Kia ora koutou, thank you to the Horowhenua Star for the opportunity to share with you what is going on in the Horowhenua district with Horizons Regional Council.

I’m going to cover two topics that are important to me and the community: transport and freshwater. I was elected to Horizons back in 2019 to represent the Horowhenua community in these important areas and I am continuing to push for better solutions.

We have plans to improve the bus services locally for Horowhenua, which includes connections to Palmerston North and Waikanae. We are also working closely with Greater Wellington Regional Council on a plan to buy a new fleet of trains that will deliver four return trips a day between Palmerston North and Wellington, including weekend services.

This includes funding from central government and we hope there will be an announcement in the near future to confirm this is moving into the next phase of the project, and the design and build of the fleet.

Unfortunately, the government is making it harder to achieve our public transport vision. It is reducing its contribution to the operation of the Capital Connection train service, leading to rate increases.

At the same time, it’s putting pressure on to increase fares. And finally, it’s not willing to contribute its normal share to deliver improved bus services in Horowhenua, which limits what we can achieve and leaves Horowhenua with less government support than our neighbours. The government is making it very difficult for us to have good public transport in Horowhenua, but I will continue to push and advocate because I know we desperately need improvements.

In the freshwater space I have some positive news to share. Horizons has been working with community groups, government agencies, and iwi and hapū on a revised estuary management plan for Manawatū River Estuary/Papangaio Te Wharangi.

This is a strong community-led piece of work to celebrate the importance of this special place and enhance the work that is planned to ensure it can thrive. This revised plan is being launched today (March 21).

Finally I wanted to update on the project to build the Arawhata Wetland. This is a joint project with Horowhenua District Council, Lake Trustees, and local iwi. We have bought a farm on the south and eastern side of Lake Horowhenua/Punahau and have been working on consent for converting this farm back into a wetland, which will treat the stream water and groundwater before it enters the lake.

We have clear modelling that shows this will enhance the quality of the water before it enters the lake and will have a positive effect for the lake, for biodiversity, and our community. We are dealing with an objection through the High Court at present and then will be ready to commence the wetland construction.

• Sam is the Horowhenua councillor at Horizons Regional Council