Message from the Mayor

Published on December 02, 2022

Kia ora koutou

November was a busy month and the new Council hit the ground running. Elected Members recently attended the first of a series of workshops to get up to speed with Council's key strategic documents and how they inform topics like Three Waters, the Future of the Levin Landfill and Rates Affordability. 

We'll soon begin to do the same with our community to help you understand our district's key challenges, the magnitude of decisions required, and how you can have your say. 

This year, instead of doing only an Annual Plan, Council proposes to also amend the 2021-2041 Long Term Plan (LTP). 

Community feedback is always important to us and the work we do, and we would like you to be more involved in Council's strategic direction and decisions. From now until May next year, you will have the opportunity to participate in the 2021-2041 Long Term Plan Amendment (LTPA) process. We are keen to do things differently and get your feedback - look out for details on how you can be part of our new approach.

With Horowhenua's population forecast to reach more than 60,000 by 2041, preparing for this growth remains a focus for Council over the coming years. 

The Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) Expressway reached a big milestone in November, bringing a safer and more resilient SH1 route a step closer. Following Ministers' approval, the project team lodged the Notices of Requirement (NoR) and resource consent applications for the new expressway. We are thankful to our iwi partners and Waka Kotahi for their collaborative approach, persistent focus on achieving the right outcome for our local community, and this much-needed investment in national infrastructure. The next 20 years will transform our district and this expressway will be critical to accommodate the growing needs for the future.

Over the last few years the district has been growing fast, meaning our infrastructure is reaching its capacity sooner than anticipated. Renewals and upgrades of network pipes and water treatment plant assets are scheduled, and Council is investigating options to store drinking water to ensure a resilient drinking water solution is in place for Levin and Ōhau.

While we've put significant effort into investigating the options available and have set aside budget within the LTP for the work, we still have a long road ahead before the concept moves to construction. We want to do what's best for the river and our community and we want you to understand the context and challenges to help us find a solution. Read more about what Council is proposing in the 'What’s Council doing to ensure a resilient drinking water solution?' article.

Some of Horowhenua's most incredible volunteers were recognised with Civic Honours and Certificates of Recognition at the Civic Honours Awards held on 22 November at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō. One of the highlights in Council's calendar, this year Council awarded 12 Youth Excellence Scholarships Awards, three Certificates of Recognition and five Civic Honours Awards to very worthy recipients. Thank you for your mahi and service to our community. Both nominees and recipients make me proud to be the Mayor of Horowhenua. Read more on the 'Civic Honours Awards and Youth Excellence Scholarships' article.

I want to thank you for your support this year. While there are a busy few weeks ahead before the Christmas holiday season, exciting events are planned for December to celebrate the festive season. We hope to see many of you at the Jubilee Park Splash Pad Opening Party on Saturday 10 December from 11am and the popular Christmas Parade and Christmas Carnival from 5pm.

Bernie Wanden