Agenda of Community Wellbeing Committee

Notice is hereby given that an ordinary meeting of the Horowhenua District Community Wellbeing Committee will be held on:

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

Wednesday 21 May 2025

10:00 am

Council Chambers
126-148 Oxford St
Levin

Community Wellbeing Committee

OPEN AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

Mayor	His Worship the Mayor Bernie Wanden
Councillors	Councillor Nina Hori Te Pa	Councillor Clint Grimstone
Members	Di Rump	Mandy Fryer
	Renee Regal	Patrick Rennell
	Jacqui Moynihan	Sam Fergusson
	Joanne Parker	Tracey White
	Dr Betty-Lou Iwikau	Angela Rainham
	Grant Congdon	Angelina Tuialii
	Amarjit Maxwell	Mike Fletcher
	Reihana Adlam	Mark Cookson
	Neville Heihei	Sheryll Hoera
	Patricia Jacobs	David Jermey
	Paul McMillan	Amber Moffitt
	Maria McKenzie	Yumiko Olliver
	Beth Purcell	Scott Harvey
	Tyrone Kemp

Contact Telephone: 06 366 0999

Postal Address: Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540

Email: enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Website: www.horowhenua.govt.nz

Full Agendas are available on Council’s website

www.horowhenua.govt.nz

Full Agendas are also available to be collected from:

Horowhenua District Council Service Centre, 126 Oxford Street, Levin

Community Wellbeing Committee

21 May 2025

ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

KARAKIA TIMATANGA

Whakataka te hau ki te uru

Whakataka te hau ki te tonga

Kia mākinakina ki uta

Kia mātaratara ki tai

E hī ake ana te atakura

He tio, he huka, he hau hū

Tīhei mauri ora!

Cease the winds from the west

Cease the winds from the south

Let the breeze blow over the land

Let the breeze blow over the ocean

Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.

A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.

PROCEDURAL

1 Apologies 7

2 Late Items 7

3 Declarations of Interest 7

4 Confirmation of Minutes 7

REPORTS

5 Reports for Noting

5.1 Community Wellbeing Network Report 9

5.2 Community Wellbeing Dashboard Report 21

5.3 Community Wellbeing Strategy Monitoring Report 31

KARAKIA WHAKAMUTUNGA

Kia whakairia te tapu

Kia wātea ai te ara

Kia turuki whakataha ai, kia turuki whakataha ai

Haumi e, hui e, taiki e!

Restrictions are moved aside

so the pathway is clear

To return to everyday activities

Draw together, affirm!

Community Wellbeing Committee

21 May 2025

File No.: 25/254

5.1 Community Wellbeing Network Report

Author(s)

Emma Gowan

Community Development Adviser | Kaitohutohu Tautāwhi Hapori

Approved by

Mark Hammond

Community Facilities and Services Manager | Tumu Hanga Tukuora Hapori, Ratonga Hapori

Brent Harvey

Group Manager - Community Experience & Services | Tumu Rangapū, Wheako Hapori, Ratonga

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. The purpose of the Community Wellbeing Network Report is to discuss and highlight any grassroots issues, ideas or concerns that are present within the community.

This matter relates to Community Connections and Better Wellbeing.

Activate the key priorities within the Community Wellbeing Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀTAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/254 Community Wellbeing Network Report be received and noted.

bACKGROUND | hE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

2. The purpose of the Community Wellbeing Network Report is to:

· Outline the focus and activities of our networks.

· While prepared by Council Officers, will be presented by a representative of each network.

3. The report provides the initial step in the Community Wellbeing structure to collectively discuss, share and collaborate.

DISCUSSION | HE MATAPAKINGA

Access and Inclusion

4. The Access and Inclusion Network met on the 25March 2025.

5. The Terms of Reference has been accepted with the following Priority Areas:

5.1. The network will amplify and support the voices of our marginalised communities.

5.2. The network will advocate for safe and inclusive access to services and amenities across the Horowhenua.

5.3. The network will promote an inclusive, diverse and sustainable workforce.

6. The finalisation of the actions will be facilitated at the next meeting, with agreement that the network will broaden its inclusion lens from an exclusive disability focus to include other marginalised groups such as the rainbow community and/or groups who have limited access to services or resources because of demographic differences, life circumstances, poverty or geographical location.

Youth Services

7. The Youth Services Network met on 27 March 2025.

8. The provider network was hosted by Muaūpoko Tribal Authority. The network was taken on a historical mountain to the lake journey, through storytelling, with the intention of sharing an understanding of the platform upon which their youth services are delivered. The network will take turns visiting different agencies and partners.

9. Actions were determined for each of the priority areas.

9.1. To achieve greater awareness and collaboration between Youth Service providers it was agreed that instead of hosting a youth services conference, member organisations would be given the opportunity to host the network meetings and share about their work.

9.2. To actively promote rangatahi hauora, monthly wellbeing themes were agreed upon, for providers to focus on through programmes, workshops and/or korero.

9.3. To ensure rangatahi voice is centred in all actions, Council Officers were invited to talk about the Youth Voice agenda and work programme for 2025, and how this could align with the network.

10. The network discussed the concerning spike in methamphetamine and were interested in getting more information on the impacts for rangatahi. It was agreed to invite Police Youth Aid to the next meeting to talk about methamphetamine use and the recent spike in youth crime.

Youth Voice

13. Youth Voice met on 11 March and 16 April 2025.

14. Youth Voice has been actively engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at developing leadership and advocacy skills. Members have participated in soft skills activities focused on enhancing communication and problem-solving abilities.

15. As part of the Levin Town Centre Transformation project, Youth Voice prepared a collective submission to Council, providing feedback and ideas regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Levin War Memorial Hall and surrounding areas.

16. As part of Youth Voice’s own youth development initiative, Manaaki Taiohi, there are monthly themes to support personal growth and wellbeing. April’s focus, "The Online Balance" has encouraged members to reflect on healthy screen time habits, online safety, and digital wellbeing, with further outreach and awareness promoted through Youth Voice’s social media channels.

17. Youth Voice members took part in a team building day in Palmerston North, designed to strengthen teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

Older Persons

18. The Older Persons Network met on 17 April 2025.

19. The Terms of Reference has been accepted with the following priority areas:

19.1 Supporting older people with their hauora, health, and wellbeing.

19.2 Older people being isolated in their living arrangements and limited social connection.

19.3 Ageing in place, planning for life.

20. The first focus is Hauora and how transport, timely access to health services and healthy homes support this. The co-design and delivery of Aging in Place and Powering Up workshops aim to provide good information to practitioners working with older persons to assist them create healthy and safe lives. While more intel is needed the workshops also serve as a step towards addressing the recent increase in A&E and hospital admissions of the over 60 group.

Education Horowhenua

21. The Education Horowhenua meeting scheduled for 03 April 2025 was postponed due to the last week of term being particularly busy for principals. Future meeting dates have been reviewed to ensure this does not reoccur.

22. The Terms of Reference has been accepted with the following priority areas:

22.1 Improving attendance and engagement – it was agreed that this is a whole of community issue.

22.2 Strengthening connections between education and business.

23. Building on the network’s position that school attendance and engagement issues cannot be solved by educators alone, the Horowhenua Education Snapshot was developed to provide intel on where our children and young people are being educated across the region from ECE through to Tertiary, including alternative education, home schooling and the teen parent unit, including information on stand-downs and suspensions.

24. The snapshot provides integrated data to determine possible areas of focus, in addition to providing a useful benchmark for the network to measure improvements. More work is planned on a strategy to determine next steps. This work has front-footed Minister Seymour’s request that Mayors across New Zealand support their communities with improving school attendance. A copy of the Horowhenua Education Snapshot is attached to this report.

Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee

25. The Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee met on 08April 2025.

26. Meetings are now held bi-monthly.

27. The Committee set the following priorities for 2025:

27.1 Meaningful Refugee Participation Project.

27.2 Budgeting support.

27.3 Digital literacy.

27.4 School attendance.

27.5 A world refugee day event.

28. The Committee received a presentation from a Horowhenua former refugee resident on Colombian culture, what they are enjoying about life in Horowhenua and what they miss from their home country. From this presentation, a workshop will be held with the former refugee community to get their input into the Levin Town Centre Transformation Project.

29. Council Officers have recently met with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) regarding the Meaningful Refugee Participation Fund. A provisional budget of up to $30,000 has been confirmed for next year’s programme. We are now awaiting the new agreement for signing.

Community Wellbeing Collectives

30. In addition to the networks, Council Officers have established the following Community Wellbeing Collectives to assist with driving some of the Community Wellbeing Strategy deliverables.

Housing Vulnerability Collective

Strategic Priority: Housing and Environment, Community Resilience and Preparedness

Community Wellbeing Actions:

· Create a resource that outlines what social support services are available for those members of our community who are displaced.

· Investigate what options Council has to create a safe space for displaced or homeless members of our community, working alongside our community partners.

· Promote well insulated homes, green energy and sustainable water use.

31. The Housing Vulnerability Collective originated from the original homelessness workstream with the decision to focus on prevention rather than reactive. The Community Development Team is working closely with the Council Housing and Business Development Team, with the former focusing on the issues of demand and the latter supply. The current focus is on building intel and the delivery of a series of housing affordability workshops have been designed and will be delivered in the next two months.

32. Attached to this report are the posters for the Horowhenua District Council’s Housing Affordability workshop series:

32.1 Affordable home maintenance and repairs – Wednesday 03 June, Heartland Services, Foxton.

32.2 Creative ways to get onto the property ladder – Thursday 05 June, Te Whare Oranga, Shannon.

32.3 Smart Renting – Thursday 12 June at Heartland Services, Foxton.

32.4 How to be a good landlord – Thursday 19 June, Te Whare Mahana, Levin.

Youth Driving License Collective

Strategic Priority: Connected Community

Community Wellbeing Action:

· Undertake a review of all community-led initiatives and programmes that are currently being offered with a view of streamlining those opportunities and therefore removes and doubling up of services.

33. A workshop was facilitated with key stakeholders to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Horowhenua driver education and training system with the objective of creating a collaborative, accessible, equitable and efficient driver system to ensure all our rāngatahi have equal opportunities to gain licences.

34. The collective are currently working through the actions identified which are a mix of quick wins and long-term advocacy issues.

35. Priorities include creating driver license pick up and drop off hubs, building cultural competencies with trainers, and the development of a mentoring practice driving programme.

Horowhenua Kai Resilience Collective

Strategic Priority: Health and Wellbeing

Community Wellbeing Action: Investigate what options are available to both Council and our partners in creating better access to healthy kai for our community

36. The Horowhenua Kai Resilience Collective met on 01 May 2025 in Foxton.

37. The meeting received information from Council Officers regarding Horowhenua District Council’s Climate Action Plan, in particular the Climate Action Fund that is about to open for applications.

38. The main purpose of the meeting was to get feedback and agreement on a delivery model to increase joined up effort, reduce duplication and share resources, intel and good practices. A hub and spoke model was agreed with the appointment of a secretariat to coordinate and administer activities.

39. The next steps is to establish a pilot programme proposal for funders.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Education Snapshot - March 2025	15
b ⇩	Home Maintenance Workshop	17
c ⇩	Creative Ways to get on the Property Ladder	18
d ⇩	Flatting Workshop	19
e ⇩	How to be a Good Landlord	20

Community Wellbeing Committee

21 May 2025

File No.: 25/255

5.2 Community Wellbeing Dashboard Report

Author(s)

Emma Gowan

Community Development Adviser | Kaitohutohu Tautāwhi Hapori

Approved by

Mark Hammond

Community Facilities and Services Manager | Tumu Hanga Tukuora Hapori, Ratonga Hapori

Brent Harvey

Group Manager - Community Experience & Services | Tumu Rangapū, Wheako Hapori, Ratonga

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. The purpose of the Community Wellbeing Dashboard is to provide the Community with a visual dashboard presenting data, analysis and assist in the tracking of the Community Wellbeing Strategy priority areas.

This matter relates to Community Connections and Better Wellbeing.

Activate the key priorities within the Community Wellbeing Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀTAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/255 Community Wellbeing Dashboard Report be received and noted.

bACKGROUND | hE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

2. For the purposes of this report, the intention of the Community Wellbeing Dashboard report is to:

2.1. At a high level, from a community wellbeing perspective, get a sense of what the community is currently experiencing.

2.2. Enable the Community to actively monitor any trends that may require the Committee to pivot, realign its focus, enable action and influence change.

2.3. Provide an opportunity for the Committee to identify future priority discussions and presentations that the Committee may wish to hear and see to allow for further action and work planning.

DISCUSSION | HE MATAPAKINGA

Housing

3. Horowhenua Housing Register – the data displayed on the dashboard highlights the number of applications on the Housing Register as at March 2025. The housing register contains 150 applicants not currently in public housing who have been assessed as eligible and who are ready to be matched to a suitable property. Since December 2024 (the last reported numbers), compared to March 2025 there has been a decrease of 27 applicants.

4. Locally: There were 150 applicants on the Housing Register as at 31 March 2025, a decrease of 16.6 percent from this time last year, 31 March 2024.

5. Nationally: There were 19,308 applicants on the Housing Register as at 31 March 2025, a decrease of 24.4 percent from this time last year, 31 March 2024.

6. Horowhenua Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants – the dashboard provides a breakdown of the number of households in emergency housing at the end of March 2025. This grant is available to people who cannot remain in their usual place of residence, if any, and do not have access to other accommodation which is adequate for them or their family’s needs. Since December 2024 (the last reported figures), the number of grant applicants has increased slightly from six to nine, resulting in a small increase in total funding granted from $19,475 to $22,320.

Income, Social Welfare and Beneficiary Support

7. Local: At the end of March 2025, 4,389 people were receiving a main benefit, which is down by 18 from the last report in December 2024. This equates to a decrease of 0.41%.

8. National: At the end of March 2025, 398,163 people were receiving a main benefit, which is down by 11,502 from the last report in December 2024. This equates to a decrease of 2.81%.

9. Regional distribution of Jobseeker Support: Between March 2024 and March 2025, the proportion of the working-age population receiving Jobseeker Support increased in all regions. The largest percentage point increase was seen in Central (1.0%).

10. Regional distribution of Sole Parent Support: Between March 2024 and March 2025, the proportion of the working-age population receiving Sole Parent Support remains the same or increased slightly in most regions. The largest percentage point increases were in Northland and Central (both 0.2%).

11. The MSD Quarterly Snapshot is attached to this report.

Education / Youth Employment

12. Government Target Deliver Performance – This data is sourced directly from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and was implemented as a result of the Governments coalition agreement. Requiring mandatory reporting from schools, from Term 1 2025. At the time of preparing this report, the most recent data is from Term 3, 2024. Note the Governments data is behind that of data provided by Education counts.

13. National: 58.1% of students attended school more than 90% of the time in Term 4 2024.

14. Local: Horowhenua schools ended Term 4 of 2024 with a decrease of 123 students in overall enrolments. However, attendance rates improved, with a 3.1% increase from the previous term. Notably, 46.5% of students attended school more than 90% of the time, indicating a positive shift in engagement.

15. Short-term illness/medical absences continued to be the main driver of non-attendance (with contributing factors including COVID-19 in the community and other seasonal illnesses).

16. Latest NEET Rates for the Horowhenua District have not been updated since the last meeting.

17. An Education Snapshot (similar to the dashboard) has been developed for the Education Horowhenua Network and can be found in the Community Wellbeing Network Report within this agenda.

Health and Wellbeing

18. As requested at the last Community Wellbeing Committee meeting, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has provided Officers with Palmerston North Hospital Emergency Presentation Hours by Triage Category.

19. You will see that presentations are pretty steady between the hours of 10am and 4pm and then there is another peak around 8pm. The data clearly shows that the numbers of Triage 5 people presenting are fairly low (these are people who are considered non-urgent). The majority are Triage 3 patients which is considered urgent but not imminently life threating.

20. The triage scale is as follows:

Triage Category	Description	Maximum clinically appropriate triage time
1	Immediately life-threatening	Immediate simultaneous triage and treatment
2	Imminently life-threatening, or important time-critical	10 minutes
3	Potentially life-threatening, potential adverse outcomes from delay >30mins, or severe discomfort or distress	30 minutes
4	Potentially serious, or potential adverse outcomes from delay >60mins, or significant complexity or severity, or discomfort or distress	60 minutes
5	Less urgent, or dealing with administrative issues only	120mins

21. Other issues that were raised at the last Community Wellbeing Committee meeting:

22. Was of people driving south (they would need to go the other side of Ōtaki) to get the Wellington Free Ambulance in order not to pay. The following feedback was obtained from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora.

22.1. The ambulance service in the Wellington Region that is contracted to Wellington Free Ambulance is free but the person would need to make their own arrangements to get back from Wellington Hospital (there are no regular shuttles).

22.2. St John is the contracted provider for the MidCentral area and the rest of the country and it is worthwhile for households (particularly older people) who might be likely to require an ambulance some time during the year to get a St John ambulance annual membership ($55 for individuals, $75 for a couple or $90 for a household).

22.3. Wellington Hospital is consistently less favourable waiting times for ED than Palmerston North Hospital. Arriving by ambulance does not mean you will be seen immediately – you will be triaged the same as people arriving in the waiting room.

23. That people going to Palmerston North ED have already had to travel and then they get made to wait longer.

24. Acknowledge that waiting times in ED at Palmerston North hospital are much longer than they would like them to be (and much work is being done to reduce them).

25. Unfortunately wait times are dependent on numbers of people coming through and the triage levels. If life threatening triage 1 and 2 patients are arriving via ambulance they will be treated before lower triage levels.

Growth and Population

26. Horowhenua Projected Population 2018-2048 – in the last dashboard (December), a breakdown of population by age was provided. This quarter, we are focusing on the projected population for Horowhenua.

27. The low, medium, and high growth projections all indicate:

27.1. Horowhenua’s population as at June 2024 was 39,966, meaning the district has already exceeded the medium growth projection for 2028 and is approaching the projected population for 2033.

27.2. The population growth rate will generally slow across most regions, cities, districts, and Auckland local board areas, with this change more noticeable between 2033 and 2048.

27.3. All areas will be home to a greater number and proportion of people aged 65 years and over in 2048.

27.4. Deaths will increase relative to births in almost all areas as the population ages.

Community Safety

28. Horowhenua Crime Snapshot – The dashboard data shows a decrease in the majority of all crimes, except sexual assault and robbery which have had small increases. The crime snapshot does not record disorderly behaviour, family harm and crashes.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Community Wellbeing Dashboard - May 2025	27
b ⇩	Horowhenua MSD Quarterly Snapshot March 25	29

Community Wellbeing Committee

21 May 2025

File No.: 25/228

5.3 Community Wellbeing Strategy Monitoring Report

Author(s)

Emma Gowan

Community Development Adviser | Kaitohutohu Tautāwhi Hapori

Sharon Bowling

Executive Assistant | Kaiāwhina Mātāmua

Approved by

Mark Hammond

Community Facilities and Services Manager | Tumu Hanga Tukuora Hapori, Ratonga Hapori

Brent Harvey

Group Manager - Community Experience & Services | Tumu Rangapū, Wheako Hapori, Ratonga

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. The purpose of the Community Wellbeing Strategy Monitoring Report is to highlight progress made against the Community Wellbeing Strategy (the Strategy) and Action Plan. The report also presents an opportunity for the Committee to discuss and raise any concerns or need to reprioritise the focus of the work programme of the Committee.

This matter relates to Community Connections and Better Wellbeing.

Activate the key priorities within the Community Wellbeing Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀTAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/228 Community Wellbeing Strategy Monitoring Report be received and noted.

bACKGROUND | hE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

2. The Community Wellbeing Strategy Monitoring Report is prepared for each Community Wellbeing Committee meeting and has the following purposes:

· Highlight the progress being made on the Community Wellbeing Strategy Action Plan. Alternatively, identify any areas of concern or reductions in progress on the Action Plan.

· Keep both the Council and the Committee accountable for the role that they play in community wellbeing.

· Highlight work happening across all of Council’s business that is contributing to the success of the Strategy and overall community wellbeing.

· Identify community-led initiatives that are also contributing to the delivery of the Action Plan.

DISCUSSION | HE MATAPAKINGA

3. The way in which the Monitoring Report has been designed is two-fold:

4. The first part, highlights the current actions that are underway and provides further details on where they fit into the Strategy, timeframe, funding, who’s taking the lead and current status.

5. For the purpose of this report and for the benefit of the members of the Committee, at each meeting where an item is flagged as ‘completed’, we will report on that and then, any future meetings those items will be removed and placed back into the work plan if required.

6. The second part is the work programme that lays out the actions and work streams for the next three years, noting that when necessary these can change.

Community Wellbeing Strategy Action Plan Progress

7. The following progress has been made against the Community Wellbeing Strategy Action Plan and listed under each strategy priority:

Culture I Te Ahurea

8. Horowhenua held a series of vibrant events and activities during the last two months, including:

· An outdoor movie night at Shannon’s Hyde Park on 16 April.

· Aquatics Horowhenua hosted an Easter egg hunt and pool party on 19 April.

· ANZAC Day commemorations were marked across the district on 25 April in Levin, Foxton, Shannon, Tokomaru, Ōhau and Manakau.

· All things Dutch was celebrated with the Big Dutch Day Out on 26 April at the Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park.

9. Planning for the Matariki Programme to celebrate Matariki are well underway and this will be included in future reporting.

10. The first round of urupā funding was allocated by the Funding and Recognition Committee on 02 April which enables hapū whānau to maintain private urupā sites.

Connected Community I He Hapori Tūhonohono

11. Since the last meeting two community capacity-building courses, ‘Different Brains, Bright Futures’ and ‘Mana Taiohi’ were delivered, attended by 68 members of the community. Feedback from the ‘Different Brains, Bright Futures’ session was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees highlighting the value of the practical tools, insights, and strategies shared to better support and engage neurodiverse rangatahi in our community. The Mana Taiohi courses (two) also received positive feedback and goes towards our vision of growing a network of competent people working alongside young people.

12. The refreshed and updated centralised community directory was launched on 06 May and can be accessed by visiting the Horowhenua District Council’s website. The directory currently features information for over 200 community organisations such as contact information and the services they provide. In the coming months, those community organisations will have the ability to login and amend their own information ensuring it stays current.

13. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō continues to hold bi-weekly drop-in sessions for simple digital assistance to the community. Longer one-on-one sessions for more complex queries can also be scheduled with a librarian. These sessions help to build on the skills of our community and increases their digital literacy.

14. A successful Neighbours Day was held on 22 March at the Levin Adventure Park which in part, promoted the importance of staying connected with your neighbours, especially in times of crisis.

15. Horowhenua District Council delivered a submission to the Regional Transport Committee, highlighting the stark inequities in rail access for Levin. In addition to addressing service levels, the submission outlined a forward-looking vision of an enhanced transport hub located closer to Levin’s town centre.

Health and Wellbeing I Te Hauora Me te Oranga Tonutanga

16. A kai resilience collective led by the community and initially facilitated by Council, has completed a regional mapping exercise of food provision and delivery and is now in the process of developing a collaborative delivery model to increase coordination, reduce duplication and share resources, intelligence and good practices.

17. The companion card scheme continues to grow with an increase of 12 cards issued since the last reporting period, bringing the total to 42 cards issued. The companion card is an initiative aimed at providing equitable ticketing expenses for individuals with life-long impairments who may require additional attendant companion support to engage in everyday activities at our partnering venues and activities.

Sense of Place and Belonging I Te Noho Pūmau I Horowhenua

18. Our Youth Space came alive over the recent school holidays with an action-packed programme for rangatahi aged 12–18, featuring everything from Nerf wars and laser tag to basketball showdowns. More than just fun and games, the programme was designed to foster a sense of belonging, helping young people connect with each other and build strong relationships with the kaimahi who support them.

19. The Foxton Rugby Club can now train in confidence at night, with the new training lights installed at Easton Park. The new lights illuminate more area as there is now an increased lux level from 50lux to 100lux. This upgrade allows for our community to have a space where they can be active and healthy.

20. Te Maire Park is getting an upgrade with a new stage being constructed at present, as part of the overall works. The project will enhance the space and make it a fit for purpose park that members of the Shannon community can take pride in, as well as effectively use as a green space contributing to overall wellbeing.

Housing I Ngā Whare

21. A new resource outlining the social support services available to displaced members of our community has now been designed and awaiting print. The next steps are to distribute it at the next housing vulnerability meeting and make it available as a downloadable resource on the website.

22. The Horowhenua District Council Housing and Business Team gave a presentation to the Shannon Community on the Housing Action Plan and Affordable Housing Framework. Attendees were also provided with a copy of the ‘Building a Family Flat’ guide, which helps navigate the District Plan and what can be built and where on a property.

23. Led by Council’s Community Development Team in collaboration with the Housing and Business Team, they hosted a well-received community session on housing vulnerability. This work has stemmed from the growing rate of displaced people within our community. The Community Development Team is working closely with the Housing and Business Team — with the former focusing on demand issues and the latter on supply. The current focus is on building intelligence, and a series of housing affordability workshops have been designed and will be delivered over the next two months.

24. The Community Development Team and Housing and Business Team is also collaborating on implementing a Housing Dashboard, similar to the Community Wellbeing Dashboard.

Environment, Community Resilience and Preparedness I Te Taiao, Te Hapori Te Manawaroa me te Takatūnga

25. As part of the Climate Action Plan for Horowhenua, a new community grant will be launched in August. The Climate Action Fund will provide grants between $500 and $2,500 and will be open to iwi and hapū groups, early childhood centres, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations. The aim of the fund is to support the development of projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or strengthen the community’s resilience and understanding of the impacts of climate change.

26. Horizons Regional Council have a specific proposal in this year’s LTPA/Annual Plan to fund some (additional new) public transport within the Horowhenua District. Horowhenua District Council are encouraging Horowhenua residents to have their say on this issue. The closing date for submissions was 01 May.

27. In an effort to promote well-insulated homes, the Community Development Team will host an ‘Ageing in Place’ workshop on 14 May at Age Concern. A panel of experts will share valuable insights on accessibility assessments, creating safe and warm living environments, and managing home maintenance on a limited budget.

28. Affordable Home Maintenance and Repairs with Nathan Collins from Habitat for Humanity will be held at Heartlands, Foxton on 03 June. This workshop gives the community an opportunity to learn how Habitat for Humanity supports whānau to fix up their homes, making them more liveable, safe, and warm.

29. A Psychological First Aid Course was held for Horowhenua District Council officers and community volunteers, including personnel from Tokomaru-Ōpiki and Shannon Civil Defence Response groups (20 attendees) in March.

Community Safety I Te Haumarutanga o te Hapori

30. Horowhenua District Council’s contracted services have nearly completed the delivery of another year of safety initiatives. The focus now shifts to receiving their annual reports before the next round of contracted service payments is made.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY WELLBEING STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

The following highlights from across all of Horowhenua District Council business units have also contributed to the strategy’s overall community wellbeing priorities during the last two months, but not precisely prescribed for in the Action Plan:

31. The Funding and Recognition Committee allocated $34,350 in funding to 14 community groups and organisations to support the many events and programmes that they deliver within the community.

32. A three-month food scraps collection and composting trial for selected households on Queen Street East and West, and Weraroa Road in Levin, began in early April, with bins delivered to participants. After just two weeks, 865 kg of food scraps have been collected. The compost is being offered to local schools who are participating in the Enviroschools programme.

33. Work has begun on stage one of the Levinable Project, which aims to make the Lincoln Place Reserve into an accessible and inclusive space for people from all walks of life. This project was initiated in response to community feedback highlighting that many whānau and parents of tamariki with diverse needs are struggling to manage daily life and often feel isolated and alone. They expressed a need for a safe, welcoming and accessible outdoor space where their tamariki can play while they relax – a place to foster a sense of community and belonging.

34. The Mayoral Relief Fund was activated on 09 April following the tornado on 08 April. The fund provided financial support to affected residents and has now closed.

35. Horowhenua District Council has been successful in securing $10,000 in funding from Sport Manawatū Tū Manawa Fund to support the delivery of a Kiribati Youth Active and Recreation and Sports Programme. The programme will focus on creating opportunities for young people from the Kiribati community to connect and participate in volleyball and basketball – two sports that are highly valued within their culture. This funding will help to reduce barriers to participation and foster stronger connections, wellbeing, and belonging through active recreation.

36. Horowhenua District Council’s Youth Service Team is currently working on a Tuesday Brunch programme that will bring a group of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rangatahi boys together for whanaungatanga / manaakitanga and to support them with future aspirations.

37. The Read for Trees Reading Programme has now concluded. A large number of children participated in the reading challenge, resulting in 40 native trees being planted at Kowhai Park in late April. Participants attended the planting event, where they had the opportunity to plant the trees and celebrate their reading achievements. This initiative was a true Mahi Tahi effort, delivered through a partnership between the Libraries Team and Green By Nature.

38. Horowhenua District Council was thrilled to announce on 14 April that the Trig walkway has re-opened, giving our Horowhenua community the chance to once again take in the breath-taking views of our beautiful district.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Community Wellbeing Strategy Monitoring Report - May 2025	37