Focus on Manawatu - June 2026

TugofwarreturnstoManawatū

ByShonaLingham

Fordecades,tugofwarwasa powerhousesportintheManawatū, drawingfiercecompetitionand producingnationalchampions.Now,after morethan20yearsinthewilderness,the sportismakingacomebackintheregion.

Initsheydaythroughthe1990s,the ManawatūWandererswereregardedas oneofNewZealand’sstrongestclubs, claimingmultiplenationaltitlesincluding themen’smiddleweightandlightweight divisions,alongwithseveralwomen’s middleweightchampionships.

Theclubalsohelpedshapethesport nationally,producingthefirstfemale presidentoftheNewZealandTugofWar Associationduringwhatmanydescribe asthesport’s“goldenera”.

Butby1999,tugofwarhad disappearedfromtheManawatūsporting scene.

ThatchangedwhenManawatūStrength ClubmemberCarldecideditwastime torevivethecode.Afterreachingoutto formerparticipantsandsupporters,the region’sfirsttrainingsessionindecades washeldinlateApril.

Organisersarenowonthehunt fornewmembers,withthegoalof sendingaManawatūsidetothenational championshipsinTeAwamutuonJune 27.

Unlikethetraditionalstandingversion manypeoplepicture,competitivetugof warinNewZealandisafast-pacedand highlytechnicalsport.Teamsconsistof fivepullerslyingonboardswiththeir feetsecuredincleats.Eachteampulls onseparateropesattachedtoasteelbar andneedlemechanism.Oncethestarter removesthepin,thecontestislive.

Pullsaretimed,withthewinning teamdeterminedbywhichside controlstheneedlewhentimeexpires. Competitionmatcheslasttwominutesin championshipgradesandoneminutefor novicedivisions,withteamseliminated aftertwolosses.

Anyoneinterestedinjoiningtherevived ManawatūclubcancontactCarlthrough theManawatūStrengthCluborTugof WarNewZealandFacebookpages.

ContactInformation: ShonaLingham, CommercialLeader E:Shona.lingham@nzme.co.nz|P:0278955969

KieranCurley, SeniorMediaSpecialist E:kieran.curley@nzme.co.nz|P:0274989429

Distribution:

YoucanpickupyourcopyfromdropboxeslocatedthroughouttheManawatūsuburbs.

Submissions: Foreditorialcontentandphotos,pleasesendthemtoShonaLinghamatShona.lingham@nzme.co.nz.

AdvertisingEnquiries: Foradvertisingenquiries,pleasecontactShonaorKieran.

Focuson Manawatū

AirPlaygroundisblowingminds

TeManawaMuseum’slatestexhibition“Air Playground”isalreadyprovingpopular,with nearly2000peoplevisitingsinceitopeneda fortnightago.

It’sanexhibitionaboutairthat’sfulloffunand surprises.Curiouskidsandtheirfamiliescan explorethescienceofaerodynamicsbyfloating objectsinmid-air,releasingmaterialinafastflowingairstreamandevenlaunchingtheirown paperplanes.

ScienceCuratorDrTonyStumbosaysthe responsesofarhasbeenfantastic.“Fromthe momenttheyturnthecornerandfirstseteyes ontheexhibition,thekidsarelockedon,”hesays. “It’sbright,activeandcolourful,withinteractive gamesandchallengestoplaywith,oragainst,your friends.”

Thecomplexphysicsofairhasvisitorschallenge theirfriendstoan‘aircade’game,tinkeringwiththe speedanddirectionofairfloworcollaboratingto createaspinning,flappingairshow!

“AirPlaygrounddoesagreatjobofmaking scienceplayful,andaccessible,”DrStumbosays. “It’sexactlythekindofexhibitionwewanttobring ourcommunity.Thereisrealsciencesittingbehind itthatvisitorslearnthroughaction,observation, andexperimentation,ratherthanjustreading labels.”

DevelopedbyateamofScienceexpertsfrom MuseumsVictoria,AirPlaygroundisjam-packed withhands-oninteractiveexperiencesforthe wholewhanauandrunsuntil11October.

Admissionfeesapply,withdiscountsforlarge groups(bookingsessential)andCommunity ServiceCardholders.

TangiUtikere|MPforPalmerstonNorth

TangiUtikere’sMember’sBilldrawn, HealthMinister’sdisappointingresponse togastroenterologydepartmentconcerns

It’sbeenabusymonthbothinParliamentand hereintheelectorate.

IwaspleasedwhenmyCriminalRecords (CleanSlate)(AdditionalEligibility)Amendment BillwasdrawnfromParliament’sBiscuitTin recently.

Asitcurrentlystands,peoplewhohaveserved acustodialsentenceofuptotwelvemonthsfor sometypeofoffences,andpeoplewhohavebeen disqualifiedfromdrivingforrepeatoffences,are noteligibleforacleanslatescheme,evenifthey havenotreoffendedfortenyears.

Manyoftheseformeroffendersstruggleto findwell-paidworkandarefurtherpunishedfor historicaloffendingdespitehavingchangedtheir behaviour.

Theydeserveafreshstartandshouldbeeligible forthescheme.

I’verecentlybeencontactedbyanumberof constituentsaboutRetirementVillageActreform.

Underthecurrentlaw,thereisnoguaranteed timeframeforwhenaresident,ortheirestate,will berepaidthemoneytheyoriginallypaidtoentera retirementvillage.Thereisnocertainty,asinmost cases,repaymentonlyoccursoncethelicenceto occupytheirunitisresold,whichcantakemany monthsorevenyears.

TheGovernment’sproposedreforms,including amaximum12-monthrepaymentperiodandthe introductionofinterestaftersixmonthsdonotgo farenough.

Labour’sspokespersonforSeniors,IngridLeary, hasbeenworkingonaMember’sbillwhichtakes astrongerapproach.Itproposesthattenpercent ofaresident’scapitalberepaidwithinfiveworking daysofleavingtheirunit,withtheremaining balancereturnedwithinthreemonths–providing certainty,fairness,andaccesstofunds.OurSeniors deservethis.

PalmerstonNorthHospital’sgastroenterology departmentcontinuestobeintheheadlines,with thelastdoctorsettoleavesoon.

RecentlyIwrotetoHealthMinisterSimeonBrown toaskhimwhathe’sdoingtoaddressthisurgent situation.

Inhisresponse,theHealthMinisterpointed tosomemeasures,howeverthesedonotdeal withtheincrediblyurgentsenseofneedinour community.

I’mhearingthatlocalsareextremelyworried aboutaccesstohealthcareatPalmerstonNorth Hospitalandhowthiswillimpactontheirhealth, andtheyarerighttobeconcerned.

Ourcommunityshouldnotbeinthissituation. ItisunacceptablethatMidCentralisrelying onlocumsandoutsourcing,andnecessary managementofwaitlistsmeansmanyarewaiting fartoolongforanappointment.

AsourlocalMPIwillcontinuetobevocalinthis space.

Thisneedstobesortednow.

PNCITYLIBRARY

Ifyou’requick,youcanstillcollect theComicCardsthatwere designedbythewonderfulkidsof Awapuni’sComicCreationClub.Pop intoanylibrarylocationandifthey stillhavecardsleft,youcangetone bysimplyissuingabookfromthe Children’sGraphicNovelcollection. Thesecardsaresocool–the charactersthey’vedreamedupare amazing,andyouoweittoyourself tocollectthem.

TheLibrarycelebratedPink ShirtDayrecently.Youmayhave noticedthatsomeofuslovean excusetodressup.PinkShirtDay isananti-bullyinginitiativethat celebratesdiversityandpromotes kindnessandinclusiveness.The aimistocreateacommunity “whereallpeoplefeelsafe,valued andrespected,regardlessof genderidentity,sexualorientation, age,ability,religionorcultural background.”

Tyinginwiththecelebrationof 30yearsoftheCentralLibrary, and150yearsoflibraryservicein PalmerstonNorth,we’replanninga WinterReadingProgramme.You’ve probablyheardoftheSummer ReadingProgrammeforkids–now it’sthegrown-ups’turn!Therewill begoals,incentives,meetups,but allwiththekaupapathatit’snot abouthowmanybooksyouread, it’sabouthowmuchyouenjoy reading.Ifyou’reinareadingslump, orifyoujustwanttojoininthefun andtrackyourreading,wehopeto inspireyouwithsuggestionsand encouragement.Keepaneyeonthe librarywebsiteformoredetails. Libraryreadingprogrammes

aredeliveredviaanappcalled Beanstack,whichisadigital platformthatmonitorsand encouragesreading.Youcanlog readingbynumberofbooksandby minutes,monitorstreaksofreading (consecutivedays),writebook reviews,andengageinchallenges andactivities(suchastheWinter ReadingProgramme)Thewhole familycansharethesameaccount, witheachreaderhavingtheirown profile.Thisisjustoneofthemany appsavailablefromthelibrary, butisuniqueinthatit’sfocused ontrackingyourreading,rather thangivingyousomethingtoread. Amongmanyotherappsyou’ll findoneslikeLibby,BorrowBox andHoopla,whichgiveyouaccess toebooksande-audiobooks. BeamafilmandKanopyhavemovies anddocumentaries.ComicsPlus has–waitforit–comics,forfansof allages.Askalibrarianifyou’dlike tohearmoreaboutallthedigital contentonoffer.

Speakingofreading:asthedays getchilly,manypeoplearelooking foracosyread.You’llfindcosies ofallkindsatthelibrary.There’s beenahugegrowthincosynovels inthelastfewyears,possiblyasa responsetoallthe…*gesturesat theworld*.There’scosy:mystery, romance,fantasy,romantasy, sciencefiction,horror(apparently?), andofcoursecomfortfood cookbooks.KoreanorJapanesecat/ café/librarybookshavetakenoff recentlytoo.Cosynovelswilloften featureasmallcast,inasmalltown, andgenerallyhaveanoptimistic tone.Whenthecoldstartstobite, getcosyinstead.

TheCityLibraryisdelightedto betriallingSensoryBackpacks-a resourcedesignedforchildren withsensoryneedstofeelmore comfortablewhenvisitinglibrary spaces.Theycontainalocationspecificguideandvariousitems tohelpwithcommunicationand self-regulation.Oursincerethanks tothemanycontributorsthat supportedthisinitiative,particularly whānauwithinourcommunitywith neurodivergentchildren.Sensory backpacksareavailabletoborrow fromtheMainDesk(FirstFloor) oftheCentralLibraryandatTe PātikitikiLibraryforthedurationof yourvisit.

TheRangitīkeiispartofwhoIam.It’swhe wefarmandraisedourfamily.Iamproud beyourlocalMP.

ere

Pleasecontactmeforadvocacyservices,individua assistance,oraccesstotheparliamentaryprocess. Connectwithme: Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz•063237 51FergussonStreet,Feilding suzeredmaynempsuzeredmaynerangitike

AuthorisedbySRedmayne,ParliamentBuildings,Wgtn.

CITYUPDATES: budget, infrastructure andcommunity initiatives

AtGreatMindsChiropractic,you’ll becaredforbyaskilledteamwith acombined60yearsofclinical experience.

Wesupportpeopleatallstagesof life-frominjuryrehabilitationand managingongoingconditionsto improvingmovementandsupporting comfortineverydaylife,aswellascare duringpregnancy,forchildren,andin lateryears.

Whetheryou’rerecoveringfrominjury, experiencingdiscomfort,orwanting supporttostayactiveandmovingwell, ourexperiencedteamtakesthetime tounderstandyourgoalsandprovide personalised,evidence-informedcare.

OurchiropractorsareACCregistered, andnoreferralisrequired.

Bookyourvisittodayandtakea proactivesteptowardsupportingyour healthandwellbeingwithyourlocal chiropracticteam.

JuneisabusymonthforCouncil, withseveralimportantdecisions andupdatesacrossthecity. OurAnnualBudget2026/27is duetobeadoptedon3June.This isalwaysatimeofbalanceinlocal government.Weneedtoweigh upwhatthecommunityexpects andhasadvocatedfor,whilealso managingincreasingcostsand keepingaffordabilityfrontofmind. Thankstothoseofyouwhomade submissions.ElectedMembersheard fromsubmittersandmadefurther changesinMay.Thefinalrates increaseof3.9percent,includinga 0.6%fuelincrease,willbeconfirmed onourwebsiteinJune.

Feedbackhasalsojustclosedon ourNatureCallsWastewaterproject. Thisisabouthowwewilltreatand dischargewastewaterinPalmerston North.Withourcurrentconsent expiringsoon,thedecisionsmade nowwillshapeourapproachforthe next35years.Electedmemberswill nowconsiderthefeedbackbefore decidingonanoptionatafuture Councilmeeting.Youcanfindout morebysearchingNatureCallson ourwebsite.

We’realsoseekingfeedbackon ourdraftStormwaterStrategy. PalmerstonNorthislowlyingand floodingisourgreatestrisk,and heavierrainfallisprojectedas weatherpatternscontinuetochange. Thedraftstrategytakesalongterm view,joiningupdotsoverthewhole system.Itlooksbeyondpipesand drainstoincludelanduse,natural waterflows,smarterinvestment, moderndesign,strongertechnical capability,andcommunity,developer andiwiperspectives.Thegoalisto beamoreresilientandsustainable city.Submissionscloseon25June 2026.

Anothergreatexampleofour stormwaterworkisatParkland SchoolinTerraceEnd.Ourwater teamrecentlyworkedwithstudents onaswale,whichhelpsmanage stormwaterbyslowingitdownand filteringitbeforeitflowstoourriver. Thestudentsandteachershelped plantabout450nativeplants,all

grownatournursery.Thankyouto everyoneinvolved.

TheStoneyCreekRoadrebuild isalsomovingalong,withwork happeningondrainage,widening androadlevels.Theprojectwillmove throughsectionsfromKelvinGrove RoadtoHendersonsLinethroughout theyear.Thissafetyupgradehas beenhighonthecommunitywishlist, anditisexcitingtoseeithappening. ThenextstageconnectedtoKelvin GroveRoadisscheduledtostart earlynextyear.Elsewhereinthe city,thelong-awaitedVogelStreet upgradehasbeencompleted,as wellasthebigwastewaterand roadingupgradeonthecornerof MainStreetandTheSquare.Allare greatexamplesofourcontinued investmentinthecity’sessential infrastructure.

Dogregistrationseasonishere too.Noticesgooutthismonth,with paymentsduebytheendofJuly. Pleasepayby1Augusttoavoid penalties.Youcanpayonline,by internetbanking,orinperson.With lifetimetagsnowinplace,your dogisregisteredfromthetimewe receiveyourpayment.

FromJuly,we’relaunchingasoft plasticsrecyclingtrialinPalmy. Pleasedonotbringitemsinyet,as dropofflocationswillbeshared soon.Fornow,startsettingsoft plasticsasideathome.Usethe scrunchtest.Ifitstaysscrunched,it canusuallyberecycledthroughthe trial.Wewillhavemoreinfoforyou inournextupdate.

Thereisalsoplentytoenjoy.Join usattheArenaPitLaneonFriday 10JulytocelebratePuangaand welcometheMatarikiMāoriNewYear withliveentertainment,kapahaka, kaiandactivitiesfortamariki. OurmidyeareditionofPalmy Proudisoutnowtoo.Readitonline orpickupafreecopyfrommore than50placesacrossPalmy.

PleasegetintouchwithCouncil andyourElectedMembersifyou havequestions,andsignuptoour monthlyemailnewsletterPalmy MattersontheCouncilwebsite.

COMMUNITY SERVICES:

Celebrating Our Wāhine Motuhake at Te Aroha Noa Community Services

“Ko

mother is the hull of the canoe

This whakatauki beautifully reflects the important role that mothers and nurturing wahine play in guiding, supporting, and strengthening our tamariki and whānau each and every day Through unconditional aroha, patience, encouragement, and sacrifice, they help shape confident, caring, and resilient young people who feel a strong sense of belonging within their communities

Here at our early childhood centre – Manawa Tamariki, we recognise that motherhood and nurture come in many forms Whether it is a mum, aunty, nan, caregiver, or another significant wahine, these special people provide comfort, wisdom, guidance and unwavering support for our tamariki

Their dedication forms the foundation of strong whānau and thriving communities

To honour and celebrate these incredible women, our ECC kaiako proudly hosted a special morning

tea for our Wāhine Motuhake It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, share stories, laughter and connection while acknowledging the important role these wāhine play in the lives of our tamariki

The morning was filled with warmth, appreciation, and gratitude as whānau gathered to celebrate the love and care that is poured into our tamariki Events like these remind us of the strength that comes from community and the importance of recognizing those who nurture and uplift others so selflessly

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the morning so welcoming and special A special acknowledgement also goes to our dedicated kaiako whose ongoing commitment to our tamariki contributes greatly to their growth and development Their efforts in preparing a beautiful table filled with delicious kai created a warm and memorable experience for all who attended

RAILX Model Railway Show

For three decades, the annual RAILX Model Railway Show in Palmerston North has been delighting generations of train enthusiasts, hobbyists and curious families alike and this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever

Organised by local clubs Scale Rail and the Manawatu European Model Railway Club, the much-loved show returns to Barber Hall, Bell Hall and the Waldegrave Lounge on July 4 and 5, bringing together more than 20 working railway layouts from across the Lower North Island These will be based on British, Continental European, USA and NZR from vintage to modern

While model railways may once have relied purely on paintbrushes and patience, modern technology has transformed the hobby into a sophisticated mix of engineering and digital innovation Today’s layouts can feature computer-operated trains animated people 3D buildings, moving bridges, cranes and Ferris wheels, automated forestry operations and even remote control functions operated from a mobile phone

Despite the technological advances, organisers say the magic of model railways remains unchanged

“The appeal for many grown-up enthusiasts is still the same feeling they had as children,” organisers say

Creating a model railway often combines carpentry, electrical work, painting, model making and computer programming making it a hobby that blends creativity with technical skill

This year’s show will also feature a large radio-controlled truck display in Bell Hall for the first time, alongside Lego, Meccano and engineering displays designed to entertain both children and adults

More than 3,500 people attended the previous show with organisers continually surprised by the number of families and children who come through the doors

Dedicated play layouts for children ensure younger visitors can get hands-on too

The event runs from 10am to 4pm daily, with food stalls and trade stands selling trains, scenery, books, rolling stock and collectibles

Adults $10 00, Children (4 -14 years) $5 00, Family Pass (2 adults & up to 4 children)

$30 00

EFTPOS OR CASH ONLY

InnerWheelof PalmerstonNorth Whatsonin Palmy

BallentynesFashionCentral hostedtheInnerWheelClub ofPalmerstonNorthon30 AprilforaFashionParadetoraise moneyforTheHopeCollective ofPalmerstonNorth.Eightladies modelledclothestoshowthe audiencethelatestwinteroutfits. AsuppersuppliedbyInnerWheel memberswasenjoyedandtwo lovelyrafflescompletedthe evening.

Therewasaninterludetolisten toPaulaSpargoexplainthework ofHopeCollectiveandgivean indicationofwhatfundsraised wouldbeusedfor.TheHope Collectiveprovidesmentalhealth supportforyoungfamiliesinthe Manawatūcommunitythrough empowermentandconnection. InnerWheelisaninternational organisation–thelargestwomen’s voluntaryserviceorganisationin

theworld.EstablishedinEngland in1924,theorganisationnowhas morethan100,000membersfrom over100countries.Withobjectsof Friendship,PersonalServiceand InternationalUnderstanding,there issomethingtointerestwomenof allages.

TheInnerWheelClubof PalmerstonNorthmeeteverythird Thursdayfordinnerorsupperand tolistentoaspeaker.Theclub alsohasamonthlywalkinggroup, gardengroupandcoffeeandchat. Theywouldwelcomeanynew members.

Adynamicnewyouth programmeissettolaunchat CentrepointTheatre,bringing togetherkapahaka,acting,and improvisationinanexciting newinitiative.

Behind every rental property is a human story

One of the biggest misconceptions about property management is that it simply involves collecting rent and organising the occasional repair If only it were that easy

The reality is that property management is rarely just about houses More often than not, it is about people And people come with real lives, real pressures and sometimes very difficult situations

Yes, there are inspections, maintenance, rent payments and legislation But behind every tenancy is a human story quietly unfolding in the background Property Managers often find themselves helping people through situations that have very little to do with property and everything to do with life

Relationship breakdowns Family loss Financial hardship Health issues Domestic violence situations Tenants needing urgent support Owners facing stress around changing circumstances Difficult conversations where there is no perfect outcome and emotions are running high These are not the parts of property management people see

Most people picture Property Managers spending their days collecting rent, sending emails and organising trades They do not see the phone calls where someone is crying on the other end They do not see the moments where people simply need guidance, support and someone to

help navigate what happens next

Because despite what many think, property management is not a job for everyone

It requires patience, resilience and empathy It means being able to stay calm while navigating difficult situations and supporting people through some of the more stressful moments in their lives You need strong boundaries, thick skin and a genuine ability to care about people while still making difficult decisions

We celebrate exciting milestones too New beginnings, growing families, first homes as tenants, and people taking the next step in their lives We see plenty of good moments alongside the difficult ones That is also what makes the role rewarding

Helping someone through a challenging situation, supporting a landlord through uncertainty, or simply creating a positive experience for people in a place they call home can make a real difference

The best Property Managers are often the people working quietly behind the scenes, solving problems before they escalate and helping people through situations that many never hear about

So no, we do not just collect rent

Most of the time, we are helping manage life too

If you have any questions about property management, I am always happy to chat over the phone or meet for a coffee

Asamum,Iknowparents wanttheirchildrento leaveschoolwithstrong foundationsinliteracyandmaths. Reading,writingandnumeracy areessentialskillswhichbuild confidenceandhelpsetyoung peopleupforfuturesuccess.

Thisiswhyourplanfor educationisallaboutteaching thebasicsbrilliantly.Recent resultsshowpositivemomentum isbuilding,withwritingresultsfor Year6studentsupfivepercent andmathsresultsupsixpercent.

Budget2026buildsonthis progresswithfurtherinvestment inliteracyandmathssupport. Schoolswillreceivepractical classroomresourcesincluding MathsHubs,hands-onmaths tools,writingworkbooksand moredigitalsupport,alongside additionalmathsintervention teachers.Newliteracyandmaths checkswillalsohelpidentify studentswhomayneedextra supportearly.

Detailsofthereplacement forNCEAhavealsonowbeen confirmed.TheNewZealand CertificateofEducationwillbring greaterclarityandconsistency, withstudentsstudyingatleastfive subjectseachyear,sittingexams ineverysubjectandreceiving cleargradesfromA+toE.

Anotherissuefrontofmindfor manylocalfamiliesishealthcare, particularlyfollowingrecent coveragearoundgastroenterology staffingpressuresatPalmerston NorthHospital.

Healthcareworkforcechallenges arenotuniquetoPalmerston North,oreventoNewZealand. Hospitalsacrossthecountry competeforalimitedpoolof highlytrainedspecialists,and attractingcliniciansintoprovincial centreshaslongbeenachallenge.

HealthNewZealandisactively managingcurrentpressures whilecontinuingtorecruit permanentstaff.Thisincludes bringinginexperiencedspecialists fromacrossthewiderregion, outsourcingcolonoscopieswhere clinicallyappropriateandcarefully managingwaitlistsaccordingto clinicalneed.Encouragingly,anew gastroenterologistisscheduled tobeginatPalmerstonNorth HospitalinSeptember.

Broaderinvestmentatthe hospitalisalsocontinuing, includingamajor$14.5million emergencydepartmentexpansion toimprovecapacity,patientflow andsafety,alongsidea$12.7 millioninvestmentintwonew CTscanners–onereplacingan ageingmachineandthesecond doublingthehospital’scapacity byaround3,000additionalscans eachyear.

Anotherfantasticexampleof investmentmakingadifference locallywascelebratingthe openingofthefirstnewhomes deliveredthroughtheHomesfor FamiliesprogrammeatLinton MilitaryCamp.

Backingthepeoplewhoserve NewZealandalsomeansbacking theirfamilies.Evenbetter,these homesweredeliveredahead ofscheduleandunderbudget whilesupportinglocaljobsand businesses—outstandingnews forDefencefamilies,ourlocal economyandthewiderregion.

Asalways,ifthereisanything youwouldliketodiscuss,please feelfreetoemailmeatSuze. RedmayneMP@parliament.govt. nzorcall063237253.Youcan alsofollowmeonFacebookat facebook.com/SuzeRedmayneMP.

Newhealthcentreand newinnovationsforGP careinPalmerstonNorth

TeHāHealthCare,thenew homeofGroupMedical,has openeditsdoorsinPalmerston North.Theteambehindthe purpose-built1,000m²facility.which representsasignificantinvestment intheregion’shealthcare,haveused itslaunchtokickoffseveralprojects thataimtoraisethestandardsfor GPcare.

ThecentreopenedinearlyMay andispartofLocalHealth,ageneral practicenetworksupportingmore than30,000patientsacrossthe region.Itbringstogetherarange ofservices,includingGPand nursingcare,acutecare,mental healthservices,women’shealth, physiotherapy,andcommunity infusions,inoneaccessiblelocation.

TheirnamedrawsfromTeHāote ora,meaningthebreathoflifeand wellbeing,andreflectsthecentre’s holisticapproachtohauora.Local HealthCEONickyHartsaysthatit signalstheircommitmenttowalking alongsidewhānauthroughevery stageoftheirhealthjourney.

“Wewanttomeetthechanging needsofourcommunity.Having everythingunderoneroofmeans patientscangettherightcarefrom therightpersonattherighttime.”

They’realsoproudtobeamong thefirstGPClinicsinNewZealand toadoptasustainableapproachto medicalwastemanagementwith Enviromed.EnviroMedwillcollect

thewastegeneratedatTeHāand treatitsoitcanbesafelymade intoreusablematerials.With16,000 tonnesofmedicalwastegenerated everydayacrossNewZealand clinics,Hartispleasedtousethe centre’sopeningtobuildanew standard.Itislikelytosendupto 80%lessmedicalwastetolandfill.

Asimilargoalisthedrivingforce behindtheirnewLocalHealthapp, asecurepatientportaltomake healthcaresimplerforpatients andtheirwhānau.Theappallows patientstobookappointments, attendvideoconsultations,request repeatprescriptions,messagetheir careteam,andviewlabresultsand consultationnotes.

“It’sabouttakingarealstep forwardforourpatientsand practices,”saysHart.“TeHāHealth Care,alongwiththenewLocal Healthapp,isbringingtogetherthe rightservices,toolsandspacesto helpclosethegapsthatcancropup inhealthsystems.

Wewantaccessinghealthcareto beeasier,andwe’rethrilledthatour visionforTeHāHealthCareisnowa reality.”

Morespaceandanexpanding teamalsomeansmorecapacity.Te HāHealthCareisacceptingnew enrolments,andPalmerstonNorth residentscanregisterat www.tehahealthcare.nz.

Age-friendly PalmerstonNorth SENIORFOCUS

Age-FriendlyPalmerstonNorth (AFPN)wasestablishedin 2016bycommunitymembers andorganisationssupportingolder people,withthevisionofcreating “thecommunitywhereageismis notabarrier.”Thegroupbegan meetingmonthlytoadvocatefor issuesaffectingolderresidents andtoworktowardsPalmerston NorthbecomingaWorldHealth Organisation(WHO)accredited Age-FriendlyCity.

In2018,AFPNdevelopedits firstAge-FriendlyStrategyand presentedittoPalmerstonNorth CityCouncil(PNCC).Thegroup continuedtoadvocatestronglyfor olderpeopleand,in2022,submitted aproposalduringtheCouncil’sDraft AnnualBudgetprocessrequesting dedicatedfundingtosupportan applicationforWHOAge-Friendly accreditation.

Thesubmissionhighlightedthe WHO’seightAge-Friendlydomains: outdoorspacesandbuildings, transportationandmobility, respectandsocialinclusion, socialparticipation,housing,civic participationandemployment,

communicationsandinformation, andcommunityandhealthservices. Thesedomainsprovideaframework forcreatingcommunitieswhere olderpeoplecanlivesafely, stayconnected,andcontinueto participatefullyincommunitylife.

AFPNworkedalongsidePNCC andtheOfficeforSeniorstosupport thecity’sapplicationtojointhe WHOGlobalNetworkofAgeFriendlyCitiesandCommunities.A CommunityDevelopmentOfficer wasappointedbytheCouncilto helpleadtheprocess.

In2025,PalmerstonNorth achievedWHOaccreditation, recognisingthecityaspartofa globalmovementcommittedto improvingthelivesofolderpeople. AFPNcontinuestoadvocateforthe ongoingimplementationoftheAgeFriendlyActionPlanandencourages businesses,organisations, communitygroups,andresidents toembraceage-friendlyprinciples. Byworkingtogether,Palmerston Northcancontinuetostrengthen itsreputationasasafe,welcoming, inclusive,andfriendlycityforpeople ofallages.

new

FiddlerontheRoofSeniorfollowsTevyethemilkman ashetriestoprotecthisdaughtersandhiswayoflife fromachangingworld.Broadwayseniorcreatesan opportunityforseniormembersofsociety,whomay haveperformedinmusicalsorchoirsinthepast,to recapturethemagicofperformingonstage,connect withalike-mindedcommunityandstayactiveinafun andinvigoratingway!

Fiddleronthe RoofSenior

AlexiaClark,theCreativebehind FiddlerontheRoofSenior: Asaperformerandteacherinthe Manawatū,I’mbeyondthrilledto bringafreshadaptationofFiddler ontheRooftoCentrepointTheatre thisSeptember.Butthisisno ordinaryproduction,thisisFiddler ontheRoofSenior,aproduction strictlyforthoseovertheageof65. Agenerationofpeoplewhohaveso muchlifestilltoshare.

IchoseFiddlerontheRoof becauseit’samusicalthatspeaksto allgenerations.Manyofusknowits unforgettablescorewithstandouts being“Tradition,”“Matchmaker,” and“Sunrise,Sunset.”Iknowthat peopleover65alreadyfeeladeep connectiontothismusic,andthe themesoffamily,tradition,and resiliencearejustaspowerfulnow astheywerethen.Ibelievethis showwillbeabridgethatconnects pastandpresent,honoringthe wisdomofage,andbringingthe joyofmusicaltheatrebacktothose whoonceknewit.

Whyseniors?Becausethere’s

agapinthemarket.I’vewatched somanypeople,fulloftalentand passion,feellikethedoorsof musicaltheatreareslowlyclosing. Thisismywayofsayingthank youtothemforbringingmeto thisartform,andtogivethemthe chancetokeepthatflamealive. Asthemusicaldirector,director, andchoreographer,I’llbeworking closelywitheachperformerno mattertheirexperience.Thisisa low-stakes,high-rewardopportunity whetheryou’reaseasoned performerorsteppingontothe stagefortheveryfirsttime.

Anauditionstyleworkshopwill beheldonJune30thandJuly2nd andrehearsalswillstartonJuly7th. Theseasonrunsfromthe2ndtothe 6thofSeptemberatCentrepoint Theatre.

So,toallthedreamers,the nostalgic,andtheyoungatheart... comeandjoinus.Let’scelebrate tradition,let’sdream,andlet’sdance togetheraswebringFiddleronthe RoofSeniortolife!

TrysomebowlingactionatNewZealands LargestTenPinBowlingfacilitywith26Lanes, orsharpenyourputtingskillswiththeJurassic themed18holeBlackLightMiniPuttinside the“WorldofFluro”wherefantasy,glowing colourandadventurecollide.

SENIORFOCUS

KeepingManawatū movingwithcare andcompassion

ForRobandLetitiaStickwho hasbeeninbusinessfor20 years,helpingpeoplemaintain theirindependenceismorethan simplyrunningabusinessitisabout supportingthecommunitytheylove.

Rob,Letitia&theirteamare behindMobilityManawatūhave becomeafamiliarandtrustedname throughouttheManawatūregion, helpingseniorsandpeoplewith mobilitychallengesremainactive, independentandconfidentintheir everydaylives.

Basedin Palmerston North,the locallyowned familybusiness specialises inmobility scooters, wheelchairs, walkers,liftchairs,bathroomaids andrehabilitationequipment,along withservicingandrepairs.Butfor RobandLetitia,customercare hasalwaysbeenattheheartof everythingtheydo.

beingabletotryequipmentinthe comfortoftheirownhomemakesa hugedifference.

Robbringsyearsofspecialist experienceinmobilityequipment servicingandrepairs,whileLetitia focusesoncustomersupport andhelpingclientsfindpractical solutionsthatsuittheirneeds andlifestyle.Together,theyhave builtstrongrelationshipswith families,caregiversandretirement communitiesthroughoutPalmerston North, Feilding,Levin, Whanganuiand surrounding districts.

“Sometimestheright pieceofequipment cancompletelychange someone’squalityoflife.”

Thecouple sayoneofthe mostrewarding partsoftheir workisseeingcustomersregain theirconfidenceandindependence.

“Weunderstandthatevery person’ssituationisdifferent,”the couplesay.“Sometimestheright pieceofequipmentcancompletely changesomeone’squalityoflife.”

Oneoftheservicesthatsets MobilityManawatūapartistheir mobileshowroom,wheretheybring productsdirectlytocustomers’ homesfordemonstrationsandtrials. Formanyseniors,especiallythose withlimitedtransportormobility,

“Whetherit’shelpingsomeoneget outandaboutagainonamobility scooter,ormakingtheirhomesafer andeasiertomanage,it’sincredibly rewardingknowingwe’vehelped improvesomeone’sdailylife.”

AstheManawatū’spopulation continuestoage,demandfor mobilitysupportservicesis growing,andRobandLetitiabelieve personalisedlocalservicehasnever beenmoreimportant.

ForMobilityManawatū,itisnot justaboutsellingequipmentitis abouthelpingpeoplecontinueliving lifeontheirownterms.

•MobilityScooters•ElectricWheelchairs•ManualWheelchairs

•Liftchairs&hospitalbeds•Walkingframes&canes

•Grabrails-supplyandinstall•Bathroom&toiletequipment

•Incontinence&bedwetting•Dailylivinghelp

•QualityNZcompliantbrands•Fullymobileserviceavailable

shop@mobilitymanawatu.co.nz|www.mobilitymanawatu.co.nz

Introducingtheinnovative NuanceAudioGlasses SENIORFOCUS

Anewgenerationofwearable technologyhasarrivedin PalmerstonNorth,with EyesonBroadwayintroducingthe innovativeNuanceAudioGlassesto localcustomers.

Combiningstylisheyewear withdiscreethearingsupport technology,thenewNuanceAudio Glassesaredesignedtohelppeople hearconversationsmoreclearlyin everydayenvironmentsallwithout theneedfortraditionalhearingaids.

OwnerSiannfromEyeson Broadwaysaysthetechnologyis

idealforpeoplewhomaystruggle hearinginbusysocialsettingsbut arenotyetreadyforconventional hearingdevicesorfindhearingaid uncomfortabletowear.

“Theseglassesaredesignedto lookandfeellikenormaleyewear, whilealsohelpingenhancespeech andreducebackgroundnoise,”she

says.“Alotofpeopledon’trealise howmuchtheyaremissingin conversationsuntiltheytrythem.”

Theglassesfeaturebuiltin directionalmicrophonesand speakersdiscreetlyhiddenwithin theframes,allowingwearersto experienceclearersoundwhile stillmaintainingcomfortandstyle. Thetechnologycanalsoconnect withsmartphones,offeringusers amodernandconvenientlistening experience.-changeto-connects toasmartphoneapptopersonalise thesettings.

Siannsaystheresponse internationallyhasbeenhuge,with manypeopleexcitedbytheidea ofcombiningvisionandhearing supportintoonedevice.

“It’saboutconfidenceandquality oflife.Peoplewantsolutionsthatfit naturallyintotheireverydayroutine, andthisproductdoesexactlythat.”

EyesonBroadwayhasbuilta strongreputationinPalmerston Northforpersonalisedeyecareand keepingupwiththelatestoptical innovations.ThearrivalofNuance AudioGlassescontinuesthat focusonbringingworld-leading technologytothelocalcommunity.

Demonstrationsandconsultations arenowavailablein-store,giving customerstheopportunityto experiencethetechnologyfirsthand andseewhethertheglassescould suittheirlifestyle.Giveusacallon 063579782orcallinandseeusat 251BroadwayAvenueWehavea greatteamofstafftohelpmakethe rightchoicesforyou!

251BroadwayAvenuePalmerstonNorthCentral office@eyesonbroadway.co.nz|063579782 OPENHOURS:Mon–Wed8:30am–5.15pm|Thursday8:30am–7pm Friday8:30am–5pm|Sat-SunClosed

Unity Singers promise uplifting winter concert

Music friendship and community spirit will take centre stage when the Unity Singers return to the Regent Theatre this June with their uplifting “Forever Friends” concert

For more than 50 years, the much loved Manawatū choir has entertained audiences across the region, and this year’s performance promises an afternoon packed with music, memories and feel-good entertainment

Set for Sunday, June 14 at 2pm, the concert will celebrate the many meanings of friendship through a lively and diverse musical programme Audiences can expect everything from jazz favourites performed alongside the On Stage Swing Band through to timeless hits from legendary artists including Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Queen and Neil Diamond

Adding even more energy and variety to the afternoon will be guest performances from Shree Dancers, On Stage Manawatū and Red Star Dance

Under the direction of musical director Stephen Fisher, the choir continues to go from strength to strength Together with accomplished pianist Roger Buchanan, Fisher guides the singers through a repertoire that ranges from light-hearted classics to more intricate arrangements, showcasing the choir’s versatility and passion for performance

But for members of the Unity Singers, it is about far more than music alone

The group has long been recognised for its strong community

connection regularly performing at events including Christmas in the Square, senior citizens’ functions, rest homes and community celebrations throughout the region

Members say the friendships formed within the choir are just as important as the music itself, with rehearsals offering a welcoming and social atmosphere for singers of all backgrounds

The Unity Singers have also acknowledged the generous support of sponsors Regent on Broadway, Pub Charity and Perpetual Guardian Trust whose contributions help keep community music thriving in the Manawatū

Admission to the concert is free, although a koha of $5 is appreciated

For anyone looking to brighten a winter afternoon with music, laughter and community spirit, “Forever Friends” promises to strike all the right notes at the Regent Theatre this June

DALÍ RETURNS: A surreal highlight at the Manawatū

Art EXPO

By Eris Newson

The return of Salvador Dalí to the Manawatū Art EXPO signals something truly special for the region’s art community After capturing strong interest in 2024 - when visitors had the rare opportunity to view and purchase original Dalí etchings created as book illustrations - the Feilding and District Art Society is once again bringing the surrealist master’s work to local audiences This year’s collection offers a fresh lens, featuring a series of limitededition etchings created to illustrate the classic Spanish play - Life is a Dream, adding both depth and rarity to the exhibition

Now approaching two decades as the regions longest-running art event, the EXPO has become a defining feature of the Manawatū cultural identity Its longevity reflects not only enduring community support, but also its ability to evolve while remaining grounded in a genuine celebration of artistic expression This year’s showcase is set to show an inspiring collection of works, with nearly 100 artists from across Aotearoa and more than 1,000

original works on display

Visitors can move through curated bays featuring established and widely respected artists while discovering emerging creatives who present fresh and often unexpected work This balance between experience and experimentation gives the EXPO its distinctive energy Traditional mediums such as oil, acrylic, and watercolour sit alongside bold contemporary approaches, ensuring there is something to engage every visitor Importantly every piece is an original and available for purchase

This years’ Guest Artist, Hamish Macaulay will further enrich the programme with daily presentations An awardwinning Kāpiti Coast printmaker and painter, his work spans abstraction, landscape, and mixed media, offering thoughtful perspectives on the natural world

More than an exhibition, the EXPO is a celebration of connection - bringing artists, collectors, and the community together while supporting the ongoing work of the Feilding and District Art Society

Focuson Foxton

WintergardenwinswithNaturalBark&Compost

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Oneofthesimplestwaystogive yourgardenaboostduringthe coldermonthsiswithhigh-quality compost.NaturalBark&Compost’s renownedpoultrycompostispacked withnutrients,helpingtoenrichsoil, improvestructure,andencourage strongrootdevelopmentwhileplants aredormant.Addingcompostnow meansyourgardenwillbeprimed andreadytoburstintolifewhen temperaturesrise.

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thejobbeautifully.Alayerofbark notonlykeepsweedsatbaybutalso helpsretainwarmthandmoisture inthesoil,protectingplantroots fromfrostandreducingmaintenance throughtheseason.It’sapractical solutionthatalsoaddsatidy,finished looktoyouroutdoorspaces.

Forthoseplanningbiggerprojects, winterisanidealtimetoprepare gardenbeds,layweedmatting,or refreshpathwayswithdecorative pebbles,crushedlime,orsand.With fewerplantingpressures,youcantake thetimetogetthefoundationsright.

Whetheryou’retoppingupgarden beds,protectingplants,orpreparing forafulllandscaperefresh,Natural Bark&Compostoffersflexiblepickupanddeliveryoptionstomakethe processeasy.

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Huntley School leads the way with midterm break innovation

Huntley School in Marton is proud to highlight its longstanding approach to student wellbeing and academic balance through the introduction of midterm breaks; a ground breaking initiative that is now being increasingly adopted by other schools across the country Recognising the importance of pacing within the school term, Huntley School implemented structured midterm breaks in 2024 to give students and staff a valuable opportunity to pause, reset, and return to learning refreshed What began as

a forward-thinking initiative has since gained wider attention, with other schools now following suit and embracing similar approaches

Headmaster Sam Edwards says the decision was grounded in a simple principle: students learn best when they are supported not only academically, but also mentally and emotionally “We have early starts and longer days often finishing at 5:00pm, along with weekend sport commitments so breaking the term into more manageable segments allows students to recharge,” Edwards explains “We see improved

TICKETS FROM $3

focus, better engagement in the classroom, and a noticeable lift in overall wellbeing when students and staff return from a short break ” Research and experience at Huntley School suggest that midterm breaks help reduce fatigue, prevent burnout, support sustained academic performance and help break cold and flu cycles Rather than pushing through long uninterrupted terms, students benefit from regular opportunities to regain energy Teachers have also observed that the breaks contribute to a more positive

learning environment With students returning refreshed, classrooms are more productive, and teaching time is used more effectively The growing adoption of midterm breaks by other schools reflects a broader shift in thinking around education, one that places greater emphasis on balance, wellbeing, and long-term success Huntley School remains committed to innovation in education and is encouraged to see practices that prioritise student wellbeing gaining traction nationwide

UCOL kaimahi research brings early childhood kaiako wellbeing into

national focus post-pandemic

Research published by a UCOL Early Childhood Education (ECE) kaimahi has revealed the lasting wellbeing impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on ECE kaiako (teachers)

The study by Natalie Tunnell, LecturerBachelor of Teaching (ECE), highlights the need for systemic change to better support those working with the country’s youngest learners

Tunnell says she took the opportunity to complete the research as part of her Master of Education, which focused on the lived experiences of 12 ECE kaiako from two ECE teaching teams during the global pandemic Her research has recently been published in Early Education, a journal that focuses on advancing the field of early years education in Aotearoa

New Zealand

“I used Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model as a holistic wellbeing framework The study revealed widespread and enduring impacts across physical, mental and emotional, social, spiritual and environmental dimensions of kaiako health, and showed fractures that occurred during the pandemic and continue to reverberate through today’s ECE landscape ”

The findings emphasised how quickly the emotional wellbeing of kaiako deteriorated amid policy instability, limited resourcing, and ongoing crisis management, which Tunnell says suggests the need for systemic approaches that address policy stability adequate resourcing and workplace conditions

Focus on The

“This would allow kaiako to focus on meaningful relational and educational work rather than constant crisis management

This information asserts that kaiako working conditions are tamariki learning conditions, and the two are deeply interconnected and inseparable ”

Connection to the natural environment was of high importance, as was greater professional recognition, fair pay, and acknowledgement of ECE as an essential service supporting families, communities and the wider economy

“Restrictions from accessing familiar places including rivers for reflection, bush tracks for clearing mental fog, and beaches for emotional reset, highlighted the fundamental role that natural environments play in sustaining wellbeing

“Many of us now rely on ECE services to maintain employment ECE is no longer a nice to have, but a national necessity and human right These findings remain as urgent today as during the pandemic’s immediate aftermath,” says Tunnell

Tunnell hopes the findings provide pandemic insights for future practice and highlight the need for ECE kaiako wellbeing initiatives as part of a future investment into the sector

“These stories remind us that supporting kaiako wellbeing is not just about individual recovery from crisis, it is about building sustainable foundations for an education system that can serve kaiako, tamariki, and whānau with the manaakitanga and excellence they deserve ”

Arts

Let Te Manawa blow your mind

Te Manawa’s current exhibitions bring together a mix of experiences that are easy to spend time with and will also leave you thinking

Air is actually really interesting (and fun!)

Air is one of those things you don’t really think about It’s just there But as soon as you step into Air Playground, it becomes something you notice

Float objects mid-air, send materials shooting through airstreams, and test out your own paper plane designs to see what actually works (and what absolutely doesn’t) It’s very hands-on very trial-and-error and a bit competitive if you’re there with other people

(Admission fees apply )

Coming soon… Loud, strange, and not what you expect

The name SCREECH! A little history of loud ceramics comes from a work by Bronwynne Cornish, and it fits Nothing here is trying to be quiet SCREECH!

drags things a long way from the world of brown bowls and careful glazing Instead, you get loud colours strange shapes and pieces that feel closer to gigs, cartoons, or something out of your head than anything you’d put in a cupboard

Amongst the colourful chaos of these ceramic sculptures, you’ll find a man doing a handstand, a politically incorrect clown and some wayward eyeballs The artists here aren’t too worried about function It’s messy, playful, and sometimes a bit unhinged, in a good way

Bringing together 28 artists, the exhibition pulls from Te Manawa’s collection alongside works from The Rick Rudd Foundation and Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics in Whanganui, and The Dowse

Making space for small humans (and their adults)

Museums can feel a bit quiet and serious which isn’t always an easy fit when you’ve got a baby with you

Baby Steps shifts that Once a month, you can bring your infant along for a short, relaxed tour led by a curator, designed with prams, front packs, and unpredictable attention spans in mind It’s quick, low-pressure, and followed by coffee and a chance to talk to other people in the same stage of life

It’s less about getting through every artwork, and more about making it possible to show up at all

Leaving, and what comes back with you

There’s something familiar about this one if you’ve ever left Palmy or thought about it

Brent Harris did, at 22, and built

a career overseas This show places his work alongside the art he grew up looking at, the kind of stuff that pushed him to take that step in the first place It’s about leaving, coming home changed, and how those two things keep informing each other

Who speaks, and how

Witipū centres wāhine Māori speaking for themselves about power, presence, and all the expectations that get put on them It’s confident, layered, and not especially interested in making things easy The exhibition’s been extended, which feels like a good sign If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time

Discover even more exhibitions and programmes, and plan your visit today by visiting the Te Manawa website: www temanawa co nz

WORDSEARCH VETS

BUMPER WORDFIT

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7LETTERS DISROBE LEAKAGE

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Manawatū What’sOn

June/Pipiri2026

EXHIBITIONS -UNTILJUNE30

‘WeMadetheCut’- HelenVincentandVictoria Armstrong

‘MugsywithaBrush’- MalcolmKnight

ToiohokiĀpiti

‘KoWaiAu?’- youngManawatūartists

‘FictionwithaSocialConscience’- RileyChance 9am–5pmMonday–Friday,SquareEdge CommunityArts,47TheSquare.Info communityarts.org.nz/

JULY

‘ThreadsofConnection’-AssociationofNew ZealandEmbroiderers’(ANZEG) 9am–5pmMonday–Friday,SquareEdge CommunityArts,47TheSquare.Info communityarts.org.nz/

EVENTS&PERFORMANCES

THURSDAYJUNE4

Company&ConversationoveraCuppa– all welcome,10am,MilsonCombinedChurch, 85MilsonLine-entryoffPurdiePlace.Info milsonchurch@gmail.com,3575869.

ManawatūJazzClub-JazzCafé– 6-8pm, NeighbourhoodPalmy,cnrChurchSt&LintonSt. Infofacebook.com/neighbourhoodpalmy

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 7.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

FRIDAYJUNE5

FeildingCraftMarket 1/2–over200stalls, 9am-4pm,ManfeildParkStadium.SouthSt.Info feildingcraftmarket.co.nz/

CraftsEats&Beats–foodtrucks,livemusic, stalls,gamesandgiveaways4pm-9pm,TeMaraeo Hine/TheSquare.InfoPalmyNZ.co.nz

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 7.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

MikeyJ– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511MainSt. Infoholygrail.nz

SATURDAYJUNE6

FeildingCraftMarket 2/2–over200stalls, 9am-4pm,ManfeildParkStadium.SouthSt.Info feildingcraftmarket.co.nz/

Poultry&PigeonNationalShow- 9am-5pm, BarberHall,Arena5,WaldegraveSt.Info venuesPN.co.nz,0800383688.

AllianceFrancaisepresentsFêtedelaMusique 2026- Localmusicians,choirs,soloistsandbands from2pm,GlobeTheatre,MainSt. SamManzanza&theAfroBeatBand– 7-8pm LaMer– 8-10pm.Infofrench.org.nz;globetheatre. co.nz,063514409.

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 7.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

HayleySproull–‘SproullontheProwl’– R16, 8.30pm,RegentonBroadway.Inforegent.co.nz/ shows,063502100.

Hurricane– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511Main St.Infoholygrail.nz

SUNDAYJUNE7

FeildingMusicSocietyWinter2026–‘Kings, Queens&Castles’– 2pm,Feildinglittle Theatre,StaffordSt.Infofacebook.com/ FeildingMusicSociety/,063237136.

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 4pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

MONDAYJUNE8

PalmerstonNorthFloralArtClub– ClubDay 11am-3pm,CommunityLeisureCentre,569 FergusonSt.Info.Facebook.com/PNFloralArt 0275783660.

RidingHigh– 2.30pm,CityMissionFriendship Centre,338ChurchSt.Infoinfo@citymission.co.nz; 063551204.

TUESDAYJUNE9

NZSO–Prokofiev’s‘Romeo&Juliet’ 7.30pm, RegentonBroadway.Inforegent.co.nz/shows,06 3502100.

WEDNESDAYJUNE10

OrganPower164-CPEBach,Franck, Elgar,Buxtehude- 12.15pm,PathwaysSt Andrew’sPresbyterianChurch,ChurchSt. pathwayspresbyterianchurch.nz.

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 6.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

THURSDAYJUNE11

Company&ConversationoveraCuppa– all welcome,10am,MilsonCombinedChurch, 85MilsonLine-entryoffPurdiePlace.Info milsonchurch@gmail.com,3575869.

ManawatūJazzClub-JazzCafé– 6-8pm, NeighbourhoodPalmy,cnrChurchSt&LintonSt. Infofacebook.com/neighbourhoodpalmy

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 7.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

FRIDAYJUNE12

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 7.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

Welcomer‘Calendars’albumreleasetourft MontyHall’sProblem&Watercolour– 7.30pm, SnailsArtistRunSpaces,103TaonuiSt.facebook. com/snailsartistrunspace/

BoomBoomRoomBurlesque’s‘HotelTropicana’ – 1/2,8pm,Globe1,MainSt.Infofacebook.com/ profile.php?id=100063654066009;globetheatre. co.nz,063514409.

TonyG– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511MainSt. Infoholygrail.nz

SATURDAYJUNE13

AshhurstVillageFarmersMarket- 8am-1pm, 71CambridgeAve.Infofacebook.com/people/ Ashhurst-Village-Market.

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’ byKathrynBurnett, 7.30pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

BoomBoomRoomBurlesque’s‘HotelTropicana’ – 2/2,8pm,Globe1,MainSt.Infofacebook.com/ profile.php?id=100063654066009;globetheatre. co.nz,063514409.

Kobe– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511MainSt.Info holygrail.nz

SUNDAYJUNE14

SundayMatineeSeriespresentsThePapaiōea Trio- 2.30pm,Globe1,MainSt.Infoglobetheatre. co.nz,063514409.

‘NicolaCheesemanisBack’byKathrynBurnett, FINAL,4pm,CentrepointTheatre,ChurchSt.Info centrepoint.co.nz,063545740.

TheManawatūJazzClubDay, 5pm,Willowpark Tavern,820TremaineAve.Infomjc.org.nz; facebook.com/ManawatuJazzClub.

MONDAYJUNE15

TheMaturettes– 2pm,CityMissionFriendship Centre,338ChurchSt.Infoinfo@citymission.co.nz; 063551204.

THURSDAYJUNE18

Company&ConversationoveraCuppa– all welcome,10am,MilsonCombinedChurch, 85MilsonLine-entryoffPurdiePlace.Info milsonchurch@gmail.com,3575869.

TheBigSing2026- NewZealandChoral Federation’sfestivalforManawatūWhanganui secondaryschoolchoirs–Session#1,10.30am; Session#2,2pm;GalaConcert7pm,Regenton Broadway.Inforegent.co.nz/shows,063502100.

HotSpotImprov– Localoff-the-cuffcomedy, 8pm,Globe2,312MainSt.Infoglobetheatre.co.nz, 063514409;facebook.com/thecomedyhubpalmy/

FRIDAYJUNE19

RedStarDancepresents‘CirquedeDanse’– 1/2, 6.30pm,RegentonBroadway.Inforegent.co.nz/ shows,063502100.

PalmyLocalPickNMix!-ftAfterExpiry,Water Colour,KeyLimePie&PlanetOverload- 7:30pm, TheStomach,84LombardSt,Infofacebook.com/ TheStomach.NZ,063590120.

SonnySantos– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511 MainSt.Infoholygrail.nz

SATURDAYJUNE20

FabulousFibreFair2026– ManawatūSpinners &WeaversGuild,10am-3pm,CommunityLeisure Centre,569FergusonSt.Infofacebook.com/ events/community-leasure-centre/fabulous-fibrefair-

‘FollowTheWhiteRabbit’– withtheRose AcademyofDance,1pm&5.30pm,Globe1,312 MainSt.Infoglobetheatre.co.nz,063514409.

‘CirquedeDanse’– withRedStarDance,2/2,2pm, RegentonBroadway.Inforegent.co.nz/shows,06 3502100.

DaytimeClubbing– R18,2pm–8pm;MikeyJ11am-3pm,HolyGrail,511MainSt.Infoholygrail.nz

SUNDAYJUNE21 – SHORTESTDAY

WinterSolsticeCelebration– livemusic,food andfiresidevibes,4.30-9.30pm,GorgeQuarter Store,GorgePrecinct,WesternGatewayParkTe Āpiti/ManawatūGorge.Infoevents.humanitix. com/gorge-quarter-nz

PalmerstonNorthDanceAssociation‘Dance 2026’– 3pm,RegentonBroadway.Inforegent. co.nz/shows,063502100.

‘FollowTheWhiteRabbit’– withtheRose AcademyofDance,FINAL,3pm,Globe1,312Main St.Infoglobetheatre.co.nz,063514409.

MONDAYJUNE22

ForFolkSake– 2.30pm,CityMissionFriendship Centre,338ChurchSt.Infoinfo@citymission.co.nz; 063551204.

THURSDAYJUNE25

Company&ConversationoveraCuppa– all welcome,10am,MilsonCombinedChurch, 85MilsonLine-entryoffPurdiePlace.Info milsonchurch@gmail.com,3575869.

ManawatūJazzClub-JazzCafé– 6-8pm, NeighbourhoodPalmy,cnrChurchSt&LintonSt. Infofacebook.com/neighbourhoodpalmy

FRIDAYJUNE26

StreetSkating&LiveBands withtheDead FishSkateStore,5.30-10pm,44GeorgeSt.Info facebook.com/people/Deadfish2k;0224065779. ABBAThankyoufortheMusic withNarelle Ryan,MichelleBirminghamandfullbackingband, 7.30pm,RegentonBroadway.Inforegent.co.nz/ shows,063502100.

BenjiReid– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511Main St.Infoholygrail.nz

SATURDAYJUNE27

AshhurstVillageFarmersMarket- 8am-1pm, 71CambridgeAve.Infofacebook.com/people/ Ashhurst-Village-Market.

AWinter’sDayOut– 100+stalls,livemusic,food 10am-4pm,AwapuniRacecourse,RacecourseRd. InfoGeorge&Coeventbrite.co.nz/o/31649765299

PalmerstonNorthBirdClubAnnual Show– 1/2,1–4.30pm,CommunityLeisure Centre,569FergusonStInfofacebook.com/ groups/1135692746447208/

HilariousComedyHypnosisShow withHaiming Jiang,7pm,RegentonBroadway.Inforegent.co.nz/ shows,063502100.

ComedyHub’s–‘SingItWrong’– MCJayda McIndoe,8pm,Globe2,312MainSt.Info globetheatre.co.nz,063514409.facebook.com/ thecomedyhubpalmy

BenjiReid– R18,11pm–3am,HolyGrail,511Main St.Infoholygrail.nz

SUNDAYJUNE28

PalmerstonNorthBirdClubAnnual Show– 2/2,9–11.30am,CommunityLeisure Centre,569FergusonSt.Infofacebook.com/ groups/1135692746447208/

MONDAYJUNE29

UnitySingers– 2.30pm,CityMissionFriendship Centre,338ChurchSt.Info info@citymission.co.nz;063551204.

Showquest2026+TOI- Nationwideyears1–13 performingartscompetitionandwearableart showcase,6.30pm,RegentonBroadway.Info regent.co.nz/shows,063502100.

WEDNESDAYJULY1

Operatunity’s‘WaltzOfMyHeart’– 11am,New LifeChurchLounge,590FeatherstonSt.Info operatunity.co.nz

FeildingMusicSocietyWinter2026– 7.30pm, FeildinglittleTheatre,StaffordSt.Infofacebook. com/FeildingMusicSociety/,063237136.

THURSDAYJULY2

Company&ConversationoveraCuppa– all welcome,10am,MilsonCombinedChurch, 85MilsonLine-entryoffPurdiePlace.Info milsonchurch@gmail.com,3575869.

SATURDAYJULY4

RailX2026ModelRailwayShow– 1/2,10am4pm,BarberHall,Arena5,WaldegraveSt.Info venuesPN.co.nz,0800383688.

‘WelcomeToOurLounge’- SueDyson&Steve PapworthwithsongsfromCaroleKing&Linda Ronstadt,7.30pm,Globe2,312MainSt.Info globetheatre.co.nz,063514409.

SUNDAYJULY5

RailX2026ModelRailwayShow– 2/2,10am4pm,BarberHall,Arena5,WaldegraveSt.Info venuesPN.co.nz,0800383688.

MONDAYJULY6

TheBubbleSpectacular– DrHubble’sbigbubble party,11am,RegentonBroadway.Inforegent. co.nz/shows,063502100.

Stringalongs– 2.30pm,CityMissionFriendship Centre,338ChurchSt.Info info@citymission.co.nz;063551204.

Disclaimer:Harcourt’sWhat’sOnisanattemptto corralamonth’sworthofregionalManawatūshows, performances,festivals,communityandcultural eventsforeasyday-by-dayreference. Itdoesnotclaimtobedefinitive. Whileeveryefforthasbeenmadetoaccuratelylist eventstheirvenuesandtimes,patronsareadvisedto checkforanyadditions,changes,cancellationsand postponements.

NB:Unlesstherearespecialcircumstances-sporting events;movies;workshops;classes;religiousor spiritualsessionsandservices;publicmeetingsand addresses;productpromotions,presentationsand launcheswillbeexcluded.

ForconsiderationofaFREElisting,emaillookout@ gmail.comwithabriefeventdescriptionincluding place,dates,timesandcontactdetailsby20thofthe monthpriortotheevent. PreparedbyLookOut!Communications.

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