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ACROSS THE REGION
April 2025
Chair's Message
Tēnā koutou and welcome to the first edition of Across the Region for 2025. In this edition, you can find more information about our consultation for our Annual Plan and Long-term Plan amendment. While the topics we are consulting on this year are not as numerous as we had during last year’s Long-term Plan consultation, it’s still important you take the time to understand them.
Everything you need to know about this year’s consultation, including supporting information and the submission form, can be found on our website haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz. This Across the Region gives a summary of the consultation topics, as well as another we will consult on in the future. You have until 5pm on 1 May 2025 to make a submission.
We are not proposing widespread changes to our Long-term Plan, which we consulted on last year. In fact, almost every part of it is set to stay as it is. We are, however, proposing a rates increase. We know any rates increase is not ideal, and are continuing our efforts to balance affordability with the work we do to ensure responsible environmental management for everyone. Making a submission on our Annual Plan and Long-term Plan amendment is a key way you can let us know how you think we can strike that balance.
One date to mark on your calendar is 11 October 2025. That will be the last opportunity you have to vote in this year’s local government elections. While that day is some way off, now is the time to make sure you are correctly enrolled. It is also a good time to think about if you want to stand for election. Our democratic system relies on people willing to represent their communities. It is an important, vibrant and fulfilling role, helping to ensure decisions made around the council table positively impact the current and future wellbeing of communities in the rohe. Becoming a Horizons councillor is a great way to help us achieve our vision: Tō tātou whenua ora – mauri wai, mauri whenua, mauri ora | Our region – a healthy environment where people are thriving.
Take some time to read this edition of Across the Region to learn more about our consultation topics and how to get ready for elections, along with other important updates.
Ngā mihi nui,
Rachel Keedwell, Chair.
Long-term Plan amendment and Annual Plan consultation
From 31 March to 1 May we’re consulting on our 2025/26 Annual Plan and an amendment to our 2024-34 Long-term Plan. We would usually only be considering our Annual Plan this year. However, we have an issue we are legally required to consult on which could result in the Long-term Plan being amended. Both consultations are being run together, making it easy for you to make a submission. You can find all the information you need on our website haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz.
CentrePort shareholding sale investigations
When Horizons Regional Council was formed, we were given part-ownership of CentrePort in Wellington. We got 23.1% of the shares, while Greater Wellington Regional Council was given the remaining 76.9% shareholding. CentrePort provides various services, generates revenues and provides dividends to its shareholders. We use those dividends to offset rates.
As part of its 2024-34 Long-term Plan consultation, Greater Wellington asked if it should become the 100% shareholder of CentrePort. Of the 301 respondents to that question, 71% said Greater Wellington should become the 100% shareholder. We did not consult during our 2024-34 Long-term Plan process on selling our shareholding, but indicated we were open to investigating options to sell.
We are proposing doing more investigations into possible options for selling the CentrePort shareholding, then proceeding with a sale to a suitable buyer if we can get favourable outcomes for ratepayers. If we sold, the proceeds would go into a managed fund. We expect the managed fund to make at least the same amount of money as CentrePort currently does. To find out more and have your say, visit haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz.
Public transport funding without government grants
Public transport is an important way for many people across the region to access economic, cultural, social and educational services. We provide services in many cities and towns, as well as regional routes to help people connect to the places they live, work and play.
When we consulted on the 2024-34 Long-term Plan, we proposed improving services in Whanganui and creating new services in Horowhenua. Whanganui bus use more than doubled when we introduced one new route, Te Ngaru The Tide, in 2023. Meanwhile, the population of Horowhenua is growing rapidly, and the new Capital Connection train service coming in 2029 – the train will run four times each way every weekday and twice daily on weekends – will benefit from bus links.
We approved the Long-term Plan with funding for those new and improved services, but usually only make public transport enhancements if we get co-investment from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). We did not get that funding, but are proposing going ahead with the new and improved services regardless. We would not rate more to make up the NZTA shortfall, but would design the networks with the ability to increase services if funding from NZTA is available in the future. Visit haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz to learn more and have your say on this topic.
Te Pūwaha funding options
Te Pūwaha is a collaborative effort to build a modern marine precinct with enhanced flood protection in Whanganui. The project will enable the Whanganui Port area to become a community asset for the next 50 years, and beyond.
Our part of the project will ensure river channel alignment is maintained to protect Whanganui’s critical infrastructure from erosion and sea encroachment. We have completed one large component of the project – strengthening the North Mole and revetment. However, increased construction costs mean we have spent two-thirds of our initial budget of $16m. We estimate another $17.5m is needed on top of that $16m to complete the remaining work, which includes reinstatement of the Tanea Groyne, upgrading structures along South Spit, strengthening the South Mole, and repairing the interface wall at the base of the Tanea Groyne.
We have applied for co-investment from central government, and Council has also approved $5.25m for our components of the project. We are funding our portion via a loan, but can either take out a loan term of 15, 25 or 35 years. Longer loans spread the cost across a longer period but require more interest payments, while shorter loans have a more immediate impact on finances. Head to haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz to learn more, including how we rate for this kind of work across the region.
Community grants open now
Applications for our Kanorau Koiora Taketake - Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant and the Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi - Community Climate Response Fund are open Monday 25 March until Friday 2 May.
These funds are for community group projects which foster connections between nature and people while supporting mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), or those which build resilience to climate change effects in our region. Our vision is to empower communities to take action and make a difference.
Though our Kanorau Koiroa Taketake - Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant we have previously funded projects relating to pest animal or plant control and habitat restorations. Projects can be funded for one year or multi-year projects up to three years.
Our Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi - Community Climate Response Fund is mainly for one-off projects, but multi-year projects will be considered. Some of the common themes for our climate fund recipients include food resilience, waste reduction, climate resilience camps for rangitahi, and resilient households.
Regional House Palmerston North update
We have about 200 staff based in Palmerston North, the largest city in the Horizons Region. Regional House Palmerston North is our main office space in the city, but can only fit about 140 staff. The rest of the staff are spread across three other locations, two of which we lease. We have been investigating how we can get all Palmerston North-based staff into the same location, as this will create operational and financial benefits.
Investigations in 2024 found Regional House was earthquake prone. Built in 1990, the building achieved 15% of the New Building Standard – below the 34% minimum rating required to avoid the earthquake prone classification. In the interests of staff safety, it has been decided we can only remain in Regional House for five years.
Council voted at the end of 2024 to move staff out of Regional House within five years and to relocate them to a new building on land we already own in Palmerston North.
We are not consulting about this right now, as there is still a lot more information to be gathered. However, we are highlighting it as part of the Annual Plan consultation information you can read at haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz as it will have an impact on finances in the future. We are not sure of that impact yet, as there are many things which could play a part: type of building, how we fund construction, what happens to Regional House afterwards, and more. However, we will consult on aspects of this in the future.
Mighty Moutoa floodgates get an upgrade
In the 1880s, farmers in the lower Manawatū River area struggled with flood-prone land. To improve land productivity, they dug drains, enhancing natural drainage and providing early flood protection. They went on to build stopbanks, but a devastating flood in 1941 led them to creating a coordinated approach to flood management.
The Manawatū Catchment Board was formed in 1944. By 1946, chief engineer Paul Evans had designed the Lower Manawatū Scheme, which included the Moutoa floodgates. Completed in 1962, the floodgates became a vital part of the region’s flood protection network. They’ve been opened dozens of times since their construction, including six times in 2004 alone.
Now more than 60 years old, the floodgates are undergoing a three-phase upgrade to ensure they remain effective for years to come. With 75% of the $2.5 million cost funded by Kānoa, key improvements include:
1. Electrical supply – Overhead power lines have been relocated downstream, and new H-structure poles installed for better maintenance access.
2. Electrical controls – A new motor control system provides smoother operation and automatic power switchover during outages.
3. Mechanical components – Winch sets, motors, and sheaves will be replaced with modern versions designed to last 50 years. Installation runs from March to September 2025.
For updates on the upgrades and to learn more about the floodgates, visit the Moutoa floodgates page on our website.
Foxton flood mitigation enhanced
Te Awahou Foxton experiences flooding often when there is heavy localised rain, including in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015 and 2017. These floods caused disruption and damage, negatively impacting the lives of people living in the town.
Mitigating flooding in and around Te Awahou Foxton is a complex topic. Between drainage schemes, flood protection assets and the stormwater network, there is a lot going on. However, we’re getting stuck in to make improvements in collaboration with Horowhenua District Council, iwi, hapū and community representatives.
We’re installing sheetpiling along Kings Canal Drain from Avenue Road to just past Cook Street. Sheetpiling helps to reinforce the bank and mitigate seepage of water. We’re in touch with schools, residents and kindergartens in the area to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Tractor pumps have also been ordered, and will be used to help remove surface water from Purcell St during rain events when water cannot flow into Piriharakeke Manawatū River loop due to tidal influences. There will also be additional maintenance work taking place in the wider area during the next few months.
This work has been made possible thanks to funding through the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, administered by Kānoa – Regional Development & Commercial Services, which Horizons secured $26.9 million from as part of Budget 2020 for climate resilience and flood protection projects in the Horizons Region.
Get ready for local government elections
Local government elections are taking place across the motu this year. While your votes are not due until before noon on 11 October, we’re busy preparing to give you the chance to elect the next councillors to represent you. However, there is also some work you need to do to get ready.
First, you need to make sure your enrolment details are correct. If you’ve moved to the region recently, or moved to another part of it, this is especially important. While there are options to cast a special vote if your details are not up to date, it is much easier to vote if you are enrolled at your current address. This includes making sure you are on the roll you want to be – the Māori roll or the general roll. People on the Māori roll get to elect the councillors in the Māori constituencies, while people on the general roll elect councillors in the general constituencies. It is easy to update your enrolment details by either going to vote.nz or calling 0800 36 76 56.
The second thing to do is to think about if you want to stand for Horizons Regional Council. There will be 14 councillors elected from across the rohe. Councillors work to actively get involved in the community to determine needs, issues, and desires. They then take these needs, issues and desires to the council table, where they will advocate for decisions made for the benefit of the region. There are some rules around who can stand and how they are nominated, which you can find on our website here.
Māori constituencies referendum
As part of this year’s local government elections, we must hold a poll on the future of our Māori constituencies. We have had two Māori constituencies since the 2022 elections: Raki Māori (covering the Manawatū-Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu general constituencies) and Tonga Māori (covering the Palmerston North, Horowhenua and Tararua general constituencies). Regardless of their constituency, every councillor takes an oath to represent the whole community. Horizons councillors are dedicated to working for all residents and ratepayers.
While the Māori constituencies will be in place for the 2025-28 council term, we must adhere to the results of the referendum for the two terms afterwards. You must be enrolled in the Horizons Region to vote in the referendum, so it’s important your details are up to date.
You can learn more about the elections process at vote.nz, and how it applies to Horizons here. You can get specific information about Horizons' Māori constituencies referendum here.
Old Man's Beard must go!
We are on the lookout for Old Man’s Beard around Ohakune and Raetihi townships. Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitalba) is sometimes known as Traveller’s Joy, but there’s nothing joyful about it. It is an invasive vine that smothers and displaces native species.
Old Man’s Beard gets its name from the creamy white flowers, followed by grey hairy seeds, it produces. It flowers between December and May – later than native clematis –and loses its leaves in autumn. It has lines and grooves in its stem.
Old Man’s Beard is not widespread the Raetihi and Ohakune areas, and we want to keep it that way. It is much easier to control small infestations before they get out of control, but it can easily spread from backyards into precious bush areas. That’s why we want your help to find it.
Most of the control work is done by our pest plant team. There are two main control methods: cut and paste (cutting stumps off at ground level before applying a chemical past to stop regrowth); and applying herbicide to the leaves/lower growth.
If you think you may have seen Old Man’s Beard in or near Ohakune or Raetihi, please contact us. You can call us on freephone 0508 800 800, send an email to help@horizons.govt.nz, or head to one of our service centres. Be sure to take a photo of where you found it and note down the location and date.
SLUI working to protect Tararua roads
We’re working with Tararua District Council, Tararua Alliance, Ministry of Social Development and the Rural Support Trust to make roading more resilient, with our Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) playing a key role.
SLUI aims to protect hill country soils by working with farmers to reduce erosion on their land. Meanwhile, the Tararua roading network is highly susceptible to damage during high intensity rainfall events - approximately 790 slips and 435 dropouts were recorded by Tararua Alliance following Cyclone Gabrielle. Lowering the risk of slips and dropouts would go a long way to protecting the district’s roading network.
The work in Tararua has identified more than 150 sites so far where privately owned land near roads is at risk of dropouts or slips from future weather events. A programme of work is now underway to assess what work is needed at each site to stabilise the land and mitigate the risks to the road. This work will not only keep soils on hills and protect roads, but also provide opportunities for local people who are not currently in employment, education or training, to undertake planting work. More information about the work is available on the Tararua District Council website.
Whanganui bus review consultation
Getting around Whanganui should be easy, convenient, and work for everyone. That’s why we’re reviewing the Whanganui bus network – and your input is crucial in this process.
We’re looking at how we can improve routes, schedules and services to better connect our community and support the needs of our growing city. You might want the buses to run more frequently, or maybe you’d like to see services extended into areas not currently covered.
We’ve proposed three options to change the network, and we want to hear your thoughts. Each option takes a slightly different approach to improvements, but all three are designed to bring about significant and positive changes for our community.
From 31 March to 1 May, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn about the proposed options, including several events and drop-in sessions across the city throughout the four-week consultation period. Whether you catch the bus daily, occasionally, or not at all, your voice is important and will be heard.
Keep the air clear for everyone
We all rely on the air we breathe to be healthy and clean. So what happens when it’s not?
The biggest contributors to bad air quality in our region are human-made activities like vehicle emissions, outdoor burning of waste, and domestic wood burning in winter. Places like Ohakune, Taumarunui and Taihape are especially susceptible to worse air quality than other parts of our region due to their unique bowl-like topography. Instead of smokey air being blown away - as it is in flatter places like Palmerston North - the air settles within the surrounding hills and blankets these towns, contributing to worse air quality stats.
Horizons owns two air quality monitoring sites (airsheds) in our region: one in Taihape, and one in Taumarunui. These airsheds feature state-of-the-art equipment which monitors the surrounding air for PM10 and PM2.5 particles.
The more of these particles detected in the air, the worse the air quality is determined to be. You can find our air quality data, along with the rest of the environmental data we collect, on our website at envirodata.horizons.govt.nz.
It’s not all bad news though – there are plenty of things you can do to lower your emissions and help improve air quality for everyone. Start small by with taking your rubbish to the local recycling or transfer station instead of burning it. Now’s also a good time to stock up on next winter’s firewood by buying or sourcing ‘green’ wood and storing it in a dry, covered spot. This will ensure it seasons (dries) properly, burns efficiently and produces less smelly smoke – plus, it’s cheaper than buying pre-seasoned wood!
Your Councillors
Raki Māori
Turuhia (Jim) Edmonds
It has been a big summer for iwi and hapū in our area. Horizons signed a kawenata (partnership agreement) with Ngāti Hāua late last year, solidifying our relationship and how we can work together. The passing of the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua settlement in Parliament for Uenuku, Tamahaki and Tamakana is also important for our region. I hope the settlement forms the basis of a positive future and renewed relationship between the people of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua and Horizons as a Te Tiriti partner.
M: 027 449 5681
E: jim.edmonds@horizons.govt.nz
Tonga Māori
Te Kenehi Teira
In the past year, Horizons staff have councillors have met with many river and drainage scheme members across the rohe – a big job to get done. Those meetings, combined with asset management work by staff, has helped us in planning where to prioritise river management works. With elections coming up, I encourage you to get your enrolment details up to date to ensure you can participate when it comes time to vote.
M: 027 262 8890
E: tekenehi.teira@horizons.govt.nz
Horowhenua
Sam Ferguson
It’s great to see our work on improving the health of Punahau Lake Horowhenua is progressing, with the weed harvester collecting masses of lake weed and work for the new Arawhata wetland progressing. I’m also pleased to be a part of a community collaboration to strengthen Papangaio Te Wharangi Manawatū River Estuary Management Plan. This plan offers opportunities to strengthen the engagement around the estuary, and protect and enhance biodiversity.
M: 027 827 7037
E: sam.ferguson@horizons.govt.nz
Emma Clarke
My thoughts are with growers and farmers facing drought stress as dry conditions persist. While we can’t control the weather, you can shape our region by sharing feedback during our Annual Plan consultation. Though we heard from you in the Long-term Plan, changing circumstances mean we need your input on key issues. Your voice helps guide our decisions.
Local elections later this year offer another chance to shape our future. If you’re passionate about freshwater, biodiversity, or transport, consider standing for council. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
M: 021 498 156
E: emma.clarke@horizons.govt.nz
Manawatū-Rangitīkei
Bruce Gordon
It was horrible to learn late last year that Regional House Palmerston North, Horizons’ main office, is earthquake prone. We need a safe location for our staff in the city to work from. I also know it is important to do whatever we can to keep costs and rates down. Needing a new building in Palmerston North will add costs. Be sure that we are doing what we can to make sure we make it as affordable as possible, minimising the impact on rates.
M: 027 442 7462
E: bruce.gordon@horizons.govt.nz
Gordon McKellar
I hope you had the opportunity to get out in our great region and enjoy some of our rivers and coastlines during the warm summer and autumn. Always remember to swim safely and to your ability. Unfortunately with this warm weather we have lacked regular rainfall and drought has been declared for our region. At least most farmers have better product prices than a year ago, which helps the region’s economy offset drought impacts. It is important you connect with your community like friends and family during drought. Remember, organisations like Rural Support Trust are available to help.
H: 06 323 4792
M: 027 267 1551 (poor cellphone coverage area)
E: gordon.mckellar@horizons.govt.nz
Palmerston North
Jono Naylor
To ensure we are getting the best value from our assets on behalf of our community, we are taking a closer look at our CentrePort shareholding. Currently, our return helps offset rates. However, it’s possible we could create more opportunities to advance the important work we do by selling the shares. It’s a big decision, so please take the time to check out the consultation material at haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz and tell us what you think.
M: 027 569 0937
E: jono.naylor@horizons.govt.nz
Fiona Gordon
Tēna koutou katoa. Precious flora and fauna in and around Te Āpiti are truly benefiting from collective pest control efforts in the area. Work by Horizons, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Department of Conservation and volunteers has seen rat, possum and mustelid populations drop significantly. Keeping pest populations this low directly benefits our native biodiversity. Congratulations to all involved, ensuring the sound of the ngahere (bush) can be heard now and by future generations.
M: 027 373 8277
E: fiona.gordon@horizons.govt.nz
Rachel Keedwell
If you want to contribute to your community and look after our natural resources, standing for Horizons Regional Council could be for you. I encourage you to consider putting your name forward at the local body elections in October. I’m really happy to talk to anyone about what is involved, so feel free to contact me to have a chat!
M: 021 177 2790
E: rachel.keedwell@horizons.govt.nz
Wiremu Te Awe Awe
It is important everyone gets ready for the local government elections this year. The first step is making sure you are on the right roll: general or Māori. Being on the roll you want ensures you are electing the councillors you want to represent you. No matter what constituency Horizons councillors are elected in –Māori or general – we are all working together for the betterment of all people.
M: 027 511 5644
E: wiremu.teaweawe@horizons.govt.nz
Ruapehu
Nikki Riley
Autumn is here in Ruapehu after a bit of a long dry summer and in some places in Ruapehu we have a drought. So, take some time folks to check your drains! Clear them of lleaves, branches and other blockages. That rain is coming and we may experience some flash flooding or runoff because our soils are baked hard. Make sure your drains are good to go!
M: 027 207 0844
E: nikki.riley@horizons.govt.nz
Tararua
Allan Benbow
It is very pleasing to see Horizons and Tararua District councils working together to help make the district’s roading network more resilient via the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI). Using SLUI to lower the risk of slips and dropouts near roads will be of benefit to everyone, and will also provide employment opportunities via the planting work involved. This is on top of SLUI’s other positives, including increased flood resilience, better water quality, and the protection of hill country and native habitats.
M: 021 374 984
E: allan.benbow@horizons.govt.nz
Whanganui
David Cotton
If you have an interest in helping set the policy direction for Horizons, which in turn helps set the rates you pay, make sure you participate in the upcoming Annual Plan consultation. Whanganui residents will have particular interest in information about finishing the Te Pūwaha project, with an approximate cost of $17.5m. There is also the possibility of introducing another bus service like The Tide – the issue to consider here is no central government subsidy and how heightened pressure on fare recovery will affect the costings of all bus services.
M: 027 442 5920
E: david.cotton@horizons.govt.nz
Alan Taylor
Te Pūwaha continues to be a major focus for Horizons. Council has agreed to seek further funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for work on the south bank of the awa. Council has recommended co-funding $5.25 million of this via a 25-year loan. This recommendation will be consulted on in our Annual Plan process. Meanwhile, we are into the procurement process for work on the Tanea Groyne and South Mole reconstruction work, as well as working through the required consenting.
M: 027 348 9684
E: alan.taylor@horizons.govt.nz
Council Meetings
April 2025
- Strategy and Policy Committee, 8 April, 10am
- Regional Council, 29 April, 9:30am
May 2025
- Integrated Catchment Committee, 14 May, 9.30am
- Strategy & Policy Committee - Annual Plan Hearings, 20-22 May
- Regional Council, 27 May, 9.30am
- Audit, Risk & Investment Committee, 28 May, 9.30am
June 2025
- Regional Transport Committee, 3 June, 11am
- Manawatū River Users' Advisory Group, 3 June, 5pm
- Climate Action Joint Committee, 9 June, 1.30pm
- Strategy and Policy Committee - Annual Plan deliberations, 10 & 11 June
- Passenger Transport Committee, 17 June, 10am
- Regional Council, 24 June, 9.30am
Unless otherwise stated meetings are open to the public and will be held at Regional House, 11-15 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North. Please note all details were correct at the time of publication. However, for the most up-to-date dates and times for council meetings please check our website at www.horizons.govt.nz.
On the day of full Regional Council and committee meetings, we livestream the meeting directly to our Facebook page. These recordings are then available later to watch on Vimeo.
