Horizons - News

Joint funding recommended for Capital Connection

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:25:48 +1200

Horizons Regional Council’s Passenger Transport Committee has recommended the Council pursue a joint funding proposal between Horizons Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to continue the Capital Connection rail service.

In combination with a fare increase for passengers, the funding model would enable the service to continue, but it is heavily reliant on support from all three parties.

This situation has come about due to indications from KiwiRail that they are no longer able to run the service commercially and if the parties cannot reach an agreement, KiwiRail has indicated that the service could cease operation around the middle of this year.

Passenger Transport Committee Chair Vern Chettleburgh described the Capital Connection as an important link for the region’s commuters.

“It would be a real shame to see that service lost due to a lack of local and national funding and we will do all we can to ensure the best outcome for passengers in our region” he said.

Horizons ready to respond

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:02:17 +1200

Horizons Regional Council’s oil spill response team braved chilly waters at Manawatu Estuary today to practice its response to a marine oil spill event.

Around 22 staff, including three from Taranaki Regional Council, participated in the exercise which involved launching four 20 metre long land-sea booms across the inlet and deploying a skimmer which acts as a vacuum cleaner to suck up any oil.

Regional on scene commander Ian Lowe says the team practices its response twice a year and while no actual oil is involved it provides a valuable opportunity to test equipment and refine their approach.

“It’s planning in preparation for something we hope never happens. The risk of a marine oil spill affecting this area is very low, but it if were to happen our main focus would be preventing oil from reaching the sensitive bird roosting areas,” Mr Lowe says.

“We ran a similar exercise last year and this time around we’ve been able to build on those learnings. A few of our team were also involved in the Rena response and that real-world experience helps us remember that oil spills do happen and we need to be prepared.”

Exercise coordinator Evan Lloyd says Horizons’ territory extends 12km out to sea and the Council is required by law to have a team trained and ready to respond to oil spill emergencies.

“If we did have an incident like this it’s likely we’d call upon our counterparts from other regional councils to come in and assist as we would assist should we be called upon by others so it’s great to have the guys from Taranaki along today,” he said.

A representative from Maritime New Zealand was also in attendance to assess the exercise and offer advice.

Collaboration breeds transport success

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:39:00 +1200

A collaborative effort between Wanganui District Council, Horizons Regional Council and Opus International Consultants to develop a plan for Wanganui transport has been recognised with an award from the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).

The NZPI Best Practice Award: Integrated Planning and Investigations recognises outstanding creativity, innovation and service in planning and was presented for work on the Wanganui Urban Transportation Strategy during a ceremony held in Blenheim on Thursday, May 3.

Wanganui District Council’s Roading Manager Rui Leitao, who was also the project manager, said he was delighted with the process and the result.

“It was a fantastic team effort across a broad spectrum of specialties,” Mr Leitao said.

“What makes an outstanding team is taking the big step up. It’s the demonstrated passion for the project, the open and honest interaction between all parties, a focused commission with common goals and objectives, and the drive and ownership by the team.

“The strategy is an outstanding example of integrated transport planning and will influence many of the Council’s future decisions on infrastructure development and land use planning, while efficiently using our existing infrastructure. It also reflects our focus on a family-friendly and healthy community.”

Horizons Transport Planner Wayne Wallace says the strategy sets the direction for Wanganui transport over the next 30 years in the understanding that building an effective transport network is not just about building roads.

“Working in partnership with Wanganui District Council and Opus we were able to take a big picture approach to Wanganui transport and come out of it with a succinct strategy for an integrated and sustainable transport network,” Mr Wallace says.

“It’s a strategy that seeks to provide real choices for the community going forward, with opportunities for walking, cycling and improved public transport working alongside traditional roading activities.”

Opus Consultants Ltd Senior Planner Brenda O’Shaughnessy says that this was “one of our most rewarding projects. Our local team, seamlessly supported by a wider network of experts, was a key to the project’s success”.

“The client was clear about outcomes and together we worked to engage both the community and politicians, in order to create a sustainable family-friendly transport strategy that was relevant, useful and would be implemented,” Ms O’Shaughnessy says.

The strategy focuses on six key themes with a view to enhancing accessibility; creating a vibrant, people-focused central city and riverfront experience; enhancing the safety and efficiency of freight movement; and providing real transport choices which are safe and easy to use.

Copies of the strategy are available to view at the Wanganui District Council office and on the Council’s website www.wanganui.govt.nz or you can find out more about Horizons role in transport planning here.

Last day to have your say!

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:26:39 +1200

Submissions to Horizons Regional Council's draft Long-term Plan close 5pm today Friday 4 May, leaving just one more day for people to have their say on the way the region's land, air, water and transport resources are managed over the next 10 years.

A total of 128 submissions have been received to date covering a broad range of points including public transport, rate and debt caps, Green RIG funding, extending the rates remission and more.

Copies of the full draft document and summary are still available to view online or at any Horizons office throughout the Region and people are encouraged to take the time to have their say.

Submissions may be made online, by completing and returning the submission form on the back of the summary document or by email to submissions@horizons.govt.nz by 5pm Friday May 4.

Submissions to the draft Regional Land Transport Programme which prioritises our region's key transport projects and activities to be put forward for funding from Central Government also close 5pm Friday 4 May. Find out more about this draft Programme and how you can have your say.

Hunters encouraged to Check, Clean, Dry

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:56:01 +1200

With duck shooting season starting this weekend, Horizons Regional Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries are reminding hunters in the Manawatu Wanganui area of the importance of cleaning their equipment between waterways.

“Our region is home to many iconic waterways and we want to ensure these waterways remain free of freshwater pests such as didymo and hornwort,” says Horizons environmental coordinator Craig Davey.

“By taking a few simple steps to Check, Clean, Dry their gear when moving between waterways hunters can play their part to help protect the environmental, recreational and aesthetic values of our region’s rivers, lakes and streams,” he says.

Hunters are encouraged to check all items before leaving a waterway and leave any debris they find at the site.

“Some freshwater pests such as didymo are microscopic and can be spread by a single drop of water so we’re encouraging all water users to take a little bit more time just to check their boots and other gear, give them a thorough clean with dishwashing liquid and ensure they’re nice and dry before moving to another waterway,” Mr Davey says.

“Hornwort or oxygen weed is already present in some of our great coastal lakes and we can’t afford for it to spread further afield. Because even slightly moist items can habour didymo cells or keep hornwort fragments alive a good rule of thumb is to ensure items are dry to the touch both inside and out then wait another 48 hours before the next use.”

Horizons Regional Council undertakes a regional didymo monitoring programme in conjunction with Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game three times a year on behalf on MAF Biosecurity NZ.

Horizons also runs an extensive Check, Clean, Dry programme throughout the summer months with a team of Check, Clean, Dry members visiting freshwater spots, supporting cleaning stations at events and talking to groups about the importance of Check, Clean, Dry.

More information about didymo and freshwater pests can be found on the Horizons website or at www.biosecurity.govt.nz People can also keep up to date with all the local Check, Clean, Dry news on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamcheckcleandry

It's all happening in the Gorge

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:23:27 +1200

Work commences on the Ashhurst Domain Bush Remnant car park

There has been plenty of activity in the Manawatu Gorge over the past few months, and not just in regards to the clearing of the Gorge slip. Horizons, as part of the Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Project group, has been hard at work ensuring the Gorge becomes one of our Region’s most popular environmental and recreational assets.

The car park at the Ashhurst end of the Gorge is undergoing landscaping so it will become more user friendly for those embarking on the Gorge walk. It is anticipated the car park will be completed in July, and will include planting of native grasses and tussocks and the placement of tables and chairs for picnicking. What’s more NZTA is a partner in the project and will be designing a turn off bay into the car park to improve traffic safety.

Just down the road the Ashhurst Domain Bush Remnant car park is also receiving a makeover. It has been extended so it now looks out over the Manawatu River, allowing easier access. The soil for the work in both car parks came from debris cleared from the Manawatu Gorge slip and the project team is thrilled that it has been of use for their planned activities.

Plenty of work is planned for the future. One of the projects to look out for in the coming months is the Living Legends planting programme. Over 6,000 trees will be planted on Ferry Reserve, adjacent to the bush wetland in July/August. This is a hugely popular programme with 250 volunteers registering to be involved last year.

Funding to continue for gateway to city

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:21:40 +1200


Massey Hill in 2006	and today

Recently Horizons, alongside stakeholder partners Massey University, Palmerston North City Council and Fergusson Hall Presbyterian Trust agreed to carry on funding the Massey Hill project. Massey Hill is the gateway to Palmerston North City and Horizons has received plenty of positive feedback from nearby residents and the general public about the project to date.

The funding will go towards space planting of 1,500 native trees and ongoing weed control when needed.

“It is really important if we can, to maintain trees for the first five years of their life,” says Horizons Environmental Management Officer Neil Mickleson.

“If we can do that the trees will be up and running and will be able to take care of themselves. If not, they can get smothered and struggle to flourish.”

Local residents have also expressed their interest in expanding the project into nearby Cliff Road and Atawhai Road. Horizons is currently investigating this possibility and if it were to happen it would link the area in with the city’s green belts.

Visiting students learn lake lessons

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:15:46 +1200

In April a group of American students from Earlham College, Michigan took up the opportunity to visit Lakes Pauri, Wiritoa and Kaitoke as part of their environmental studies course.

Local scientists Colin Ogle and Peter Frost, along with Clare Ridler of Horizons led the field trip. Clare facilitated the restoration project around the lakes – a project which began in 2003.

The Earlham College students wanted to get an understanding of the practical process involved in undergoing a restoration project. Among other things, the group looked at how plants were selected, how funding was sourced and the changes that have been noticed following the works. They were also given an idea of the challenges associated with harder issues such as lake water weeds and algal blooms.

Over 20 hectares of land around the lakes was retired and replanted from 2003 to 2005. Over 35,000 plants were put in and 10km of fencing was completed around the lakes and a small lake upstream of Pauri, creating a 30-50 metre wide buffer zone.

The lakes are used extensively for recreational activities including sailing, swimming and jet boating and native birds are now returning. The tui, kereru, fantail and grey warbler have become common in the area and less common species such as bittern and royal spoonbill have also been seen.

Whio chick numbers rising in Ruapehu Rivers

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:14:35 +1200

The Department of Conservation, Horizons, Whanganui iwi and private landowners, have been working in and around Whanganui National Park to manage the Kia Wharite biodiversity project over an area which spans 180,000 hectares.

This remote area is home to the largest population of North Island brown kiwi and plays host to a number of native bird and plant species including the whio (native blue duck).

Alongside possum control operations over 150,000 hectares, stoat and cat control has also been carried out to protect over 50km of the Manganui o te Ao and Retaruke Rivers specifically for whio. There are now approximately 50 pairs of whio within the protected area – one of only two sites in New Zealand to achieve this lofty goal.

These pest control operations have also led to improved rates of breeding. Over the 2011/12 summer breeding season numerous whio chicks have been spotted which is excellent news. On the Manganui o te Ao River 25 pairs of whio have produced a minimum of 26 chicks, as well as six chicks which were removed for Operation Nest Egg (a breeding programme in which chicks are raised in captivity before being returned to their native habitat). While on the Retaruke River and tributaries, 25 pairs of whio produced a minimum of 27 chicks.

However these figures are pretty conservative as not all chicks in the area have been observed. There are between four and six official monitoring surveys at each site each season, plus the staff carrying out the predator trapping programme keep an eye out for chicks. In addition landowners, hunters, trampers, contractors and staff have been reporting increased numbers in a range of bird species, great news for the overall success of the project.

All in all it is encouraging news as the Kia Wharite project’s aims of maintaining 50 pairs of whio, and improving wildlife generally are certainly on track.

Final week to have your say

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:55:28 +1200

Residents and ratepayers are being encouraged to act quickly to have their say on the future of their region with submissions to Horizons Regional Council’s draft Long-term Plan closing 4pm Friday 4 May.

30 submissions have been received to date on a range of topics including the reinstatement of a fortnightly Taihape bus service alternating destinations between Wanganui and Palmerston North, the exclusion of stages 2 and 3 from the Lower Whanganui flood protection scheme and the extension of the rates remission to include properties used as one but owned by different people.

Submissions have been made on 56 different points with a number of people commenting on the need to keep debt and rate caps as low as possible.

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon said “Throughout the planning process we have been conscious of the need to find the right balance between providing the services our communities require and keeping rates rises and debt levels to a minimum”.

“As a council we’re satisfied that the plan we’re presenting is a balanced one, but we need to hear from our communities whether they think we’ve got it right.”

Horizons final Long-term Plan will guide the way the region’s land, air, water and transport resources are managed over the next 10 years. It includes activities around water quality and quantity, pest control, biodiversity, emergency management, flood protection, public transport, land management and the provision of information.

Like all councils, Horizons operates a three-year planning cycle starting with the Long-term Plan which looks at the next 10 years. Every year the council has an opportunity to make amendments to this plan through the annual plan process. However, the Long-term Planning process is the best opportunity for communities to have their say and help shape the region’s future.

Submissions to the draft Regional Land Transport Programme which prioritises the region’s key transport projects and activities to be put forward for funding from Central Government also close 4pm Friday May 4.

Copies of the draft Long-term Plan and summary document can be found online and are also available from public libraries and Horizons offices throughout the region.

Submissions may be made online or by mail and submitters have the opportunity to speak in support of their submissions with special hearings to be held between 22 and 24 May.

Volunteers muck in at Whitebait Creek

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:15:45 +1200

Nine international volunteers are mucking in to preserve our native wildlife in the first of three fortnight-long programmes planned for Whitebait Creek.

The volunteers, coordinated by Conservation Volunteers New Zealand, will be in the Foxton Beach area until Friday 4 May cleaning up and preparing the site for planting as part of a NZ Landcare Trust-led project to restore the whitebait population.

Horizons Regional Council provided $30,000 to kick-start the project as part of its commitment to the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord and Landcare is currently seeking additional funding to extend the project’s reach.

At a presentation held beside the creek on Tuesday, Landcare Manawatu-Whanganui regional coordinator Alastair Cole welcomed the support from overseas volunteers and emphasised the importance of community involvement.

“Working together we can make a real difference to this creek and its ecosystem and eventually within the entire catchment,” Mr Cole said.

“In cleaning up our rivers and streams we’re not only improving the habitat for our native wildlife, we’re also improving the habitat for ourselves and we look forward to working with the local community as well as international volunteers as the project moves forward.”

Work to restore the habitat will include weed management, fencing, planting and the removal of barriers that restrict fish migration.

Whitebait Creek is just one of several sites identified for habitat restoration and protection under the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord with similar work to be carried out in four sub-catchments to increase spawning rates and improve whitebait runs within the next 3-5 years.

For further information about the project or to become involved, please contact Alastair Cole at Landcare Trust on 0800 526 322 or email Alastair.cole@landcare.org.nz. More information about efforts to clean-up the Manawatu Catchment can also be found on the Manawatu River website.

Feedback sought on transport priorities

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:54:48 +1200

The Manawatu Gorge closure has been a major focus for the region and residents are now being asked whether $4.5 million should be spent on upgrading alternative routes over the next three years.

The Regional Transport Committee, led by Horizons Regional Council, is currently seeking feedback on its draft Regional Land Transport Programme which prioritises the region’s key transport activities and projects to be put forward for funding from Central Government.

Upgrading alternative routes to the Manawatu Gorge is high on the Committee’s list of priority projects and Horizons transport manager Anne Redgrave is encouraging people to have their say on what they would like to see funded.

“With a national focus on congestion there is a limited pool of money available for regional roads,” Ms Redgrave said.

“Through our submission process, we want to hear from the public whether they feel spending $4.5 million on improving an alternative route is the best way to go or whether there are other projects they would like to see benefit from this funding.”

Consultation on the draft Regional Land Transport Programme is also the only opportunity for people to have their say on improvements to state highways.

With the current closure of the Manawatu Gorge, the Saddle Road is being used as a state highway and maintained by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

NZTA will restore the road to its original state once the Manawatu Gorge reopens and any additional funds spent by the region would be used to further improve the route’s safety and efficiency.

Ms Redgrave said the draft Programme is estimated to cost $350.5 million over the 2012-15 period and includes: maintenance, operation and renewal of local roads and state highways; public transport services and infrastructure; walking and cycling facilities; road safety education; and transport planning.

This is to be funded by local and regional rates as well as national funding, but with a Government focus on economic development there is likely to be a shortfall.

“With such a limited pool of funding available it is critical that we hear from our communities allowing us to develop a clear vision for managing transport in our region,” she said.

Other major projects highlighted in the draft Programme include: improvements to the Foxton to Shannon diversion, State Highway 56 and State Highway 3 (Wanganui) to allow for high productivity freight vehicles; safety improvements to State Highway 2 between Woodville and north of Dannevirke; provision of stock effluent disposal facilities around the region; improvements to public transport services in Palmerston North; and road safety education programmes.

Submissions close 4pm Friday 4 May and can be made online, via email to rltp@horizons.govt.nz or using the submission form on the back of the summary document available online or from any Horizons office.

Buses to stop closer to hospital

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:57:00 +1200

Patients and visitors to Wanganui Hospital will soon be able to leave their cars at home with the addition of a bus stop and shelter beside the old main entrance.

From Monday April 30, all buses on the Castlecliff route will be diverted in and around the hospital, greatly reducing the walking distance for passengers.

Horizons Regional Council transport manager Anne Redgrave said the stop is great news for passengers, many of whom voiced their support for more convenient bus access during a review in 2011.

“We know bus access to the hospital is important to Wanganui residents and we’re delighted with the response from Wanganui Hospital in allowing us to erect a shelter on their grounds,” she said.

“Up until now our closest stop has been out on Heads Road, but this new stop will allow passengers to walk to and from the main hospital entrance remaining under cover most of the way.”

Passengers on other urban services can make use of the new stop as well under the recently introduced one hour free transfer system.

This system allows passengers who purchase a single one-way ticket on any Wanganui city bus to get one free transfer to another city service within an hour of the original ticket purchase time.

“Passengers just need to tell the driver which service they want to transfer to when they board the bus and hold on to their ticket,” Ms Redgrave said.

More information on bus services and timetables can be found on the Horizons Regional Council website and timetables can be picked up from Horizons Regional Council, Wanganui District Council, the Wanganui iSite, the library and onboard any Horizons bus.

Hill country secure under draft Long-term Plan

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:53:40 +1200

The future of hill country is looking secure in the Manawatu-Wanganui region as Horizons Regional Councillors plan to continue supporting the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) for another decade.

The Council has just released its draft 10-year plan for community feedback, in which it outlines its commitment to see another 165,000 hectares of land brought under sustainable management within the next three years.

“Hill country makes up 64% of our region. That’s the highest proportion of any region in New Zealand,” explains Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon.

“For the last six years we’ve been working very successfully in partnership with farmers and Central Government to reduce erosion and we’re keen to build on this achievement.”

Since it was established in 2006, SLUI has been funded by Horizons, landowners and Central Government. Horizons’ share is funded by a uniform general charge in recognition of the initiative’s benefits to the wider region.

“While the landowners we work with receive direct benefit from SLUI though the protection of their land, reducing erosion also leads to a reduction in the sediment or soil that ends up in our waterways,” says Mr Gordon.

“Less sediment in the water is not only good for water quality, it also helps us better manage the river channels to protect communities from flooding. It’s a win for everyone”

Central Government seems to like what it sees as well, investing over $8.7 million dollars in the programme since 2006 through its Hill Country Erosion Fund.

Horizons environmental manager Grant Cooper says the SLUI team will have developed over 400 farm plans by the end of the financial year which identify where work needs to occur and sets a plan for sustainable management.

“Management includes tree planting, space planting of poplar and willow poles, fencing and retiring bush, fencing off streams and any other activities that will prevent sediment getting into our rivers. We have 1 million pine trees and 15,000 poplar poles ready to plant in 2013,” he says.

Horizons’ draft Long-term Plan was released for public consultation on 3 April and Mr Gordon is encouraging members of the public to review the Plan and have their say. Copies of this Plan and the summary are available from Horizons offices or online at with submissions closing 4 May 2012.

A series of community meetings on the draft Plan are also being held throughout April.

Flood protection planned for campus

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:08:35 +1200

Residents are being asked their thoughts on the inclusion of the Turitea Science Campus in the city’s flood protection scheme, City Reach.

Horizons Regional Councillors have opted to include the campus and neighbouring Turitea Stream in their draft Plan for the next 10 years which is currently out for consultation.

Extending the scheme to include the campus will add $1.6 million to the scheme’s budget, with 50 per cent of this cost to be met by the campus owners.

“Massey University and the science and research facilities on the campus are vital to the social and economic development of this region,” says chairman of Horizons’ Catchment Operations Committee Murray Guy.

“As such, we feel it is important they receive an appropriate level of flood protection but our community has the final say and we’re keen to hear people’s feedback through submissions to our draft Long-term Plan.”

If work goes ahead it will mean 1.8km of new stop banking along the Manawatu River, resulting in 500-year protection for the campus and a further 1.2km of new or upgraded stop banks to provide 200-year protection from the Turitea Stream.

If you would like to have your say on this or any of the other issues contained within Horizons draft Long-term Plan contact Horizons on toll free 0508 800 800 or see this page.

Residents are also encouraged to attend one of a series of community meetings being held across the region throughout the submission period.

Plan to benefit Rangitikei travellers

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:14:23 +1200

Rangitikei residents could soon be catching the bus to Palmerston North and Wanganui if the reinstatement of a fortnightly bus service goes ahead.

Horizons Regional Council has included the shopper service in its draft Long-term Plan and is now seeking feedback to gauge public support.

The bus service, which operated commercially until 2010, would alternate destinations between the two cities and return the same day with stops in Taihape, Mangaweka, Ohingaiti, Hunterville, Marton, Turakina (Wanganui service only) and Bulls and Sanson (Palmerston North service only).

Chair of Horizons Public Transport Committee Vern Chettleburgh said the decision to include the service as part of the Region’s draft Long-term Plan was the result of residents’ requests.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in a service between Taihape and our larger centres and the draft Plan provides a great opportunity to gauge community support,” he said.

“We aim to provide accessible, affordable public transport and as part of this consultation we want to hear from the community whether they feel a bus service is the best fit for their needs.”

People can have their say on this or any of the other issues contained within Horizons’ draft Long-term Plan throughout the month of April.

A series of community meetings will be held throughout the submission period with a Rangitikei meeting to be held at the Friendship Club Hall in Marton, 5pm Thursday April 19. This meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to find out more, ask questions of their councillors and pick up a copy of the Plan or summary document.

Copies of the draft Plan and summary are also available from Horizons offices or online at www.horizons.govt.nz. Submissions close Friday 4 May and may be made online, via email or by post.

Have your say on our 10-year Plan

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:02:00 +1200

What would you like your region to look like in 10 years time and how do you think we should get there? These are the questions being asked of Manawatu-Wanganui residents as Horizons Regional Council sets its direction for the next 10 years.

Horizons’ draft Long-term Plan is now available to the public and chairman Bruce Gordon is encouraging residents to have their say.

“The Long-term Plan is the roadmap for our region. It will guide the way we manage our land, air and water resources over the next 10 years and determine how our communities are connected through transport systems and networks,” he said.

“From enhanced accessibility and usability of our rivers and lakes to pest control and improved public transport, we want to know our community’s aspirations to ensure these are reflected in our final Plan.”

Some of the key issues identified in the Plan include adding the Turitea Science Campus area to the Lower Manawatu City Reach flood protection scheme, funding the Green RIG entirely through sponsorship rather than rates, and reinstating the Taihape to Wanganui and Palmerston North fortnightly bus service.

It also offers an opportunity for people to comment on whether they feel Horizons has the right number of elected members, the right number of constituencies and whether current representation meets community needs.

Residents are being encouraged to attend one of a series of community meetings held throughout the April submission period where they can find out more about the Plan, read through a copy and ask questions of their councillors.

These meetings will also provide an opportunity to find out more about the draft Regional Land Transport Programme which is out for consultation alongside the draft Long-term Plan.

This Programme, developed by Horizons in partnership with the region’s territorial authorities and the New Zealand Transport Agency, prioritises the region’s key transport projects and activities to be put forward for funding from Central Government.

Copies of the full draft Long-term Plan, summary document and draft Regional Land Transport Programme are available from Horizons Regional Council offices, online at www.horizons.govt.nz or by calling Horizons on toll free number 0508 800 800.

Submissions close 5pm 4 May and may be made via email to submissions@horizons.govt.nz , by mail to Freepost 217922, Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442, online via the Horizons website or by completing and returning a submission form found at the back of the summary document.

Horizons gets behind nationwide drill

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:00:21 +1200

Horizons Regional Council and the Manawatu-Wanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group are getting behind a nationwide initiative to see 1 million New Zealanders drop, cover and hold during the country’s largest ever earthquake drill.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, the New Zealand ShakeOut will take place at 9.26am on 26 September with people from all walks of life encouraged to register online and practice what they would do in an earthquake.

Horizons emergency manager Shane Bayley describes the initiative as “an excellent way to get people thinking and talking about the actions they would take in an earthquake.”

“Unfortunately the fact that earthquakes can happen at any time has become even more apparent over the past few years with events in Canterbury and overseas. It’s so important we know what to do and take steps to be prepared,” he said.

According to a recent Colmar Brunton poll commissioned by the Ministry, households in the Manawatu have improved their preparedness for disaster events with 36 percent of households indicating they are fully prepared should a disaster strike at home.

This is 6 percent higher than the national average and Mr Bayley is hoping to see even more people recognise the need to be prepared in the lead up to the drill.

“Take the time to look around your home, workplace or school and identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall. Knowing where the safe places are and planning how you will respond could just save your life,” he said.

The drop, cover and hold drill was reviewed following the Canterbury earthquakes and is promoted by civil defence agencies around the country as the best action to take in an earthquake. It involves dropping down to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck and holding onto your shelter or position until the shaking stops.

8,000 people have already registered online to participate in the New Zealand ShakeOut. For more information visit www.getthru.govt.nz

Bus contract awarded for next five years

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:29:33 +1300

Horizons Regional Council looks forward to another five years of increasing passenger numbers and efficient bus services following Tranzit Coachlines’ successful retender for the urban and Massey bus contract.

Tranzit Coachlines has been operating the city’s public bus services on behalf of Horizons for the past five years and Horizons transport planner Kelly Lowe describes the continuation as “great news for passengers”.

“More and more people are choosing to travel by bus and continuing with the same provider will mean our passengers will notice very little change when the contract rolls over in November,” she said.

“But it’s not all business as usual. We’re also proposing some significant service improvements over the next few years as part of the Council’s draft Long-term Plan.”

These proposed improvements include the addition of late night services until 11pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, extending service hours on urban loops to finish at 7.30pm, providing greater coverage on Saturdays and providing a 40 minute service to the Summerhill area.

Ms Lowe says the improvements stem from public feedback and encourages people to have their say throughout the April submission period.

“The more people who hop on a bus or have their say as part of this consultation, the more swiftly we’ll be able to implement improvements,” she said.

Copies of the draft Long-term Plan will be available from Horizons offices, on the Horizons website or by calling toll free number 0508 800 800 from Tuesday 3 April and submissions close 5pm Friday May 4.

Councils on track with river issues

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:58:31 +1300

A joint work programme surrounding the effects of the Palmerston North City Council’s wastewater discharge into the Manawatu River is on-track was the message delivered to councillors and the public at a joint briefing this evening.

Weekly sampling of the river up and down stream of the city council’s discharge has been underway since November 2011 and results of the findings are expected in July this year.

“We are due to complete the sampling in April 2012, following which the findings will be sent to NIWA for independent review,” said Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney.

“We will then be coming back to our respective councils with recommendations of what actions are needed to address the issues in this specific stretch of the river.”

Staff of both Councils have been working together to better understand the effects on the ecology of the river and the related causes said Palmerston North City Council Chief Executive Paddy Clifford

The concerns over the city’s discharge relate to the effect that it may be having on the river’s aquatic life following a benthic biota survey in 2011 which looked at the river’s insect life up and down stream of the city’s discharge.

“There was a reduction in the number and type of insects in the water downstream of the discharge compared with upstream. This is a sign that water quality has declined to a point that it doesn’t support the same amount of aquatic life as further upstream in a short stretch of the river,” explained Horizons head of science Dr Jon Roygard.

“The sampling over this summer was designed to tell us how much of this decrease is specifically related to the city council’s discharge and what steps can be taken to reduce the impact.

Despite some difficulties caused by high river flows due to the weather this summer, Dr Roygard said he was confident that enough data would be collected to provide a better understanding of what the trigger points may be.

Palmerston North City Council Mayor, Jono Naylor, said the two councils would continue to work closely to determine what actions were needed.

“We are absolutely committed to working with Horizons to get to the bottom of what’s happening in the river, determining what’s causing any effects, and what options we have to improve the situation,” said Mr Naylor.

Horizons chair Bruce Gordon said that both parties remained committed to reaching a conclusion swiftly and it was important that the community was kept informed of the progress of this joint study.

“There is a lot of positive work being done to improve our river across the length of the catchment. With that has come a significant level of investment from the community and we have a duty to see that they are kept informed of the findings and proposed solutions,” said Mr Gordon.