Manawatū FOCUSON
MONTHLY
NOVEMBER2025
COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Alison Quigan Returns to Centrepoint Theatre
One could argue that there is no Centrepoint Theatre without Alison Quigan With a career that spans decades, Alison has worn many hats at Centrepoint.
Contact Information:
Shona Lingham, Commercial Leader
E: Shona.lingham@nzme co.nz | P: 027 895 5969
Kieran Curley, Media Specialist
E: kieran.curley@nzme.co.nz | P: 0274 989 429
Distribution:
From Actor and Writer to Director and Artistic Director, much has evolved at Centrepoint and yet a lot has stayed the same
“I’ve never left the theatre,” Alison says “I started working as an actor in 1979 and continued to perform on stage every year since If it is led by good people, it will grow and thrive ”
Singing high praise of its current Artistic Director and General Manager Kate Louise Elliott Alison says its continued success is down to Kate Louise “Kate Louise has done such an amazing job by keeping the theatre stable and yet progressive when so many other theatres have failed ”
connections “It’s an existential exploration of the meaning of life in a windy corner of a farmers’ market (Patrons) will also realise, in retrospect, that it’s laugh out loud funny!”
Not far from home growing up, Feilding always fascinated Alison “I practically lived next door from birth ” It was the likes of David Geary, John Clarke and Tom Scott who all wrote about the area and a sister who settled there that spired Alison to write her latest play Feilding Market Fiasco
Hearing Alison’s high praise for Centrepoint Theatre, it’s no wonder she finds herself back there again “There are so many ways to describe this feeling or is it many feelings? It’s like the safety of being home but also the freedom to experiment and develop new ideas ”
This time round, Alison is putting on her Writer, Director and Actor hats for Feilding Market Fiasco, a Christmas comedy full of belly laughs and heartwarming
When asked what her favourite Christmas tradition was, Alison’s ever-present cheekiness was unleashed “You think Christmas is fun?! It’s a series of lists! Buying the presents, planning the menu, cleaning the house, getting up at the crack of dawn to make the raspberry mascarpone cream dessert ”
“Christmas isn’t fun, it is carefully thought-out chaos, and of course we have a good time Just like in Feilding Market Fiasco!”
https://www centrepoint co nz/ feildingmarketfiasco
Centrepoint Theatre / Lauren Hutchinson
You can pick up your copy from drop boxes located throughout the Manawatū suburbs.
Submissions: For editorial content and photos, please send them to Shona Lingham at Shona.lingham@nzme co.nz.
Advertising Enquiries: For advertising enquiries, please contact Shona or Kieran.
PALMYFOCUS
Palmerston Northhas welcomeda brandnewparking classification -theBagel Carpark.
TheBagelCarparkhasbeen installedbyPalmerstonNorth CityCouncilPlacemakingteam toserviceFreddieClereCoffeeand BagelsonChurchStreet,andcame outofaneedforaquickturn-around parkingzoneforcustomers.Owner HannahDoughtysaidshe’spretty sureit’saworldfirst,‘wecouldn’tbe morethrilled.Itmakesthingsmuch
easierforourcustomers”.
PalmerstonNorthCityCouncils Placemaking-LocalAmbassador ShaunKaysaidtheoldcarparktime zonewasforthreehours.Sothat wasimpracticalforthecafewhere customerswanttojustpullupand popin.Thenew15-minutesignis perfect.
ShaunkaysaidtheBagel
Carparkwasthekindofprojectthe Placemakingschemeisallabout: “localsbeinglocalandmakingour citymorevibrant.Wearealways lookingforwaysthatwecan collaboratewithbusinessesand organisationsinourregion”. Placemakingisgettingintothe ChristmasspiritandworkingwithThe CityLibrarytobringfestivecheer
toGeorgeStreet-Twasthenight beforeChristmasnightmarket,14th November.AndFlamingoChristmas HotSpot,scootabouttownguided tourtofindallthelocalhotspotsfor yourChristmasshopping. Readmore-HarcourtsManawatu What’sOnorvisitFacebookpageChristmasinthecity.
ShowcaseConcertandPrizegiving–
YoungPerformersScholarship2025
CharmingChaminade, soothingRachmaninoff, andfieryChopin—this year’sYoungPerformers ScholarshipShowcase Concerthaditall.
HeldattheGlobeTheatre onSunday,October19,the eventfeaturedeighttalented prizewinnersfromthe2025YPS competition,organisedbyLizLockeof MusicaVivaManawatū.
TheYPSprogramme,opento musiciansuptoage30,isdesigned tonurturelocaltalent.Eachcandidate performedatamonthlyMusica Vivaconcertbeforecompetingon CompetitionDay.AttheShowcase, theypresentedoneoftheirthree competitionpiecestoanappreciative audience.
MusicaVivaPresidentPaulineRowe congratulatedtheperformers,calling them“ablessingtotheirfamily,friends andthewidercommunity.”Shealso acknowledgedtheaccompanistsand teacherswhosupportthestudents’ musicaljourneys.
PaulinewelcomedpastPalmerston NorthRotaryClubpresidentsJohn FreebairnandMartinTownend, thankingtheclubforits34-yearcosponsorshipoftheprizemoney.John presentedcertificatesandpraisedthe long-standingpartnershipwithMusica Viva.
Iwanttostartbythankingyouallfortakingpart intherecentelections.I’mtrulyhonouredto havebeenre-electedasyourMayorforanother term.ServingthiscityisaprivilegeIdon’ttake forgranted,andI’mreallylookingforwardto continuingtoworkalongsideCouncillors,our community,andlocalgroupstokeepusmoving forward.
Whilevoterturnoutacrossthecountrywas lowerthanmanyhadhoped,oursactuallywent upthistime.Thatshowshowmuchpeople herecareabouttheircommunityanditsfuture. ThisnewCounciltermbringstogetheramixof familiarfacesandacoupleofnewfacestoo.It’s astrong,diversegroup,andI’mconfidentwe’ll workwelltogethertorepresentyouandmake gooddecisionsforPalmerstonNorth.
We’vealsoheardfrommanyofyouthat you’dlikemoreregularupdatesaboutwhat’s happeninginourcity.Inresponse,we’re launchinganewmonthlyemailnewsletter calledPalmyMatters.Eacheditionwillshare straightforwardupdatesaboutupcoming infrastructureprojects,consultations,council decisions,eventsandmuchmore.
Youcansignupnowatpncc.govt.nz/ newsletter.Everyonewhosubscribesbefore15 Decembergoesinthedrawtowinadoublepass tobothnightsoftheENZEDSuperstockTeams Champs2026atCETArena.Thislocalevent drawspeoplefromacrossthecountryandisa soldouteventeachandeveryyear!
We’recontinuingtolistenandacton communityfeedbackinotherwaystoo.In Ashhurst,workisgettingunderwayonWyndham Streetafterresidentspresentedtheircaseto Councilearlierthisyear.Becauseofthatstrong communityvoice,wewereabletoreprioritise theworkandgetitdonesooner–without needingtoborrowanyadditionalfunds.
Listeningtoourcommunityalsoguidedour recentdecisiontokeepLinklaterReserveasan off-leashpark.Thankyoutothemany,many peoplewhotookthetimetosharetheirviewson
PianoSectionWinners 1st–TaylaAh-Chan 2nd–BenKang 3rd–YuShanLee
Adjudicator:KathrynMosley (Wellington) Tayladescribedtheconcertas “amemorableexperience.”
InstrumentalSectionWinners 1st–YuvinCho(flute) 2nd–RebeccaChen(violin) 3rd–YuShanLee(violin)
Adjudicator:IngridCulliford (Whanganui) Yuvincalledit“afabulous opportunity.”
PALMYFOCUS
VocalSectionWinners 1st–DanielHodgetts 2nd–LouisBarnes 3rd–AnnaReynolds Adjudicator:IainTetley(Whanganui) Danielsaiditwas“anexceptional experience.”
Theconcertshowcasedastunning rangeofmusic—soothing,uplifting, anddramatic.Theseyoungmusicians respondedwithpassionandskill. Congratulationstothemall!
this–itmadearealdifference.
It’sclearthatwedohearfromthepublic,and ournewCivicParticipationReportisanother stepinbeingtransparentaboutthat.Thereport outlinesallthewayswelistenandengagewith youeachyear,andhowyourfeedbackshapes Councildecisions.It’sagreatsnapshotofhow yourvoicehelpsguidethecity’sdirection–you canreaditnowonourwebsite.
Finally,PalmerstonNorthCityCouncil’s AnnualReportfor2024–25hasjustbeen adopted,givingourcommunityaclearpictureof howwe’veperformedandhowwe’vemanaged thecity’sfinancesandservicesoverthepastyear.
Somehighlightsinclude:
•44kilometresofroadsresealedand2,559 potholesfixed
•Nearly15,000nativeplantsaddedtoourparks andreserves
•Libraryvisitsup4.8%,withalmost64,000 peopletakingpartinprogrammesandevents Ahighlightoftheyearwasreceivingaclear auditopinionfromAuditNewZealand–the firstinfiveyears.Thisshowswe’vemadereal progressinstrengtheningoursystemsand processes,andit’ssomethingthewholecitycan beproudof.
Lookingahead,don’tforgettogetour ChristmaseventsinyourcalendarforDecember 7.Thisyearwe’rebringingtheChristmasParade andAVeryPalmyChristmasConcerttogether onthesamedayforonebigfestivecelebration forthewholewhānau.Allthedetailsareonour website
Andasalways,ifyou’vegotaquestion,idea, orjustwanttoshareyourthoughts,please reachouttoourcallcentre,viaourwebsite, socialmediaorgetintouchwithyourelected members.Wealwaysappreciatehearingfrom you.
Ngāmihi, GrantSmithJP MayorofPalmerstonNorth
LocalRidersSupportingKidsgroup inPalmerstonNorthisrunningan eventtocollecttoyssochildrenand youngpeopleinourserviceshavea presentthisChristmas.
Thefounder,Steve,hasplacedcollectionboxesatshops acrossPalmerstonNorth,andwillleadarideofaround 300motorcycliststoManaPoriruaandback.Tojoin, riderssimplyregisterwithabrand-newtoyforachild orteeninourservice.TheeventisbeingheldonNov16, butthetoyboxcollectionclosesinacoupleofweeks. Thisyear’srideisalsoinhonourofSteve’swife,Mama Jo,whopassedawaysuddenly.Steveiskeepingher legacyalivebymakingsurechildrendon’tgowithouta gift–somethingshewasdeeplypassionateabout.
Art,Legacy,andPlace
TeManawaMuseumisproudtosharetheinaugural recipientoftheFairTrustArtPrize:Wellington-based multi-mediaartistEmilyHartley-Skudder.
ANewNationalPrize HonoursEileenFairin theManawatū
Thissignificantnewnational prize,madepossibleby theEstateofDrEileenFair, offers$40,000tosupportthe developmentofanewbodyofwork over12months,aboldinvestment inthefutureofcontemporary artinAotearoa,andaheartfelt commitmenttothepeopleof Manawatū.
Hartley-Skudder’supcoming exhibitionwillexplorethehistoric women’srestroom‘LadiesRest’ inTeMaraeoHine–TheSquare. Thispublicspace,oncearefuge forwomeninthecitycentre,offers alensthroughwhichtoexamine gender,architecture,andthesocial valueofeverydayplaces.
“ThestoryoftheLadiesRestis complex,”saysEmily.“Notonly fromahistoricalorarchitectural perspective,butfromasocial perspective.TheresearchIam undertakingallowsmetohighlight thevalueofordinary,publicand privatespacesinsocietyandthe genderdivisionsattachedtothem.”
Knownforhervibrantoilpaintings andimmersiveinstallations,Emily’s workoftenblendsnostalgiawith criticalreflection.Herpractice invitesaudiencestore-examine thefamiliar,andtoconsiderwhatit meanstofeelsafe,seen,andatrest.
TheFairTrustArtPrizewas
establishedinaccordancewiththe wishesofDrEileenFair,aManawatū scientist,traveler,dancer,actor, businesswoman,andpassionatearts advocate.Overherlifetime,Eileen builtaformidableartcollection andremaineddeeplyengagedwith contemporarythinking.Herlegacy nowlivesonthroughthisprize, designedtobringartistsatthetop oftheirfieldtoManawatū,tomake high-qualityartaccessible.
Emilywillhaveanexhibitionopen atTeManawaArtGalleryinAugust 2026,andaworkfromtheshowwill entertheTeManawaArtCollection.
assistance,oraccesstotheparliamentaryprocess.
Connectwithme: Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz•06323725 51FergussonStreet,Feilding suzeredmaynempsuzeredmaynerangitikei
AuthorisedbySRedmayne,ParliamentBuildings,Wgtn.
EmilyHartley-Skudderadmires‘thegreenroom’laundryatthehomeof thelateDrEileenFair.Photo:DavidLe
Palmerston North’s Centrepoint Theatre
Palmerston North’s Centrepoint Theatre has raised more than a third of funds needed to complete a $5 million rebuild of its premises and has firmly set its sights on a 2027 opening.
General Manager Kate Louise Elliott says the project will enable the 50-year-old theatre to better host its patrons, visiting artists and new audiences. “Theatre is exciting because it’s living and always changing,” Elliott says. “Improvements to our facility will allow our spaces to accommodate new productions and firm favourites in flexible and sustainable ways ”
She says the team is aware of the hard work ahead of them, particularly in the current funding environment, but has been encouraged by the enthusiasm and generosity of those who had been approached to help thus far “With great people behind us, we can do this.”
The rebuild project will retain the existing structure of the Church St premises while reconfiguring, extending and greatly improving the spaces within. This includes a new box office and expanded arrival lobby for patrons, new staff offices, performer dressing rooms, and backstage areas. “Some of it’s a touchup while some of it is a vast improvement on a building that continues to serve us well but could serve us much better,” she says “With an improved facility, we can direct all of our efforts into bringing even more fantastic theatre to our community through our main-stage and outreach programmes.”
Centrepoint moved into its current Church Street location, former railway workshops, in 1978. It has produced more than 400 main bill productions, employed more than 3000 actors, directors, and designers, and injected over six million dollars into the Palmerston North economy
Elliott says Centrepoint has produced more homegrown plays than any other theatre and is the only remaining professional theatre house in regional Aotearoa “We’ve got an amazing community of supporters, and a significant legacy to look after – for them.”
With around two years to go, achieving its vision of ‘bigger, bolder and more inviting’ means that Centrepoint has some work to do, but with a third of its funding already secured, it is a show that’s well on the road.
CommunityGrantsProgram
In2025,Ventiaproudly continueditscommitmentto supportingthecommunities weliveandworkinby deliveringitsCommunity GrantsProgramtotheheart oftheManawatūregion.
Withover40inspiring nominationsreceived, theprogramawarded 30,000dollarsinfundingacross15 deservingcommunitygroups,each doingincrediblemahitoupliftand strengthentheirlocalareas.
Fromgrassrootsinitiativesto longstandingorganisations,the responsefromtheManawatū communitywasoverwhelming.It wasatruereflectionofthepassion anddedicationthatexistsacross theregion.
Theselectionprocesswasno easytask,withsomanygroups demonstratingadeepcommitment tomakingadifference.Whatstood outmostwasthesharedspiritof aroha,resilience,andkotahitanga (unity).
Ventia’sCommunityGrantsare morethanjustfinancialsupport. Theyareaboutrecognisingand
amplifyingtheeffortsofthosewho goaboveandbeyondtocreate thriving,inclusive,andsustainable communities.Whetheritishelping thecommunitygainlifeskills, supportingwhānauthroughtough times,orcreatingspaceswhere peoplefeelsafeandconnected, thesegrantshelpturngood intentionsintolastingimpact.
Aspartofourbroadersocial sustainabilitygoals,Ventiaisproud toplayaroleinbuildingtrusted relationshipswithlocalstakeholders andcontributingtopositivesocial outcomes.Withover428groups supportedandmorethan728,000
dollarsgrantedacrossNewZealand andAustraliatodate,theprogram continuestogrowinreachand heart.
InManawatū,the2025grants havealreadysparkedjoy, strengthenedcommunityties,and empoweredlocalchangemakers.It isareminderthatwhenwecome togetherasbusinesses,individuals, andhapori(communities),wecan achieveincrediblethings.
AtVentia,webelieveindoing morethanjustdeliveringservices. Webelieveinbeingpartofthe community,walkingalongside thosewhomakeitbettereveryday. ThroughinitiativeslikeourVentia CommunityGrantsProgram,weare proudtohelpbuildafuturethatis brighterforeveryone.
Announcementsofthegrant recipientswillbemadeinthe comingweeksbesuretostay tuned.
PALMYFOCUS
ThisNovember,Palmerston Northissettohosttwo vitalcommunityevents, invitingeveryoneto celebratewhānau,support wellbeing,andpromote healthyrelationships.
arkyourcalendarfora communitysunrisebreakoe andafun-filleddayforthe wholefamily!
WhiteRibbonFREEFamilyFunDay! Getreadyforanafternoonofaction andentertainment!TheWhiteRibbon FamilyFunDayisaFREE communitycelebration takingplaceonSunday, November23rd,atRoss Intermediatefrom 10am–2pm,rainor shine.Thisdayisa collectivepledgeto fosteraroha,inclusion, andrespectful relationshipsacrossthe Manawatū.
•FamilyfunlikeFacePainting,live Music,andmore!
•Accesstoimportantcommunity resources,includingMedicalChecks.
TheWhiteRibbonisapowerful symbolinAotearoa—apromiseto notcondoneorremainsilentabout violence,particularlyagainstwomen andwhānau.
FREEbuseswillbeavailableon theday;catchroutes101&106toget directlytotheevent.
InternationalMen’sDay:Kaiand Kōrero
Justbeforethefamilyfunday,in theheartofthecitytheBBQwillbe crankingtomarkInternational Men’sDaywithaFREE communitybreakfaston Wednesday,November 19th,from6:30am–8:30aminTheSquare (bythei-site).
Thisisn’tjustadayoffun; it’sapartywithapurpose. Bringthekids(andthebigkids!)to enjoy:
•TheBouncyCastle,games& activities
•MeettheWhiteRibbonRidersand checkouttheirbikes.
•TeddyBearPicnicandStoryTime forthelittleones.
•EnjoyaSausageSizzleand Refreshments.
It’sasupportive, family-friendlyevent whereyoucan:
•EnjoyaFREE Breakfast—ComefortheKai orforaKōrero.
•GrabaGoodyBag.
•Connectwithlocalorganizations committedtomen’shealthand whānausupport.
Together,thesetwoeventscreate apowerfulweek,highlightingthat connection,respect,andcollective carearethefoundationforastrong, safe,andthrivingcommunityforallof Manawatū.
Upstairssafetyrail installedatRegent
It’snotoftenatheatrereduces itsseatingbuttheRegenton Broadwayhaslost31seatsfor agoodcause.
It’sremovedthefrontrow upstairsandreplaceditwitha safetyrailwithtransparent,inlaid glasspanels.
GeneralManager,DavidWalsh, said,whilenoevidenceofany majorincidentshasoccurred, theheightofthecurrentrailhas beenaconcern.“Underhealth andsafetyrequirements,there wasalwaysachanceanaccident couldhappen,”hesaid.
“I’vebeeninvolvedwiththe Regentonandoffformorethan 40years,and,asfarasIcan remember,we’vehadaclean safetyrecord.”
TheRegentonBroadway checkedoutthesafetyrailat therestoredIsaacTheatreRoyal inChristchurchanddecidedto installasimilaroneinPalmerston North.
Therail,describedbyTrust Boardchairman,DavidLea, as“practical,aesthetically pleasingandnon-invasive”,was positionedinJulyandcompleted lastmonth.
“Thenewsafetyrailprovides greatersecurityforpatrons upstairs,”Walshsaid.“RpwB isnowthefrontrowandoffers perfectsightlines.”
CONTACT:DavidWalsh, GeneralManager,Regenton Broadway(027-227-4657).
HOMES WITH HEART Why We Do What We Do
by Audrey Grinter, Property Management Advisor – Watson Integrity
When people ask what I love most about property management, my answer is always the same It’s the people
Behind every key we hand over is a story A family finding their next chapter, a young couple moving into their first home together, or a student leaving home to begin their next adventure As property managers, we get to be part of those moments, helping connect people with homes where life happens
But I’ll be honest, it’s not an easy job We’re often pulled in every direction: tenants needing urgent help calling owners with updates maintenance contractors juggling schedules, and colleagues looking for quick answers The phone doesn’t stop, and the inbox rarely empties The hours can be long, and sometimes it feels like you’re solving ten problems at once
There are days when people are upset or frustrated, and you end up taking the brunt of something completely out of your control such
as a burst pipe, a delayed part, or a rent arrears issue that’s still processing You do your best to stay calm, professional, and fair And then, just when you’re running on empty, a tenant drops off a thankyou card or an owner surprises you with a kind Google review Those small gestures mean the world They remind you that what you do matters
Property management is about people, not just properties Sure, there’s plenty of paperwork and checklists, but underneath it all, it’s about trust, communication, and care Every conversation, inspection, and repair connects to someone’s home and their sense of security There’s more to this work than what’s written on the job description It’s about being dependable when things go wrong and fair when tensions run high We do our best to get the details right, but what really matters is how we treat those we work with That’s the part that makes the long days’ worth it
Because at the end of the day, we don’t just manage properties, we look after people too
InternationalDayof PersonswithDisabilities –MidCentral2025
OnWednesday,December3rd,PalmerstonNorthwill proudlycelebratetheInternationalDayofPersonswith Disabilitiesforthesecondyearrunning.Thisvibrantevent isallaboutfun,awareness,andinclusion—bringingour communitytogethertohonourandupliftdisabledpeople.
Expectalivelydayfilledwith music,games,wheelchair races,andtheever-popular obstaclecourse.Teamsfromlocal organisationswillcompetein challengesdesignedtosimulate differentdisabilities—offeringboth entertainmentandinsightinto everydaybarriers.
Theeventhighlightsthevoices andtalentsofdisabledpeople,with manyinvolvedthroughstalls,small businesses,andvolunteering.It’s acelebrationofparticipationand visibility.
P Purple the colour of disability awareness—willbeeverywhere.From flagsandcookiestosignsandplay money,eventheiconicclocktower willglowpurple.Organiserswillbe deckedoutinpurpletoo,addingto thefestivevibe.
Inthelead-up,lookoutfor funstuntsaroundtown.Spot theIDoPwDlogochalkedon pavements?Snapaphotoandshare itonFacebook!There’llbepractice obstaclerunsandlight-hearted videostobuildexcitement.
Anewadditionthisyearisthe “PurpleDuckHunt.”Forty-eight adorablerubberducks,eachtagged withastory,willbehiddenaround TheSquare.Clueswillbeposted online,andanyonewhofindsaduck andbringsittotheeventwillwin aprize.Beforethehuntbegins,all duckswillbereleasedforaswimin thepond—watchforthevideo! Joinusinmakingthisday unforgettable.Wearpurple,bring yourenergy,andhelpcelebratethe incrediblecontributionsofdisabled peopleinourcommunity.
Joinuson December5thfrom4pmfor an awesome nightout at Crafts Eats & Beats @ The Square! We’recountingonyoutomakethisnightspecial. Shop fromthemosttalentedlocalcrafters, enjoymouth-watering food anddesserts, andtake a well-deservedbreakfromthe kitchen. Stick aroundforlivemusic andenjoy a relaxed eveningrightintheheartofourcity. It’s all aboutcommunity, goodvibes, and a fun nightouttogether
JoinusonDecember5thfrom4pmforanawesome nightoutatCraftsEats&Beats@TheSquare! We’recountingonyoutomakethisnightspecial.Shop fromthemosttalentedlocalcrafters,enjoymouth-watering foodanddesserts,andtakeawell-deservedbreakfromthe kitchen.Stickaroundforlivemusicandenjoyarelaxed eveningrightintheheartofourcity.
It’sallaboutcommunity,goodvibes,andafun nightouttogether
I’mincrediblydisappointedwith theMinistryofEducation’srecent decisiontoremoveanumberofrural Manawatūschoolbusroutes,creating additionalbarrierstostudents attendingschool.
I’vebeenworkinghardtoadvocate forcommunitiesaffectedbythe Ministry’sproposal,andwillcontinue toputpressureontheGovernmentto rectifythissituation.Currentschool transportinManawatūiseffective, andkeepingthestatusquowillallow studentstocontinuetosafelytravel tokura.
Whiletemporaryserviceswill remaininplacebetweenAshhurstand allsecondaryschoolsinPalmerston NorthinTerm12026,beyond thattherearenoplansinplaceto transportstudentstolocalschools.
Thenewswasworseforotherrural communities–theGovernmenthas chosentoremoveschoolbusservices entirelybetweenPalmerstonNorth andFoxton,Tangimoana,Sanson, NewburyandBunnythorpefrom 2026.
AMinistryofEducationrequest forHorizonsRegionalCounciltotake onresponsibilityforschooltransport hasagainbeendeclined,andI supportHorizonsintakingthisstand.
TreeLighting
Horizons,andratepayers,shouldnot beburdenedwithrunningschoolbus servicesthatshouldbeprovidedby theMinistryofEducation.
EarlierthisyearIwroteto EducationMinister,EricaStandford, encouraginghertoinitiateareview ofthe100yearoldpolicyonschool transport,whichisnolongerfitfor purpose,butthattheMinistryinsists onimplementingtotheletter.
Whenstudentsarenoteligiblefor schooltransportbecausetheyare notattendingtheirclosestschool, buttheycannotattendtheirclosest schoolbecausetheydonotlivewithin thatschool’senrolmentzone,there isclearlysomethingwrong,andthe policyneedstobeaddressed.
Thisisaveryrealsituationforsome inthewiderManawatūcommunity, andIacknowledgehowdifficultand unfairthismustfeelforthosefamilies.
TheMinistry’sreviewprocesshas beenappalling,leavingfamiliesand schoolsinlimboforfartoolong. Intheabsenceofanyalternative plan,familiesarenocloserto understandingthefinancialand logisticalimpactstransporting studentstoschoolwillhaveonthem.
Decisionsneedtobetakenthat supportanincreaseattendance.All thisdecisiondoesisputadditional barrierstoschoolattendanceinplace. ThemessagefromtheGovernment isclear–supportingruralManawatū studentstoattendschoolisnotits priority.
SteamInc’sHeritage TrainsReturnfor WhanganuiVintage Weekend
SteamIncorporatedisdelightedtobringits iconicheritagesteamtrainsbacktoWhanganui VintageWeekendon17–18January2026.
Followinglastyear’ssold-out success,theKapiti-based operatorwillagainrun steamandvintagedieselservices, featuringarareappearancebyAb 608“Passchendaele”,ahistoric locomotivebuiltin1915and namedinmemoryofthoselostat theBattleofPasschendaele.
Ahighlightoftheweekend istheFeildingFlyeronSunday, offeringpassengersafull-day excursiontoFeildingwithtime toexplorebeforereturningin vintagestyle. Saturday’sprogrammeincludes fouruniquerides: •KaiIwiTrekker–climbthe famed1in35grade •RuatangataWanderer–travel throughscenictunnels •Steam&Cuisine–enjoya freshlypreparedeveningmeal onboard
EventManagerFergusReid says,“Ticketsmakeperfect
Christmasgiftsandadd somethingtrulyspecialtothe festivalatmosphere.”SteamInc’s TommySeckeradds,“Wecan’t waittobebacksharingthemagic ofrailwithWhanganui.”
Withcapacityforover300 passengers,thetrainsarea tourismdrawcardandanostalgic experienceforallages.Tickets startat$49andcanbebooked viasteaminc.org.nz,bycalling 0800783264,oremailing admin@steaminc.org.nz.
SteamIncorporated acknowledgesthesupportof MADMedia,PlumberDan,Dave HoskinCarriers,SteamRail Whanganui,andtheWhanganui Chronicle. Formediaenquiriesorbehindthe-scenesaccess,contact TommySeckerat tommy.secker@steaminc.org.nz or0274954131.
TeMaraeoHine–TheSquare 4December 6-9pm
ChristmasParade
TeMaraeoHine–TheSquare 7December 2-3pm
ChristmasConcert
TeMaraeoHine–TheSquare 7December 3:30-7:30pm
ATASTEOFTHEPAST: HeritageCalendarServesUp PalmerstonNorth’sDiningHistory
FrompicnicsintheGorgeto militarymealsinthefield,the waythepeopleofPalmerston Northhavedinedoverthepast centuryisattheheartofthelatest calendarfromthePalmerstonNorth HeritageTrust.
Nowinits17thedition,thecalendar showcasesarichselectionofhistoric imagesfromManawatūHeritage (PalmerstonNorthCityLibraries)and TeManawaMuseum’scollections, showinghowwe’vegathered, celebrated,andadaptedthroughwar, economicshifts,socialchange,and evenapandemic.
Inselectingtheimages,the PalmerstonNorthHeritageTrusthas endeavouredtoshowcaseawide rangeofdiningexperiences–from
bustlingcafesandrestaurantsto grandeventsandholidayparties. SeethetearoomsattheoldCM RossbuildingandtheEsplanade,the grandopeningofPalmerstonNorth’s firstKentuckyFriedChickenin1974 (withglassesofwine!),partyfarefor paperboys,restaurantmatchbooks, menusandmuchmore.
AnidealChristmasgift,the calendarcanbepurchasedatthe HeritageDesk(2ndFloor)inthe CentralLibraryfor$15(cashorbank transferonly).
Havediningmemories, photographsorephemeraofyour owntoshare?TheHeritageTeam atPalmerstonNorthCityLibrary wouldlovetohearfromyouat heritage@pncc.govt.nz.
PalmerstonNorth,NZ— ManawatūPeople’sRadio (MPR)andtheManawatū StorytellersCollectivehavesigned aMemorandumofUnderstanding (MOU),launchinganewpartnership toproducelocallymade audiobooksthatcelebratethe region’sliteraryandvocaltalent.
Thiscollaborationwillpairlocal authorswithnarratorstobring Manawatūstoriestolife,forming theregion’sfirstsustainable audiobookhub.Productionwilltake placeatCreativeSoundsInc.and MPR’sstudios,keepingtheprocess community-based.
Theinitiativebuildsona successfulpilotfundedby PalmerstonNorthCityCouncil’s CreativeCommunitiesscheme, whichsawtwoaudiobooksbegin production.Co-foundersRiley ChanceandBingTurkbysoughta partnertoexpandtheproject,and MPRwasproudtooffersupport, facilities,andfundingguidance.
“Thispartnershipisacelebration oflocalcreativity,”saidFraser Greig,KaiwhakahaereatMPR. “Ithonourstherichnessof ourcommunity’sliteraryand performingtalent.”
Theprojectaimstomakelocal literaturemoreaccessible,develop narratorskills,andengagethe communitythroughworkshops. Audiobookswillbeavailableon
popularplatforms,withauthornarratorconnectionshostedon MPR’swebsite.MPRalsowelcomes broadcastingbooksininstallments.
“We’rethrilledtobeworking withMPR,”saidRileyChance.“It’s achancetoelevatelocalvoicesin aformatthat’sengaging,inclusive, anddeeplyconnectedtoour region.”
TheMOUreflectsashared commitmenttocreative collaboration,localtalent development,andcultural enrichmentinManawatū.
(Lefttoright,backtofront):Riley ChanceandBingTurkby,Tumu WhenuaCo-foundersoftheManawatū StorytellersCollective,FraserGreig (Kaiwhakahaere-Manager),Margie Comrie(Tiamana–Chairperson)and HughDingwall(Kaituituikaupapapāho –ContentCoordinator)ofMPR.Photo courtesyofJimmyEllingham.
SPORT with Hamish McKay
WhileIloveappraising yourpropertyacrossthe Manawatu,I’vetakena fewminutestoappraise theperformanceofthe Manawaturugbyteam.
Iurgeyoutoforgettheoccasional scoreboardblowout.2025has beenaseasonofhugeprogress bytheTurbos.
Allofushaveavestedinterest inourteam.Ourpulseriseswhen wethinkofNickCrosswelland theboysbeatingCanterburyback intheday.WefeeltheCassius theColtvibewhenwethink ofapinpointGlynnChampion wiperskickfor66kilogram drippingwetJoeSchmidtto scoreagainstFrancein‘89.What
aboutDonaldson,Grangerand O’Callahagnandthequicktaptry againstWellingtonin‘78?Thebuns atCoachHamersbakeryhadextra creamthatMonday.
Let’snotbeataroundthebush. WebeatWellingtononwhatwould provetobeamagnificentold timersday.Everybodywasthere, includingKevin‘Herb’Schuler,who wasrumouredtohavewokentwo dayslateronacouchsomewhere outCheltenhamway.We dispatchedastrongWaikatoteam
alongwithNorthHarbour.Ihadthe privilegeofcommentatingthese gamesforGOLDSPORT.Itfeltlike 1977and1980alloveragain! Therewerethoughsome incrediblyfrustratingmoments. Iblamemyselffortakingon quizmasterdutiesforHSOB juniorrugby.Thiscommitment meantIwithdrewfromcallingthe Southlandgame.IfI’dbeinthebox Iwouldnothavealloweda22nil leadgowest!AgainstAucklandmy Jaffamatesthoughtweweregoing
toput50onthem. Criticallyaplaceinthetop8 camedownto3or4poordecisions everyhalfoffooty.Heartbreaking stuffforourmostexcellent coachingstaffledbyWesleyClarke. Butwehavethecattletoworkwith. Individualplayers-TKHowden theraw-bonedworkhorse,and thenewPaulBroederlow,George KoniatypeplayerKyleBrown-are superb.Andlet’shopein2026we areinjuryfree.Bringon2026!
Timeto makea splash
Horizonsdivesintoswimspotmonitoringseason
HorizonsRegionalCouncilis gettingtheregionreadyfor warmsummerdaysbyrolling outitswaterqualitytesting programme.
Horizonsenvironmental monitoringscientistIanHurst saysstaffwillbemonitoring morethan80sitesacrosstheregion from3November2025to3April 2026.
“WetestforE.coliatfreshwater sitesandEnterococciatcoastalsites tomeasurefaecalcontamination,” saysMrHurst.
“Findingthesebacteriain waterwayssuggestsotherpathogens, whichareharmfultohumanhealth, mayalsobepresent.
“AsE.coliandEnterococciare notvisibletothehumaneye,taking samplesandsendingthemtoan independentlabforprocessingisa keywaywecanhelppeoplemake informedchoicesaboutwhereto swimthissummer.”
Samplesaretakenoncea weekbeforebeinganalysedat anindependentlab,withresults uploadedtotheLAWAwebsite,says MrHurst
“Horizonsdoesnotcloseswim spots,suchasswimmingholesor beaches,whenaresultindicatesan areaisunsuitableforswimming–the decisiontoswimalwaysremainswith individuals.
“However,testresultscanhelp informpeopleaboutwhereandwhen toswim.”
“IfpeopleuseLAWAandfindtheir usualspotisunsuitableforswimming, they’llalsobeabletoseewhatspots aresuitableforswimming.Whilenot beingabletogotoausualspotisnot ideal,itdoesgivetheopportunityto exploreotherswimspotsacrossthe region.”
Itisalsoimportantpeoplekeepan eyeoutforcyanobacteria,saysMr Hurst.
“Cyanobacteria,whichappearsas blackmatsonrocksinriversandas greenscuminandabovewaterin
lakes,canbetoxictoanimalsand people.
“Whilepeoplemaysufferconditions suchasgastroenteritis,respiratory illness,andearandskininfections fromcomingintocontactwithwater withelevatedlevelsofcyanobacteria, animalsareespeciallyprone.
“Cyanobacteriagivesoffamusty smellwhichdogsseemtolove,but butingestingcyanobacteriahasthe potentialtobeseriouslyharmfulto dogs.
“Besuretokeepaneyeonyour petsaroundwaterways,especiallyif cyanobacteriaispresentinthearea.”
Peopleshouldalsoconsiderother safetymatters,especiallyaround rivers,beforegettinginthewater, saysMrHurst.
“Pleasestayoutofwaterifithas raininedheavilywithinthelast72 hours,asthiscancreatefasterflowingwaterandcontributeto higherlevelsoffaecalcontamination.
“Itisimportanttocheckany swimspotbeforeswimming.Thisis especiallytrueafterheavyrain,as
thingsmayhavechangedbeneath thesurfacesinceyouwerelastthere. Besuretocheckforlargeobjectsin areaswhereyoumaybeswimming –thisisveryimportantifyouare planningtodive,dobombsorpopa manu.
“Riversandbeachesacross AotearoaNewZealandcanbe unpredictableandtheirpowereasyto underestimate.Donotenterthewater alone,activelysupervisechildren,and stayoutifyouarenotaconfident swimmer.
“Alsoavoidswimmingclosetocliff facesincaseofslips,whichcanoccur anytime.Finally,call111duringany emergencyatawaterway.
“Itisimportantweallremember andfollowsafetyadvice.More informationabouthowtostaysafein andaroundriversandbeachescanbe foundatwww.watersafetynz.org.”
Peoplecanfindthelatestswimspot monitoringresultsforsitesacrossthe countrybygoingtowww.lawa.org.nz andselectingthe‘CanISwimHere?’ tab.
Wedoearwaxremoval,Hearingscreeningsforbusinesses. WearealsoACCproviders.
FocusonManawatū
OctoberbeganwithFeilding’s RuralDay–amuch-lovedlocal traditionthatbringstown andcountrytogethertocelebrate everythingweloveaboutruraland provinciallife.
IteamedupwithmyRuralNats colleaguesMikeButterick,Catherine WeddandBarbaraKuriger,and joinedoutgoingMayorHelen Worboystojudgetheever-popular lambandcalfparade.Later,Catherine andIswappedthejudgingpens forgumboots,tacklingthefamous GumbootRelaywithplentyof laughs(andtheoccasionallost boot!)alongsideAlexandLucyfrom theYoungNats.Itwasahilarious reminderoftheteamworkand goodhumourthatdefineruralNew Zealand.
Mid-Octobersawthreeweeks ofparliamentarysittings,andI’m pleasedtosharesomegoodnews fromWellington.Womenaged70 and74arenoweligibleforfree breastscreening,markingthefirst stepinthenationwideageextension. Earlydetectionsaveslives,andthis changemeansmorewomencan accessvitalscreeningwithoutcost beingabarrier.Newmotherswillalso benefitfromextrasupport,withthe GovernmentadoptingNationalMP CatherineWedd’smember’sBillto guaranteethree-daypostnatalstays.
There’smorepositiveprogress onlawandordertoo,withserious andpersistentyouthoffending down16percent–surpassing theGovernment’s2029targetof 15percentfouryearsearly.This outstandingresultreflectsstronger coordinationbetweenagencies, greaterinvestmentintransitional support,andinnovativecommunityledprogrammes,allbackedbythe hardworkofOrangaTamariki,Courts andPoliceteamscommittedtosafer communities. BackhomeinthemightyRangitīkei, I’mpleasedtosharesomegood newsforruralconnectivity.Three newmobiletowersarenowlivein
Rangitīkei,alongwithanotherthree intheRuapehuDistrict.Anew5G towerontheedgeofMartonis bringingfasterandstrongercoverage to98.8%ofthetown’spopulation. BuiltbytheRuralConnectivity Group,thesetowersareimproving coverageacrossourcommunitiesand onourruralroads.Theyalsoensure everyonecanreachthe111emergency network,nomattertheirprovider.
I’vebeenpushingforbetterrural connectivityforsometime,soit’s fantastictoseetheseupgrades happening.AbigthankyoutoMedia andCommunicationsMinisterHon PaulGoldsmithforbackingour region.Ofcourse,therearestillblack spotsacrossthemightyRangitīkei, sothejobisn’tfinishedyet–but it’sgreattoseerealprogressbeing made.
Finally,congratulationstoall newlyelectedandreturning Mayors,CouncillorsandCommunity Boardmembers.Campaigning takescourage,commitmentanda greatdealofenergy.Thankyouto everyonewhoputtheirhandupto serve–yourdedicationstrengthens localdemocracyandhelpsshapethe futureofourcommunities.
Asalways,ifyouhaveanything you’dliketodiscuss,pleasefeelfree todropmealine.EmailmeatSuze. RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz,or call063237253.Youcanalsofollow meonFacebookatfacebook.com/ SuzeRedmayneMP.
CELEBRATESPRING attheCrossHills GardensCountryFair
Markyourcalendars:theCrossHillsGardensCountryFair returnsonSaturday,15November2025,promisinganother unforgettabledayofshopping,foodandflowers.
Setwithin18acresofawardwinningRhododendron andAzaleagardensin Kimbolton,thisone-day-onlyfair bringstogethermorethan200 hand-pickedstallholdersfrom acrossNewZealand. Discoverbeautiful homewares, boutiquefashion, artisanfoods, plantsand handmadegifts, allsurrounded bythevibrant coloursand fragrancesof springinfull bloom.
Wandergarden pathsalivewith music,enjoydelicious bitesfromlocalfood vendorsandsoakuptherelaxed countryatmosphere.Whether you’replanningagirls’day out,tickingoffyourChristmas shopping,orsoakingupthebeauty
ofthegardens,there’ssomething foreveryonetoenjoy.
Thefairrunsrainorshineand offersfreeparking,withentry$20 perpersonandunder-16sfree. Bringsomecashtomakethemost oftheday,asmanystallholders aresmalllocalmakers. Acelebrationof creativity,community andthebeauty oftheseason, theCrossHills GardensCountry Fairremains Manawatū’smost lovedspringevent. Don’tmissthe chancetowintickets —followCrossHills GardensCountryFairon FacebookandInstagram.
Saturday15November2025, 9am–4pm|CrossHillsGardens, Kimbolton.Moreinfo: www.crosshillsfair.co.nz
Outlet Store
RETIREMENT
Dowhatmakesyouhappy
WritesKemOrmond
Decidingtoretirecanbe quiteabigdecisionfor some,andforothers,they arecountingdownthedays.
Whenyoudecidetoretire andtakeupsomenew challenges,theonething youneedtomakesureofisthatyou dowhatmatterstoyou!
Youneedtofindmeaningand purposeinyourretirement,andthis isyourchancetothinkoutsidethe squareandevenspreadthosewings.
Travel...withatwist
Noteveryonecanaffordtotravelto
somewarmislandwheretheyserve cocktailsinoversizedglassesandthe sandisgoldenbetweenyourtoes.But thereareotherwaystotravelwhich arejustasexciting,butdifferent! Whynotconsiderhousesitting? ThiscantakeyoualloverNew Zealand,andwhatagreatwayto meetnewpeople.Youcouldalso houseswapwithafriendforachange ofscenery...let’shopeyourfriend livesinanicescenicareaofNew Zealand!
Insummer,youcouldlookinto seasonaljobs,somecomewith accommodationandwhatawayto enjoysummerandearnafewdollars
alongtheway. Ifyouareluckyenoughtobeable totraveloverseasandyouhave familyinSpainortheUKorEurope, youcouldrelocateseasonally,sono winter.Iwouldbeupforthat!
Growafriendbase
Retirementgivesyouthetimeto rekindleyourfriendbase,peoplewith whomyoumayhavelosttouchwith orfriendsyouhaven’tseeninawhile. Itisachancetojoinsomenewclubs, meetnewpeopleandgetoutand about.
Plantaveggiegarden Evenifyouhavelimitedspace,find roomtoplantafewveggies.You willgetalotofjoyoutofsharing yourfreshlygrownproducewith neighboursandfriends.
Learnanewlanguage Youarenevertoooldtolearn,and
learninganewlanguagecanbefun. Youwillmeetlike-mindedpeople,and Iknowinmytown,aFrench-speaking groupmeetforcoffeeandcroissants, andthisallowsthemtousetheir newfoundlanguageskills.
Getthatbookonthepress
Withallyournewfoundtime,maybe youcouldfinishoffthatbookthat youstarted,buthavenotfinished. ThatiswhatIamplanningtodoinmy retirement.Iamgoingtositundera lovelyshadedtree,withacooldrink, laptop,andfinallyfinishabookthat hasbeenalongtimeintheplanning. Infact,Iamsuretypewriterswerestill beingusedwhenIstartedit!
Enjoyyourretirementand remember...dowhatmakesyou happy,lifeistooshortfortheboring stuff!
FOCUSONHEALTH
LocalHealthlaunches freecervicalscreening acrossallpractices forNovember
LocalHealthismakingiteasierforpeopleinManawatū toaccessvitalcervicalscreening,withfreescreening throughoutNovemberfortheirpatients.
Thiswillbeavailableatall fourofitspractices:Feilding HealthCare,AshhurstHealth Care,PalmerstonNorthGroup Medical,andAwapuniMedical.
Cervicalcancercanbeprevented throughregularsmeartests,asit helpsdetectcellchangesbefore theydevelopintocancer.Local Healthiscommittedtoensuring everyonewithacervix-regardless ofgenderoridentity-hasaccess tothiseasy,life-savingtest.
“Weknowthatthecostof accessinghealthcarecanbe abarrierforpeopleinour community,especiallywiththe ongoingcostoflivingpressures,” saysLocalHealthChiefExecutive NickyHart.“Bycoveringthese costsourselves,wewanttogive everypatienttheopportunityto protecttheirhealth.”
Cervicalscreeningwillbe
availableforallpeopleaged25–69 withacervix,includingwomen, transmen,non-binaryandgenderdiversemembersofthecommunity. InNewZealand,around85%of cervicalcancersinNewZealand affectpeoplewhohaven’thada regularscreening.
“Wewillhavelimitedlunchtime andeveningappointments,tomake itaseasyaspossibleforpeople tofitthisintotheirday,”saysHart. “However,thesearelikelytoget bookedquitefast,soit’sbestto getinearly.Newdevelopmentsin screeningmeansthatwecanalso offeraself-swaboption.Ifyouare symptom-freewithahistoryof normalresults,askusaboutthese kits.”
PatientsenrolledwithFeilding andAshhurstHealthCarewillalso beabletoaccessawalk-inclinic, operatingafterhoursfromthe
FeildingHealthCarepremises.This willbeeveryThursdayinNovember from5:30pmto7pm,andno bookingisneeded.
Aspartofthisinitiative,Group MedicalinPalmerstonNorthis alsoacceptingnewenrolments frompatientswhowishtojointhe practiceandaccessfreescreening.
“Westronglyencourageanyone whoisdueforcervicalscreening,
Importantsoyoucanpayyour bills,keepintouchwithfamily andsearchtheinternet.
Theinternetisabottomlesspitof fun.Youcouldwatch100catvideos onlineeverydayandstillneverrun outofhilariousfelinehijinks.
Doyouknowthereareeven internetappsthatletyoudo jigsawsonline?Howgreatitisthat youdon’tneedtotakeupthewhole diningroomtablewaitingforitto befinished!
Therearesomegreatideas youcanimplementwithyour technology,forexample,why notstartablog?Writeabout youradventuresandmusingsin retirementandseehowmanyother retireesyouconnecttowhoare livingsimilarexperiencesallover NewZealand–andtheworld. Youcouldstartwritingthatbook youhavetalkedaboutforsolong, orwhynotstartafamilytree? Genealogycanbesointeresting. YoucouldevenstartaYouTube channelorgetintosocialmediaand joininontheTikTokandInstagram crazes.
orwhohasn’thadatestbefore, totakeupthisopportunity. Getyourselfsortedbeforethe distractionsoftheChristmas holidays-screeningisquick, simple,andcouldsaveyourlife.”
Tobookafreeappointment, patientscanbookonlinethrough theirpractice’sappointmentportal, orcallforAwapuniMedical.
Justbecauseyouretiredoesn’tmeanyouneedtolet technologyslide.Itissoimportantnowadaystokeep usingyourmobile,laptop,desktop,ortablet.
Thentherearesmartwatches, smarttelevisions,andsmart speakers.Thelistisendlessifyou lovetechnology.Andonceyouhave masteredthese,therewillalwaysbe someonewhoneedsahandwith theirs!
Learnanewskill Technologyopensaworldof
opportunitieswhenitcomesto learninganewskill.
YoucanwatchYouTubevideos onhowtorepairsomething,or youcouldlearnanewlanguage,so youareallreadyforthatoverseas holiday.
Whynotteachyourselfhowto playtheguitarorthepiano,oreven theflute?
Newtotechnology
Ifyouareretiringandhavebeen inajobthathasinvolvedlittleor notechnologybutnowhavethe timetolearn,thereareavarietyof communitylearningnetworksthat willbeabletosupportandassist youtoconfidentlyusetechnology. Alotoftheseclassesarerunby volunteers,andoften,classesare freeofcharge.
Healthandtechnology
Technologycangreatlybenefit olderpeople,makingitconvenient andsafetoconnectwithhealthcare professionalsandhavevirtualvisits fromthecomfortoftheirown homes.
Bookingappointmentsand organisingprescriptionrepeatscan bedonewithaclickofabutton. Don’tgiveup!
Althoughallthistechnology canlookdaunting,forthosewho persevere,therewardscanbe sofulfilling,completingtasks moreeasily,communicatingmore effectively,increasedindependence andasenseofachievement.
WritesKemOrmond
Our focus is you
Experience the Canopy Imaging difference with our patient-centric approach to medical imaging.
With four locations across the Manawatū and Horowhenua regions, we’re making high-quality imaging services accessible to our local communities.
•MRI & CT Scans
•Ultrasound
•X-Ray
•Mammogram
•Interventional Procedures
•Angiography
•Bone Density
•Pregnancy Imaging
Aperfectplacetobuild abusinessandalife
After10yearsofworkingforothers,TomDriffillwaseager tostarthisownconstructioncompany.Fastforwardanother 10yearsandNarleyConstructionhasbecomeaniconic ManawatūbusinessheadedupbyTomandhiswifeLisa.
Thecouplebelievealot ofthesuccesstheyhave experiencedisthankstoliving andworkinginManawatū.
“Manawatū’ssupportive communityandthriving constructionindustrymadeitanobrainerforus.Weknewthisregion wouldbeafantasticplacetogrow ourbusiness.”
TomandLisaalsoenjoythe strongsenseofcommunitysupport intheregion,it’sanenvironment thatmakesbalancingtheirtime betweenathrivingbusinessand timespentwiththeiryoungfamily allseempossible.
“Webothgrewupinrural
settings,sorurallifeisinourblood. Manawatūofferstheperfectblend ofcountrycharmandcommunity spirit,makingittheidealplaceto raiseourthreegirls,whilepursuing ourpassionforbuilding.Wecan’t imaginebeinganywhereelse.”
ItiscleartoseethatbothTom andLisaarepassionateaboutwhat theydo,andthatisobviousinthe waytheychoosetooperatetheir business,investingintheirteam andcreatingafeel-goodwork culture.
“Weapproacheverybuildasifit wereourownhome.Ourworkplace isvibrant,happy,andsolution-
focused,whichisreflectedboth intheofficeandon-site.Theteam knowstheirroles,areexcitedabout theprojects,andareconstantly learningwitheachbuild.”
Runningabusinessalwayshasits challenges,andtheteamatNarley arenotimmune.
“Therisingcostofbuilding materialsandtighterbudgets havebeenchallenging,especially withthecurrenteconomic climate.However,beingpartof theManawatūcommunitymeans wehaveaccesstoawealthof knowledgeandsupportthrough networksliketheRegisteredMaster Builders.Thecollaborationand sharedinsightswithintheindustry herehelpusnavigatethesetougher times.”
Tomalsopointsoutthatalthough theconstructionsectormayhave slowedslightly,thecommunity’s resilienceandtheregion’s affordabilitymakeitanexcellent placefornewbusinesses.
“Manawatūisathrivingregion, withplentyofdevelopmentand
newsubdivisionspoppingupinand aroundFeildingandPalmerston North.Plus,thepeoplehereare incrediblysupportive,whichmakes allthedifference.”
Outsideofwork,theDriffill’s enjoytheuniquelocationof Manawatū,thebeautifulscenery, abundanceofoutdooractivities andmorethananythingelsethe easeoflifestyleonoffer.
“Thelifestylehereisunbeatable. Wecanenjoyallourfavourite activities–running,mountain biking,andspendingtimewith friendsandfamily–rightherein Manawatū.Everythingissocentral andeasytogetaround,which makesitsimpletogetourkidsto alltheactivitiesthey’reinto.The peoplearefriendly,theschools arefantastic,andthecommunity iswelcoming.It’sathrivingregion thatofferseverythingweneedfor bothourbusinessandpersonal lives.”
Thisstorywasoriginallypublishedon www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz
BYALISONQUIGAN
FEILDING MARKETFIASCO
NOV15DEC13
BLACKOUT
TRIO
Findthethreelettersequence whichwill completeall thesewords
2digits: 60628890
3digits: 016188302
Manawatū What’s On
November/Whiringa-Ā-Rangi, 2025
EXHIBITIONS
UNTIL NOVEMBER 14:
LightinTheSquare10am – 2pm Mondays & Tuesdays, 10am - 5pm, and 10am - 8pm Thursdays, 60 The Square Info Karangaart com
UNTIL DECEMBER 1:
AfterBirth –respondingtochildbirth&parenting, FREE 9am
5pm Monday – Friday, Square Edge Community Arts, 47 The Square Info communityarts org nz/
PERFORMANCES
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6
BroadwayBound – 10 loca performers in an open mic style presentation 7pm, Globe Theatre 2, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409
MagicMenAustralia -LargerThanLife – R18 7.30pm Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
GUMBOOT FRIDAY - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7
RongoteaFireworksDisplay – Rongotea VolunteerFire Br gade 730pm, Te Kawau Memor al Recreation Centre, Wye St, Rongotea Info facebook com/p/Rongotea-Fireworks-disp ay
AnEveningwiththeCowboyJunkies:Celebrating40Years –730pm, Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
HighAltarw/ChristianWolves - 745pm, Snails ArtistRun Spaces, 103 Taonui St facebook com/snai sartistrunspace/
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8
IrisShow FREE entry, 9 30am – 3pm Community Leisure Centre Ferguson St. Info Carole Flyger027 346 2367 or06 357 3424
PalmyPlayFestival:Taiopengaā-Rēhia2025 – Games from around the world FREE, 11am – 2pm, Te Marae o Hine/The Square Info pncc govt nz/News-Events, 06 356 8199
GoingLocalPalmerstonNorth – How the music industry can help you – panel d scussion with reps from Music & Opera, Creative NZ, Recorded Mus c NZ NZ On Air, NZ Music Comm ssion, APRA AMCOS Aotearoa - 2pm The Stomach 84 Lombard St Info facebook com/TheStomach NZ, 06 359 0120
FireworksSpectacular (plus Ramp Derby & Ray TarrantMemorial Sidecars) 5pm, Palmerston North International Speedway, Pascal St Info venuespn co nz
LegatoVocalsShowcase - featuring ta entof al ages stages, and ranges, 6pm, Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
ManawatūCountry&WesternBonanzawithSuzannePrentice – New Stage Productions 7pm, Ngaere Ngatuere Auditorium, 391 Church St Info newstageproductions com
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9
TeHīkoiToi –withWarrenWarbrick: 9 50am – 1040am & 2pm –340pm Te Ahu a Turanga Western Gateway Park 1631 NapierRd Ashhurst. Info manawatunz.co.nz/events/te-hikoi-toi/
FeildingLunchontheSquare –EatStreetMarket:Food music and market, 10am – 2pm, ManchesterSquare, Fei ding Info Feilding and Distr ctPromotion iSite, feilding co nz 06 323 3318
BlackEyedSuzieftJessicaMurphy&friends atthe Manawatū Jazz Club, 5pm, Wi low Park Tavern, 820 Tremaine Ave, Roslyn Info mjc org nz
MurderMysteryInteractive‘GreatGatsby’ - 7pm Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11 – REMEMBRANCE DAY
RemembranceDayService – 11am, Cenotaph Te Marae o H ne –The Square Info pncc govt nz/News-Events/, 06 356 8199
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12
ManawatūGardenFestival – 1/5 20 Manawatū gardens to explore and apprec ate,10am – 4pm Info manawatunz co nz/gardenfest
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13
ManawatūGardenFestival – 2/5 20 Manawatū gardens to explore and apprec ate10am – 4pm. Info manawatunz. co nz/gardenfest
AnEveningwithPetaMathias:BookLaunch 6pm, Te Puna, 375 Lethbridge Rd, Fei ding Info manawatunz co nz/events
MegaFunCarnival – 6 30pm – 10pm, Rai way Land Reserve Info mahonsamusements co nz
Taylor:AtributetotheeraofTaylorSwift – 7pm Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14
ManawatūGardenFestival– 3/5 20 Manawatū gardens to explore and apprec ate,10am – 4pm Info manawatunz co nz/gardenfest
Hearts&HomeswithArohanuiHospice – 1/2 self-drive tour of 10 top homes and gardens around Palmerston North Info heartsandhomes co nz
MegaFunCarnival– 6.30pm – 10pm Ra lway Land Reserve Info mahonsamusements co nz
SugarBabyLove– Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
TINA:TheUltimateTributetotheQueenofRock n’Roll with Caroline Borole – 8pm Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/ shows, 06 350 2100
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15
CrossHillsGardensCountryFair, 9am – 4pm 345 Rang wah a Rd K mbolton Info crossh llsfairco nz/
BloomingPlantSale1/2, 10am – 3pm, Heritage Park, Haggerty St, K mbolton Info 027 453 2433
ManawatūGardenFestival– 4/5 20 Manawatū gardens to explore and appreciate,10am – 4pm Info manawatunz co nz/gardenfes
Hearts&HomeswithArohanuiHospice – 2/2, self-dr ve tour of 10 top homes and gardens around Palmerston North Info heartsandhomes co nz
AnOdetoSpring – Stalls, live music pop-up bar food trucks, outdoorc nema, and nature-based activit es FREE entry 10 30am – 7pm, Manawatū Gorge Scenic Reserve Carpark SH3 Info gorgequarternz/
MegaFunCarnival– 11am – 5pm & 6 30pm – 10pm, Railway Land Reserve Info mahonsamusements co nz
FeildingFriendlyTalentShow– 6pm, Fe lding Little Theatre, 21 Stafford St. Info feilding.co.nz
You’veBeenSpanked– SpankiesBirthdayBash! R21, 6pm, TeacherTeacher The Cobb, Main St Info 06 357 8002
SugarBabyLove– Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm, Globe Theatre 312 Main St. Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409.
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, CentrepointTheatre, Church St Info centrepo nt co nz, 06 354 5740
YoungWizardsandRubberChickenswiththeManawatū ConcertBand,730pm, Speirs Centre, PNBHS, Featherston St Info facebook com/ManawatuConcertBand, manawatuconcertband org nz
Kit‘nKaboodle– drums & piano, 730pm, Hokowh tu Bowling Club 279 AlbertSt Info facebook com/BentHorseshoeCafe, 027 368 2367
DoubleFeaturewithCallumWagstaffandGeorgeFenn(asSexy GhostBoy)– R18 comedy, 730pm, Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
SoundsintheNightftGovernmentPest,Plagueditch,Pagan LoveSong,AfterExpiry - 745pm, Snails ArtistRun Spaces, 103 Taonui St facebook com/snailsartistrunspace/
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16
BloomingPlantSale 2/2, 10am – 3pm, Heritage Park, Haggerty St, K mbolton Info 027 453 2433
ManawatūGardenFestival – 5/5 20 Manawatū gardens to explore and appreciate10am – 4pm Info manawatunz co nz/gardenfest
MegaFunCarnival– FINAL, 11am - 5pm Railway Land Reserve Info mahonsamusements co nz
MONDAY NOVEMBER 17
BillBaileyVaudevillian – 8pm Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18
AndrewFagan– PassageofTime’solotour- 730pm Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info g obetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19
ShirleyXuPianoRecital, 1215pm Pathways St Andrews Presbyterian Church 388 Church St Info pathwayspresbyterianchurch nz/, 06 358 0884
Me‘n’Her– 2pm All Sa nts Commun ty Centre 338 Church St Info info@citymission co nz 06 355 1204
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 6 30pm, CentrepointTheatre, Church St Info centrepo nt co nz, 06 354 5740
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20
SugarBabyLove– Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, CentrepointTheatre, Church St Info centrepo nt co nz, 06 354 5740
ACelticChristmasbyATasteofIreland – 730pm, Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21
SugarBabyLove– Manawatū Theatre Society production 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm CentrepointTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
LukeKidgell: GoodIntentions – 7.30pm Regenton Broadway. Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22
FeildingRose&FlowerShow – FREE admission 12 30pm – 4pm, Feilding Bib e Chapel, Warwick St Info 06 323 7462
SugarBabyLove – Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm CentrepointTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
SevenDaysLive–ftJeremyCorbett,DaiHenwood,PaulEgo, JoshThomson,BenHurley,JustineSmithandHayleySproull, 730pm Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
Shane‘Hurricane’Wills – drums, bass & blues guitar 730pm Hokowhitū Bowling Club 279 AlbertSt Info facebook com/ BentHorseshoeCafe 027 368 2367
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23
RongoteaChristmasParade – Marketstalls from 11am, Parade 1pm, Doug as Square Thames St Rongotea Info rongotealions co nz
SugarBabyLove – Manawatū Theatre Society production, 4pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 4pm, Centrepoint Theatre, Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
WHITE RIBBON DAY - TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25
JohnBishop–25YearsofStandUp – 8pm, Regenton Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26
DianaNeild&Friends,12.15pm Pathways St Andrews Presbyterian Church 388 Church St Info pathwayspresbyterianchurch nz/ 06 358 0884
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 6 30pm, CentrepointTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27
SugarBabyLove – Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
LadiesNight– 1/1, New Stage Product ons, R18, 730pm, Fei ding Litt e Theatre Stafford St Info newstageproductions com
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, CentrepointTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28
SugarBabyLove– Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm Centrepoint Theatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29
FoxtonChristmasFair– 10am – 3pm, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Main St, Foxton Info facebook com/events/te-awahou-nieuwestroom/
TokomaruHallMarketDay - 10am – 1pm Tokomaru Hal Makerua Rd, Tokomaru Info facebook com/events/s/tokomaru-ha l-market-day
ManawatūCraftandFoodFair– 1/2, FREE entry, 10am – 3pm, BarberHal , Waldegrave St Info facebook com/ manawatucraftandfoodfair
HighlightsfromHandel’sMessiah - The Palmerston North Choral Society with ChamberOrchestra and soloists JenniferLittle, Lindsay Yeo, Sinead Keane with Annie Little & Roy Tankersley, 730pm Cathedral of the Holy Spir t, Broadway Info facebook com/ PNChoralSoc ety/
SugarBabyLove – FINAL Manawatū Theatre Society production, 7pm G obe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, CentrepointTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz, 06 354 5740
ModelHomexYonLoader&PiningRadiata+SportsDreams MidwestAotearoatour– 8pm, Sna ls ArtistRun Spaces 103 Taonui St facebook com/snailsartistrunspace/
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30
TeAwahouMini-FestCommunityDay – FREE entry – BBQ music entertainment, cha lenges, prizes, giveaways from 9am Main St, Foxton Info makingastatement co nz
ManawatūCraftandFoodFair– 2/2 FREE entry 10am – 3pm, BarberHall, Waldegrave St Info facebook com/ manawatucraftandfoodfair
DoubleClickDanceBand – 1-4pm Cossie Club, 22 Linton St Info pncoss eclubco nz/what-s-on, 06 357 6022
TheBubbleShowwithTheHighlandJoker, 2pm & 4pm Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 4pm Centrepo nt Theatre, Church St Info centrepo nt co nz, 06 354 5740
TUESDAY DECEMBER 2
MagicofChristmasNightMarket– 1/2, 3pm – 10pm Awapuni Racecourse Info magicofchristmas co nz
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3
InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities – try outdisab lity sports plus entertainment, food trucks stalls - 10am – 3pm, Te Marae o Hine/The Square Info facebook com/EGLMidCentral
It’sBeginningtoLookaLotLikeChristmas - Operatunity Dayt me Concerts, 11am, New Life Church, 590 Featherston St, Roslyn Info operatunityco nz/
MagicofChristmasNightMarket – 2/2, 3pm – 10pm Awapuni Racecourse Info magicofchristmas co nz
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 6 30pm, Centrepo ntTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz 06 354 5740
THURSDAY DECEMBER 4
AVeryPalmyChristmas:FlicktheSwitch– lightthe City Council Christmas Tree! Elves mus c, food trucks, 6pm - 9 30pm Te Marae o Hine/The Square Info pncc govt nz/ 06 356 8199
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, Centrepo ntTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz 06 354 5740
SonicDelusionSMOOOTHSingleReleaseTour– 730pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409
FRIDAY DECEMBER 5
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, Centrepo ntTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz 06 354 5740
TheHeist–showcasebyAltitudePole- 730pm, Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
AshhurstChristmasParade&Market– Market11am – 1pm Parade 11am, Community Christmas Party 12 noon – 3pm, Cambr dge Ave, Ashhurst Info allevents in/Ashhurst
HorowhenuaChristmasParade&Carnival – floats, stalls, food entertainment 2pm – 6pm, Victoria Stto Levin Domain Info horowhenua govt nz
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 730pm, Centrepo ntTheatre Church St Info centrepoint co nz 06 354 5740
DarrenWatsonSingsJohnHiatt, 730pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info g obetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409
SUNDAY DECEMBER 7
AVeryPalmyChristmas – Parade 2pm, Concertwith Lavina Williams 3 30pm – 730pm - plus marketstal s food trucks & bouncy castles, Te Marae o Hine/The Square Info pncc govt nz/ News-Events, 06 356 8199
TheFeildingMarketFiascobyAlisonQuigan, 4pm Centrepo nt Theatre, Church St Info centrepo nt co nz, 06 354 5740 D scla mer Harcourts Whats On is an attemptto corra a months worth of regional Manawatū
and
events
tdoes
t
and postponements NB Un ess
