Manawatū District Council

16/10/2026

👀 Consider this your reminder...

Take a moment to apply for Manawatū Youth Council or the new Manawatū Young Leaders group/s.

These groups offer our rangatahi (from 13-24 years old) opportunities to grow personally and professionally, develop leadership skills and learn more about governance.

Pass on the message to your friends, whānau, neighbours, colleagues, school friends, sports groups... It's an opportunity worth exploring.

👉 https://www.mdc.govt.nz/council/youth-opportunities

16/10/2026

It's an action packed weekend here in the Manawatū District!

🏠 On Saturday, Council invites the community to view Mt Lees Homestead (1pm-2pm) and the Tote Building (3pm-4pm). Here's your opportunity to see what's behind the doors!

🎨 The Manawatū Art Trail takes place over Saturday and Sunday, inviting you to explore artists' studios, discover art, meet the makers and celebrate creativity. Learn more: https://www.communityarts.org.nz/art-trail-manawat

✨ The free community event, Manawatū Diwali festival is coming to Feilding's Civic Centre on Saturday evening. Celebrate Diwali through cultural performances, music, dance and delicious food. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/14rcbCLsPX4/

Please be aware that due to the event, Feilding's Stafford Street and Bowen Street will be temporarily closed to traffic from 1:00pm - 11:59pm on Saturday 17 October

💦 Makino Aquatic Centre has inflatables in action from 1pm-3pm on Saturday and Sunday

📖 Manawatū Community Hub Libraries has free VR sessions on Saturday from 10am-12pm (bookings required, please email [email protected]): https://www.facebook.com/share/1E3tmGyKP3/

Discover what else is on across the Manawatū:

👉 https://feilding.co.nz/whats-on
👉 https://manawatunz.co.nz/explore/events/

Have a great weekend! 👋

15/10/2026

On Wednesday, our team was put to the test as part of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) PacWave exercise.

The scenario? An earthquake off the coast of Peru triggering a tsunami that could impact large parts of NZ, including Tangimoana and Himatangi.

Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated in Council Chambers, a Civil Defence Centre (CDC) was opened at the Te Kawau Recreation Centre in Rongotea, and our teams got to work planning, coordinating and communicating as they would in a real emergency.

But this was about much more than going through the motions.

It was about putting theory into practice, testing what we know, identifying where we can improve and making sure we are prepared as possible when our communities need us most.

Because behind every emergency plan are real people, families and communities, which is why exercises like this matter. They help ensure that when the unexpected happens our staff are ready to step in, support our communities and help keep people safe because it’s not being prepared for if an emergency happens, but when it happens.

Get ready to practise your response this Wednesday (21 October) at 1:30pm with the NZ Shake Out. Learn more: https://getready.govt.nz/involved/shakeout

15/10/2026

A well deserved recognition 👏

On Tuesday 13 October, ahead of Local Government New Zealand's (LGNZ) SuperLocal conference, Councillor Bridget Bell was named Young Elected Member of the Year at the LGNZ Young Elected Members hui.

The national award recognises a young elected member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, made a positive impact in their community, championed representation, supported young elected members across the motu, and shown a strong commitment to local government.

Now in her second term as our Ngā Tapuae o Matangi Māori Ward Councillor, Bridget has made a meaningful contribution to the Manawatū District..

Described by her nominator as "a shining light" and "a pocket rocket of intelligence, assertiveness, vibes and proactive and practical influential action", Bridget's dedication and enthusiasm hasn't gone unnoticed.

We're incredibly proud to see Bridget's hard work and commitment recognised on such a prestigious, national level.

Congratulations Cr Bell. 👏

15/10/2026

We are so proud. Congratulations Alison!

Strong communities grow when people take the time to listen, build trust and turn local concerns into action.

Congratulations to Councillor Alison Short of Manawatū District Council, winner of the 2026 SuperHuman Award.

Over 19 years, Alison has helped improve access to healthcare, supported communities through emergencies and championed opportunities for young people. Her work bringing residents, iwi, researchers and councils together has also helped shape climate resilience planning in Tangimoana.

The SuperHuman Award recognises the people who go beyond their formal roles to make a difference in their communities.

Congratulations to Alison for her long-standing commitment to the people of Manawatū and for showing what community leadership looks like in practice.

15/10/2026

Farm Plastic Recycling returns

Time to clear out that used bale wrap and silage pit cover.
Our FREE Farm Plastic Recycling Drop-Off Event is back for a third time!

It's a great opportunity to clear some space on the farm while giving your used plastics a new purpose.

📅 Thursday 19 November
⏰ 9am – 3pm
📍 Feilding (location provided after registering)

🎥 Haven't been before? Check out the video from our last event to see what it's all about!

Registration is essential, so book your drop-off time and find out how to prepare your plastics here 👇

https://www.mdc.govt.nz/services/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/farm-plastic-recycling-drop-off-event

15/10/2026

Pretty in pink for important causes 🩷

This week, Feilding's Clock Tower has been glowing pink and blue in recognition of Sands NZ’s Baby Loss Awareness Week. It's a time for parents and whānau to come together and honour the lives of babies who have passed.

From Friday night, it’ll be switching to bright pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness and highlighting the importance of fundraising for patient support, research and education.

If you’re out and about in Feilding's Manchester Square, take a moment to check it out! ⭐

14/10/2026

Young entrepreneurs, here's a great opportunity! 👇

Express your interest in being a stallholder at the Youth Market.

It's a great way to sell your products, mingle with the community, get some experience under your belt and get your business out there.

Fill out the form here: https://tinyurl.com/2r7r3644

Youth Market | Stallholder Registration Open

There's no age limit on having a great business idea, and we've got some pretty incredible young entrepreneurs right here in the Manawatū!

Our Youth Market is a chance for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products, gain some experience and make a little money while they're at it.

So, whether you have a child, grandchild or you're a young entrepreneur yourself with something to sell, we'd love to hear from you!

We have a limited number of stalls left, so if you've got a product ready for the public, this could be your chance to give it a go.

👉 Fill out our expression of interest form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mPQdWSyJCkGhtZYAUCwj7DH98_Uti2pHgjvy5HqBlS9UNjNWSE5GNlRBR0szSVhMUDhaOVU5VTcyNi4u&route=shorturl

14/10/2026

POSTPONEMENT NOTIFICATION: Unfortunately, sadly AND begrudgingly... we have made the decision to postpone our Play along the way (health and safety and all that jazz).
However, a new date is being set as we speak- so keep an eye out!

14/10/2026

We're back with another Gumboot of the Week Award

And this week's recipient must have been a Boy Scout, because he brought his own ladder.

After breaking into the Manawatū Wastewater Treatment Plant, our visitor used his ladder to help himself to a camera, solar panel, batteries and communications equipment mounted five metres up a pole.

So, for the preparation, the questionable decision-making and starring in his very own security camera footage...the gumboot is yours!

Next time you fancy a visit, our hours are usually 8am–5pm. No ladder required.