Neighbourhood Support Manawatu

26/09/2026

⏰🌸 Daylight Saving Starts Tonight! 🌸⏰

A little reminder before you head to bed — Daylight Saving begins overnight, which means the clocks go forward one hour. ☀️

Yes, we lose an hour of sleep… 😴 but in return we get those wonderful longer, lighter evenings!

💁‍♂️And what better excuse to make the most of them?

🚶 An evening walk after dinner & share a smile & wave with neighbours.
🌿 More time pottering in the garden, perhaps help an elderly neighbour.
☀️ Get outside and enjoy the fresh spring air - dust off the bike!

Your phone will probably sort itself out, but don't forget those clocks around the house that aren't quite so clever! 😉

25/09/2026

🌨🌬🌀Weather update - incoming rain & strong winds in the ranges starting tonight. Good advice below 👇👇

UPDATE 9:51am SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
The heavy rain warning period has slightly adjusted for 5hrs from 9am - 2pm Sunday, 27 September.

🌧️ Expect a further 40 to 60 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h expected from late this morning.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

All other details remain the same.
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UPDATE 8:06pm SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
Note the heavy rain warning period has slightly adjusted for 8hrs from 7am - 3pm Sunday, 27 September.

All other details remain the same.
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⚠️ MetService New Zealand has issued a rain warning for the Tararua Range for 10hrs from 5am until 3pm Sunday, 27 September.

🌧️ Expect 60 to 90 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h expected Sunday morning. Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

🌊 Streams and rivers may rise quickly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.

💧Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

👉 Keep an eye on the weather and visit https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates

🔍You can visit our website anytime to see the latest weather watches and warnings in our region: https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/

24/09/2026

🚗🚚🏍 Drivers be prepared & read up on the new road rules coming up.

4 new road rules will become law on 1 October 2026. Here's what they are:

The aim of the new rules is to make people’s travel safer and better reflect how people already use the roads. From 1 October:

• Children 12-years-old and under can ride bikes on footpaths and parents or caregivers can ride with them.
• People can ride e-scooters in cycle lanes.
• Drivers must leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres when passing other types of road users.
• People must give way to buses leaving bus stops in areas with speed limits of 60km/h or less.

Earlier this year we asked for your feedback on these changes. We passed your feedback onto the Minister of Transport – there was broad support for the changes the Government proposed, and the Minister decided on the above.

We’ll keep you updated here – follow us if you aren’t already to get updates. There's also more information on our website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/changes-to-lane-use

22/09/2026

Take care on the roads, especially if travelling through the Desert Road. Pheck the road status before you go❄️☃️

UPDATE 10:16am WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Note the snowfall warning period has slightly adjusted for 8 hrs from 10am - 6pm Wednesday, 23 September.
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⚠️ MetService New Zealand have issued a road snowfall warning for the Desert Rd, for 8 hrs from 9am to 5pm Wednesday, 23 September.

❄️ Snow showers lowering to around 800 metres Wednesday morning and afternoon and up to 1cm of snow may accumulate on the road at times.

🚗 Please take care if driving in this area - it only takes a few centimetres of snow on a road to make driving dangerous.

🗺️ If you are travelling please check NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Manawatū-Whanganui & Taranaki Journey Planner before you go: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

👉 Check out the MetService app or website for weather updates: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

🔍You can visit our website anytime to see the latest weather watches and warnings in our region: https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/

22/09/2026

⏰ Daylight Saving begins this Sunday 27 September 2026 at 2:00 am (clocks go forward 1 hour to 3:00 am) 🕒

Traditionally we all use daylight savings as a reminder to check that our smoke alarms are in good working order. This year, along with checking your own smoke alarms, we encourage you to LOOK OUT for your friends, family, and neighbours; REACH OUT to those who may need assistance checking their own alarms; and HELP OUT your neighbours to ensure everyone in your community is Firewise. 🔥

Head to Fire and Emergency NZ's website for tips and advice on smoke alarms and fire safety: https://www.fireandemergency.nz/mi_NZ/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarms/

18/09/2026

"He waka eke noa" (We are all in this together) - Māori proverb

"A rising tide lifts all boats" - John F. Kennedy

17/09/2026

AGM notice.

12/08/2026

🫵 If you can help with information, please report - details at the bottom in this article.⬇️

Police in Feilding are asking members of the public to come forward following information circulating on social media and within the community about suspicious behaviour.

Sergeant Mike Linton says Police have become aware of several concerning accounts, particularly involving people out running or walking during the early morning hours.

“At this stage, much of the information we are receiving is through social media or word of mouth, rather than reports being made directly to Police”.

“We want to hear from anyone who has experienced this behaviour firsthand so we can establish exactly what has occurred and determine whether any of the incidents are connected”.

“Even if you are unsure whether what happened is significant, the information you provide may help us build an accurate picture of what is occurring.”

Anyone who has experienced similar behaviour, or has information that may assist, is encouraged to contact Police via 105.police.govt.nz or make a report at the Feilding Police Station.

If you feel unsafe or believe you are in immediate danger, call 111.

07/08/2026

Statement from MDC on the proposed local government amalgamations.

Local government reform discussions enter the next phase

Mayor Michael Ford has joined Tararua District Mayor Scott Gilmore in issuing a statement following Palmerston North City Council’s decision to name Manawatū and Tararua districts in its preferred future governance model.

Palmerston North and Horowhenua councils have agreed to jointly write to the Minister for Local Government outlining their preferred approach. However, it was Palmerston North’s proposal that identified Manawatū and Tararua as part of that future arrangement.

Mayor Ford says the concern is simple: Manawatū could be drawn into the next stage of the Government’s reform process despite our community having already considered the options and chosen a different path.

“This isn’t about saying no to reform. Local government needs to change, and we’re ready to be part of that conversation. But lasting reform must be built with willing partners, not by including communities that have already determined a different path.”

👉 Read Mayor Ford and Mayor Gilmore’s full joint statement here: https://www.mdc.govt.nz/projects-and-news/news/2026/joint-statement-from-mayor-michael-ford,-manawatu-district-council-and-mayor-scott-gilmore,-tararua-district-council