shaped by decisions that will affect our district for decades to come - and Council wants the community involved early. 

Horowhenua District Council is encouraging residents to take part in a Head Start | Future Fit Horowhenua survey, a district-wide conversation about the future of local government, affordability, infrastructure, services and how decisions are made locally. 

The engagement period, originally due to close on 7 June, has now been extended to Sunday 14 June to give more people the opportunity to have their say. 

Mayor Bernie Wanden says local government across New Zealand is entering a period of significant change, with major reform, rising infrastructure costs, water services changes and increasing pressure to keep rates affordable all happening at once. 

“The choices made over the next few years will help shape Horowhenua for a long time to come,” he says. 

“That’s why we’re starting these conversations early and making sure our community has the opportunity to help shape the future direction for both reform and our next Long Term Plan.” 

As part of the conversation, Council is asking residents what matters most to them as the district plans ahead. 

This includes questions around: 

  • what services and facilities are most important 
  • how important it is to keep decision-making local 
  • how affordability is balanced with investment in infrastructure and growth 
  • what should remain non-negotiable for Horowhenua 
  • whether councils should work more closely together or potentially combine in the future. 

Visit letskorero.horowhenua.govt.nz/futurefit to learn more and complete the short survey or come to one of our community drop-in sessions below. 

Community Drop in Sessions (following Council workshops)
Council Chambers, 126 Oxford Street, Levin 
Wednesday 3 June and Wednesday 10 June 2026, 4pm to 5pm 

Cuppa with a Councillor 
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, Levin 
Thursday 11 June 2026, 10.30am to 12.30pm 

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 92 Main Street, Foxton  
Thursday 11 June 2026, 10.30am to 12.30pm 

Shannon Library 
Shannon Library, 62 Plimmer Terrace, Shannon 
Thursday 11 June 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm 

Community Drop-in Session  
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom  
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 92 Main Street, Foxton 
Thursday 11 June 2026, 5pm to 6pm

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