BRIEFS
Man in court after fire
A man accused of deliberately setting fire to a Cambridge Street house early Saturday morning entered no plea when he appeared in Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday. The 40-year-old was remanded in custody and is likely to appear in Levin District Court in July. Emergency services were called to the fire at 4.15am on Saturday. The occupants of the house escaped without injury. Police want to hear from anyone who saw a red Swift in the area at the time, and those who had CCTV were also asked to come forward. If you have information, phone 105, or report it online using file number 250621/8961.
Slippery when wet
The surface around Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, the windmill and the Dutch cafe is slippery when wet. It’s an ongoing problem the council is aware of and is working on. Signage was installed last year to remind people to watch their footing. The council has been looking at options to change the surface, including roughening the concrete to improve grip.
2415 ghost houses
Horowhenua had 2415 “ghost” houses – registered as empty – on census night 2023, out of a total of 12,633 houses in the district. Stats NZ notes that coastal areas, such as Horowhenua, tend to have a higher rate of “empty” houses, as beach communities tend to have more holiday homes, which are used only part of the year.
Rates increases confirmed
Horowhenua District Council confirmed on Wednesday that residential rates would increase on average by 10.2 percent for the 2025-26 years. Horizons Regional Council on Tuesday agreed that its average rates increase would be 8.8 percent, which is lower than what was in the Long-term Plan (12 percent) and what was consulted on earlier this year (11.3 percent). However, a proposed amendment to the 2024-34 Long-term Plan, which would enable the sale of Horizons' stake in CentrePort, will not go ahead.
Pre-election Report out
Horowhenua District Council has released its Pre-election Report, which describes who we are as a district, the council’s overarching vision of enabling what matters for its community, achievements in the past three years, preparing for the future, the challenges to overcome, major projects, and financials. It is essential reading for anyone wishing to stand for a counci position. The report is online at horowhenua.govt.nz/stand.
Brass band at Speldhurst
Levin and Districts Brass Band will play at Speldhurst Country Estate at 7pm tonight as it gears up for a national competition in Christchurch from July 2-6. The band will perform two major works, a sacred/reflective item, and their chosen street march music. The programme will also feature the two ensembles who will be competing in Christchurch, along with various soloists with piano accompaniment.
