Water Conservation - Levin, Ōhau, Foxton & Foxton Beach

Thanks to recent rainfall and improved supply levels, the restrictions for Levin, Ōhau, Foxton, and Foxton Beach have been completely lifted, effective immediately. Thank you for your cooperation and efforts in helping to reduce water usage during the water restrictions.

Find out more on our Water Conservation and Restrictions page

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Horowhenua Civil Defence Emergency Management Update: 20 February 2026

Following the recent severe weather event, all district roads, sports fields, parks and reserves are now open except for Cousins Avenue Reserve in Foxton Beach which remains closed as this needs extra time to be cleared. Please continue to take care when visiting our parks and reserves, particularly during high winds.

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Puāwai

(Noun: To blossom or come to fruition) “Poipoia te kakano, kia puawai - Nurture the seed and it will blossom”

We’re not sure where the year has gone but all of a sudden we are in December!

For many, it’s a time to catch up with loved ones, spread joy, and reflect on the year that has been. Which is why this issue of Puāwai is all about connectedness.

We look into adult swimming lessons and we talk to Jack Shailer, who’s helped his community with more than 50 years’ service at St John Hato Hone Ambulance Services.

We visit MAVtech in Foxton and much more.

Plus there’s all of our regular features – a recipe, and columns from gardener Simon and policeman Bernie.

Have a happy spring Horowhenua – and call a friend!

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa - Let us keep close together, not wide apart

MAVtech - technology that changed history

Go along to one of the monthly movie nights at MAVtech in Foxton and chances are it will be shown on one of two 1940s 35mm Peerless Magnarc projectors up in the fire-proof projection booth. They work on the same principle as an arc welder, generate a plasma ball half as hot as the sun, and are among the few still in use in New Zealand.

Poll to decide future of Māori ward

Ratepayers will have the final say on whether Horowhenua keeps its Māori ward.

Apply for a Rates Rebate

Horowhenua District Council knows it can be tough keeping up with rates bills.

Ambulance station opens thanks to community fundraising

Levin’s new Hato Hone St John ambulance station has opened, thanks to a massive fundraising effort by the local community.

Swimming lessons for all ages

Summer’s coming and with it the chance to swim at our lovely beaches and rivers with friends and whānau, children and grandchildren.

Companion Card is here

Horowhenua District Council wants to make our beautiful district as accessible and enjoyable as possible for people with disabilities.

Local Hero - Jack Shailer

There’s a sign over the sink in Jack Shailer’s kitchen that says
‘Happiness is a Choice’.

Bernie on the Beat - Staying One Step Ahead

Online Safety Tips from Sergeant Bernie.
With more of our lives moving online, it’s important to stay vigilant. Online scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and I’ve seen several cases here in Horowhenua that we can all learn from. Today, I’ll share tips on how to avoid falling victim to online scams, Facebook fraud, and online bullying.

Meters and our community helping to save water

Almost one quarter of water connections in Horowhenua District now have smart water meters connected – and they’re helping to save hundreds of thousands of litres a day.

Simon Broad – Avant Gardener

Simon hadn’t written much before, but he’d been gardening all his life, starting out alongside his father in their garden in Taita.

Gardening with Simon - Spring into your Garden

Spring has finally arrived, and as usual the weather is so changeable. But the gardens don't mind a bit of rain. Actually they love it. There is so much to be done, not just planting, but weeding, harvesting the winter veges and lots of planning for summer.

Let’s Cook - De Molen Café Ontbijtkoek, Dutch Breakfast Cake

Cake for breakfast – what’s not to like?
Of course you can enjoy this simple but delicious Dutch breakfast cake, or ontbijtkoek, at any time of the day. It’s particularly good with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

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We want to hear your stories

If you have an idea, a story, recipes, photos or a local legend who deserves to be recognised, please email comms@horowhenua.govt.nz or phone (06) 366 0999.