Message from the Deputy Mayor

Published on July 21, 2023

Kia ora koutou,

I hope you had enjoyable Matariki celebrations. Horowhenua District Council, in partnership with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga proudly hosted a jam-packed programme of events to mark the special occasion in our district. From lively night markets, to more introspective karakia there was something for everyone and we were glad that so many of you were able to join us.

The festivities will continue tonight from 5pm during Kapahaka and Community Kai at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, and the Taitoko Matariki Night Market which will be held in the Levin Mall carpark on Saturday 22 July from 4pm. 

To bring people together throughout the year, we have reintroduced Pop Up Eats. From 19 July 2023, the popular food-truck market will be held weekly on Wednesday nights from 5pm to 8pm. From spring, additional locations will be added around Horowhenua on a bi-monthly schedule to reach other towns across the district. 

Ensuring safe and efficient passage to Horowhenua is important to us. This week Council sought assurance from Central Government that the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) will be fully funded after a lack of clarity around funding for the construction phase of the project.

Minister of Transport Hon David Parker responded with confirmation that the full project funding has been committed with the project due to commence in 2025.  Approval for the completion of the pre-implementation phase had been confirmed, which included purchase of property, procurement, lodging of consents and site investigation, but Council were left unsure that funding for the construction phase of the project was approved after a previous exchange with the Minister’s Office.

This certainty will enable those in our community that have been living their lives with the handbrake on, the certainty they need to move forward.   

On Wednesday 28 June, after hours of robust debate, Council decided to sell the Foxton War Memorial Hall. It was an extremely difficult decision to make. I acknowledge the hard work of the Foxton War Memorial Hall Incorporated Society volunteers who put together a business case to retain the building.  

Both the previous and current Council went through exhaustive processes to give the community the opportunity to retain the hall. During the 26 May 2021 Council meeting it was resolved that the hall would be transferred to the Society should they meet certain criteria, including demonstrating in their business case how the facility will become self-funding and how ongoing renewals would be funded. The Society was granted a generous extension of time to compile their business case and Council offered financial support during the process.  

Before the hard decision to sell was made, the significant costs of ongoing maintenance and remediating the earthquake prone building was considered alongside other factors, and the best interests of the wider Horowhenua district was reflected upon. 

We are investigating options regarding the transfer of Foxton War Memorial Hall memorabilia to a suitable location.

Stay safe and warm.

Deputy Mayor David Allan