TangiUtikere|MPforPalmerstonNorth
Health,costof livingtopofmind atPalmyevents
IlovePalmyinthesummer–there’s beensomuchhappening,andit’s beenfantastictogetoutandabout inourwonderfulcity.
It’salwaysagreatdayatPalmy’s FestivalofCultures,andthisyearwas nodifferent.Theweekendwaspacked fullofeventscelebratingourvibrant anddiversecommunity,anawesome annualfeatureonourlocalcalendar.
Spectacularculturalperformances anddeliciousculturalfarecelebrated themanydifferentculturesthatmake upourPalmerstonNorthcommunity, and,asalways,itwasawonderfulday.
TeasandCoffeesoftheWorld atCacciaBirchwasalsoawinner andIenjoyedsamplingsometasty beveragesfromallovertheworld. AhugethankstoPalmerstonNorth CityCouncil,ManawatūMulticultural CouncilPalmerstonNorthandthe widercommunityformakingthis eventhappen.
Therewasalsoplentyoffuntobe hadforallagesatWackyWaterDay recently.Afteropeningtheevent,
DeputyMayorDebiMarshall-Lobb andIcouldn’thelpbutjoininand enjoythefoamcannonandwater slide.ThankstoRoslynReachfor runningthiseventforourcommunity.
Theweatherwasonpointforthe annualExploreEsplanadeDay–it wassuchafantasticturnout,andI hadsomegreatchatsaboutwhat’s importanttolocalsrightnow.
I’mproudtobeworkingfor PalmerstonNorth,andIloveengaging withourcommunityattheseevents, sothankyoutoeveryonewho stoppedbytochatandletmeknow whatmatterstothem.It’snosurprise thatthecostoflivingandhealthare issuesthatcontinuetodominatemy conversations.
IrecentlymetwithPalmerston NorthHospitalmanagement,and theyareundernoillusionsastomy expectationsfordeliveringtimely andeffectivehealthcaretomeetthe needsofourcommunity.
Ourcommunitymatterstome, soasalways,ifIcanassistinany
way,pleasefeelfreetoreachout. Iwelcomehearingyourviewson education,health,transport,housing, jobs,costoflivingoranyother mattersaffectingourcommunity.
I’llbeavailableatBohoCafé,2 PitamaRoad,onWednesday8April, 10am-11am,tomeetwithPalmerston Northconstituents.Noappointment isnecessary,pleasefeelwelcometo stopbytoshareyourthoughts.
Alternatively,myPalmerstonNorth ElectorateOfficecanbecontactedon 063565958orpalmerston.north@ parliament.govt.nz,orfollowmeon Facebook. Ilookforwardtohearingfromyou.
Focuson Manawatū
NgahuruAutumn atTeManawa
SchoolHolidays
6-17APRIL
GetcreativewithartandsciencethisApril andjoinusasthesunsetsonSUNLIGHTwith scienceactivitiesanddemonstrationsafterhours (from$5).CheckouttheTeManawawebsitefor informationonSchoolHolidayactivities.
RobinWhite:
Tuituia|SomethingIsHappeningHere UNTIL10MAY|FREE Formorethan50years,DameRobinWhite’sart hasportrayedpeopleandtheirenvironments inAotearoaNewZealand,Kiribati,Fiji,Tonga, andbeyond.Theseplaceshavetransformedher lifeandart.Thisexhibitionexploresaselection ofartworksspanninghercareer–fromearly paintingstorecentcollaborativetapa(bark cloth).DevelopedandpresentedbytheMuseum ofNewZealandTePapaTongarewa.
Witipū
UNTIL19JUL|FREE
InWitipū,orwitchypoo,sixwāhineMāori associatedwithToiohokiĀpiti,explorethemana anddiverserolesofMāoriwomenontheMarae andbeyond.
BrentHarris:HomeandBackAgain UNTIL19JUL-FREE At22,BrentHarrisleftPalmerstonNorthin abraveactofself-discovery.Thisexhibition exploresHarris’paintingandprintmakingin relationtothecollectionhegrewupvisitingat theformerManawatūArtGallery.
OutintheField EVERYDAY–FREE
PeterBush(1930–2023)wasalegendaryNew Zealandphotojournalistwithaninsatiabledesire todiscoverandrecordtheworld.Outinthe Fieldisaninvitationtodelveintothecollection, followingPeterBushbackthroughtime. Opendaily(TeManawaisclosedGoodFriday).
Feather,FurandBone EVERYDAY-FREE
Thisexhibitionexploresthecomplexrelationship inwhichhumanshavereliedonanimalsfor essentialslikefood,shelter,andclothing–urging ustoconsiderhowwecontinuetouseanimal materialsinthe21stcentury. www.temanawa.co.nz
switch
Wherethepastliveson: Thestorybehind TheWoolshedCafé &HeritageWalk
ReneeMurray
Formanyvisitors,TheWoolshed Caféissimplyawelcoming placetostopforcoffee,good foodandacatchupwithfriends. Whatmanydon’trealise,however, isthattuckedawaybehindthecafé liessomethingfarmoreunexpected. Beyondthetablesandchattersits acarefullycraftedsliceofNew Zealandhistory.
Hiddenonthenineacreproperty isTheWoolshedHeritageWalk,a collectionofhistorichomesthat togethertellthestoryofeveryday lifeinNewZealandbetween1860 and1960.Eachhouseoffersa glimpseintothepast,recreatingthe homes,objectsandatmosphereof earliergenerations.
ThecaféitselfopenedinOctober 2012,builtonthesiteoftheformer WoodlandsManorCaféwhichwas destroyedbyfirein2009.Whenthe newcaféwasbuilt,thesurrounding landofferedanopportunityto
createsomethingunique.What beganasasingleideaquicklygrew intoamuchlargerproject.
Theinspirationcameduringavisit toOlvestonHouseinDunedin,a historichomepreservedbythecity thatshowcaseslifefromyearsgone by.Theexperienceleftalasting impressionandsparkedthethought thatsomethingsimilarcouldbe createdlocally.“Personally,itreally startedfromoneidea,”OwnerAlan Parkersays.“Thenittookonalifeof itsownandtherewasnostopping it.”By2013thefirsthousesbegan arriving.
Startingwithanemptypaddock, historichomesweresourcedfrom aroundNewZealand,relocatedto thepropertyandrestoredfromtop tobottominperiodstyle.Today sevenhomesformtheheritagewalk, eachcarefullydecoratedtoreflect howpeopleoncelived.Stepping insidethehousesoffersmorethan justavisualdisplay.Visitorsoften findthemselvestransportedbackto anothertime.
Furniture,kitchenware,clothing andhouseholditemshavebeen gatheredfromacrossthecountry, withmanypiecessourcedthrough TradeMeandothersdonated bymembersofthepublicwho wantedtoseetheirtreasured itemspreserved.Someofthose donationshaveprovenparticularly special.“Sinceopeningwe’vehad quiteafewitemsgiftedtous,”Alan explains.“Somehavebeenquiterare andingreatcondition,sowe’revery pleasedtobeabletoaddtheminto thehouses.”
ForAlan,theheritagewalkhas beenalabourofdedication.“We’ve investedmostofourtimehere overthepast14years,blood,sweat andnottoomanytears,”hesays withasmile.“It’sveryrewarding tohearthepositivefeedbackfrom
peoplewhocompletethewalk.That definitelymakesitworthwhile.”
Onemomentinparticular standsout.Afternearlynineyears ofdevelopmentwork,thefirst payingvisitorfinallymadetheir waydownthepath.“Tofinally haveapayingcustomergodown thereafterallthattimewasvery cool,”hesays.Sincethen,the projecthascontinuedtogrowin smallbutmeaningfulways.Recent workhasfocusedonlandscaping anddevelopingthegardensthat surroundthehistorichomes,helping createasettingthatfeelsauthentic andwelcoming.Therearealsoplans toaddfivemorehousestothe walkinthefuture,withAlanalways keepinganeyeoutforsuitable buildingstorelocateandrestore.
Meanwhile,thecaféitselfhas
becomeagatheringplaceforlocals andtravellersalike.Servingclassic caféfare,itoffersarelaxedand friendlyenvironmentthatreflects thespiritoftheprojectasawhole.
ForAlan,thegoalmoving forwardissimple.Hewantstokeep developingtheheritagewalkwhile continuingtoprovideacomfortable placewherepeoplecanmeet,relax andenjoytheirsurroundings.And despitethegrowingpopularityof theheritagewalk,manyfirsttime visitorsarestillsurprisedtodiscover itexistsatall.
“Mostpeoplecomingintothecafé havenoideathehousesaredown there,”Alansayswithalaugh.Once theydodiscoverit,however,there isonequestionthatisaskedmore thananyother.Whenisthenext housearriving?
WhenthePerfectRental Isn’tSoPerfect
AudreyGrinter,PropertyManagementAdvisor –WatsonIntegrity
Anyonewhohashuntedfora rentalintheManawatūknows thefeelingwhenyoufinally findtherightone.
Youwalkthroughthedoorand instantlystartpicturinglifethere.The houseisintherightneighbourhood, justafewminutesfromyour daughter’sschool.Thekitchen catchestheafternoonsunandyou canalreadyimaginesummerdinners withthedoorsopen.Afterweeksof searchingthisonefinallyfeelslike home.
Movingdayarrives.Theboxes slowlydisappearandlifebeginsto settleintoanewroutine.Formany tenantsacrosstheManawatū,that momentbringsahugesenseofrelief. Findingarentalcanbestressful,and onceyou’rein,youhopeyou’vefound somewhereyoucanstayforawhile. Thensometimes,slowly,littlethings starttofeeluncomfortable.
Itmightbeginwithamessagefrom thelandlordaskingiftheycanpopby tochecksomething.Maybeaknockat thedoorwithnonotice.Othertimes itcanbequestionsaboutwhohas beenvisiting,orwhyacertaincarhas
beenparkedinthedriveway.Tenants occasionallytellmeaboutlandlords askingthingslike,“Isthatanewcar outthefront?”or“Whowasstaying overlastweekend?”Noneofthese thingsseemlikeamajorissueontheir own.Butovertime,theycanbegin tomaketenantsfeelasthoughthey arebeingwatchedratherthansimply livingtheirlives.Slowly,thefeeling creepsinthatthehomeyou’rerenting neverquitefeelslikeyourown.
Assomeonewhoworksinproperty managementhereintheManawatū, Ihearthesestoriesmoreoftenthan youmightexpect.Mostlandlords inourregionarefantastic.They genuinelywanttheirtenantsto feelcomfortableandsettled.But everynowandthen,atenancy becomesdifficultbecauseofhow therelationshipishandledbythe landlord.
Fortenants,thiscanbeincredibly stressful.Afterall,arentalpropertyis yourhome.Tenantshavetherightto quietenjoymentoftheirhome,which meanslandlordscannotsimplyturn upunannouncedorinterferewithhow someonelivesintheproperty.
Thatisonereasonmanytenants intheManawatūchoosehomes thatareprofessionallymanaged.A goodpropertymanagerdoesn’tjust protectthelandlord’sinvestment. Theyalsoprotectthetenant’sright tofeelsecureandsettledintheplace theycallhome.Ithelpslandlords too,especiallythosewhomaynot fullyunderstandtherulesaround tenancies.
Attheendoftheday,rentingworks bestwheneveryonerespectsthata rentalpropertyismorethanjusta house.Fortenants,itishome.And whenthingsarehandledproperly, thatperfectplaceneartheschool, withthesunnykitchenandthebig backyard,canstayexactlywhatitwas meanttobe. Aplacetobuildalife.
TinyStamps,BigAdventures
ManawatūphilatelistGrant Ogilvietakesstampcollecting farbeyondthedeskthrough thegrowinghobbyofExtreme Philately.
Whilemanycollectorsspendtheir timecarefullysortingstampswith albumsandmagnifyingglasses, Grant’sapproachoftenplaceshim infrontoffamouslandmarks,native wildlife,ordramaticlandscapes.
Theideaissimplebutcreative:take thestampintotherealworldand photographitinfrontoftheexact subjectitdepicts.Thechallengelies inaligningthetinyprintedimagewith itsfull-sizedcounterpart.
Patienceisessential.Achieving theperfectmatchshotcanrequire multipleattemptstofindtheright angle,adjustperspective,orwaitfor ideallighting.Sometimesthedifficulty
THESPIRALSPECTACULAR
Sunday19th APRIL2026
Amostspectacularrailadventure—SteamIncorporated’s SPIRALSPECTACULAR!
OnSunday19April2026,joinSteamIncorporatedforafull-dayheritagejourneyto theCentralPlateau,experiencingtheworld-famousRaurimuSpiral—atruefeatof engineeringandoneofthecountry’smosticonicrailwayhighlights.
DepartingfromPaekakariki,Paraparaumu,Waikanae,Otaki,Levin,PalmerstonNorth, FeildingandMarton,travelincomfortaboardbeautifullyrestoredheritagecarriages, hauledbyclassicdiesellocomotiveDa1410.
Enjoybreathtakingscenery,toweringviaducts,anddramaticlandscapesasyouwind yourwaythroughtheheartoftheNorthIsland,witharelaxedstopinOhakuneto stretchyourlegs.
Faresstartfrom$169foradultsand$139forchildren,withreducedfaresavailablefrom northernboardingpoints.Perfectforfamilies,railenthusiasts,andadventurersalike, thisisajourneyunlikeanyother.Seatsarelimited—secureyourplacetoday!
Allaboardforanunforgettablerailexperience!
Bookonlineatwww.steaminc.org.nzorcalltobookon0800783264!
Come along on 18April totheStamp, Coin & Postcard Expo
to see more of what thisgreat hobbyoffers and to meet enthusiastic local philatelists
issimplyreachingthespotwherethe photographneedstobetaken.
ForGrant,thissenseofdiscovery ispartofthefun.Onefeatured photographwascapturedonaSouth Africangamedrive,positioninga stampjustmetresfromatowering bullelephant.Anotherwastakenat thebaseofthePyramidsofGizaafter alivelycamelridethroughthedesert. Wheneverythingaligns,theresultis
asttriikingbblend d of f sttampand d scenery, creatingtheillusionthattheworld insidetheperforatededgesextends seamlesslyintoreality.
Thoughvisuallyplayful,Extreme Philatelyremainsrootedintraditional collecting.Thestampsarestill treasuredandpreserved,buteach nowcarriesanaddedstory—a moment,ajourney,oranadventure.
At the Heart of the Community:
Te Aroha Noa’s Ongoing Mission to Uplift Whānau
Over the past 36 years, at Te Aroha Noa Community Services, connection, support, and community remain at the heart of everything we do As the year continues, our focus stays firmly on creating a welcoming and inclusive space where whānau feel valued, supported and empowered.
Each day brings new opportunities for people to come together, learn, and grow Our programs, workshops, and community initiatives are designed to support individuals and families in meaningful ways by providing practical tools, building confidence, and strengthening overall wellbeing. Whether through parenting support, youth programs, community gatherings, or educational opportunities, these initiatives help uplift those who engage with our services and create pathways for growth and connection.
A strong sense of community is
central to what makes Te Aroha Noa Community Services such a special place Our events and activities provide opportunities for whānau to spend time together, share experiences, and form meaningful relationships These moments of connection help nurture a sense of belonging and highlight the importance of supporting one another
Behind the scenes, the dedication of our staff and volunteers continues to drive the work we do
Their commitment, compassion, and genuine desire to uplift others ensure that our programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community we serve Guided by the values of Whakawhānaungatanga, Ako, Rangatiratanga, Toitū te Oranga, and kaitiakitanga, Te Aroha Noa Community Services continues to be a place where people are welcomed with warmth and treated with dignity These values shape
the way we work alongside our community and inspire us to keep building a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening
connections, supporting whānau, and creating opportunities for people to thrive with integrity and honesty Together, we continue to grow as a stronger and more connected community
PalmerstonNorthtutorandstudent recognisedatnationalbeautyawards
APalmerstonNorthbeautytutorandherstudentare celebratingnationalsuccessaftertakingouttophonours atthisyear’sBeautyNZAssociationAwards.
UniversalCollegeofLearning(UCOL)lecturerMelissavanDuin wasnamed2026TutoroftheYear,whilestudentShonaCaswill placedthirdintheStudent/ApprenticeoftheYearcategory.
VanDuinsaidthewinwasbothhumblingandareflectionof herpassionfortheindustryandherstudents.
“Helpingshapethenextgenerationofbeautyprofessionalsis somethingItakeseriously.Thisrecognitionmeansalot.”
UCOLAcademicPortfolioManagerMelLangesaidtheawards highlightthestrengthoftheinstitute’sprogrammesandteaching staff.
“Melissaconsistentlygoesaboveandbeyondforherākonga, ensuringtheyleaveconfident,capable,andindustry-ready.This recognitionisthoroughlydeserved,”Langesaid.
ShesaidCaswill’splacingatanationallevelwasequally significant.
“Itreflectsherdedication,professionalism,andthehigh standardoftrainingwithinourbeautytherapyprogramme.”
VanDuindescribedtheawardsnightasastandoutmoment. “Myheartwasracingwaitingfortheannouncement.Hearing mynamewassurreal.”
Shesaidherroleasatutorgoesbeyondtechnicaltraining. “It’saboutbuildingconfidenceandhelpingstudentsbelieve theycansucceedinacompetitiveindustry.”
VanDuinsaidtheawardalsobelongstoherstudents.
“Theyinspiremeeverydaywiththeirdedicationandgrowth.” Caswillsaidshewasinitiallyhesitanttoenterbutwasgladshe did.
“It’sboostedmyconfidenceandshownmewhat’spossible.”
VanDuinsaidseeingherstudentrecognisedwasaproud moment.
“Shonaistalented,driven,andpassionate.I’mexcitedtosee wherehercareertakesher.”
ANZACDAY Celebrating100yearsof
Focuson Manawatū Busybusesand peskypests
JonoNaylor –HorizonsRegionalcouncillor
TherearemanythingsIenjoyaboutmywork inlocalgovernment,buthighonthelististhe absolutevarietyofissuesIgettodealwithdaily. AtHorizonsRegionalCouncil,wedealwitheverything frombusservicestopestmanagementandallsorts inbetween.Manyofthedecisionswemakeareare fullyguidedbyevidenceandnumbers,but,equally,manyhavealevelof subjectivityandneedtorespondtotheaspirationsofourcommunity.
Twoyearsago,weupgradedourPalmerstonNorthbusservicetoafully electricfleetandchangedthetimetabletobetterreflectthekindofservice ourcommunitywanted.Theresultshavebeenoutstanding.Ourpatronage numbershaveincreasedby69.4%sincewemadethechanges.Sure,you mayseesomeemptierbusesdrivingaroundatlessbusytimes,butthere arealsotimeswhenwecan’tpickpeopleupbecausethebusistoofull. Withpetrolpricesgoingthewaytheyare,thebusislookinglikeavery attractiveoption,especiallywithourfullyelectricfleet.Whynotgiveita try?Youmaybepleasantlysurprisedbyhoweasyandconvenientitis. Pestmanagementisaverychallengingissue.Therearealwaysmore animalsandweedstodealwith,butonlysomuchofyourmoneyis appropriatetospendtryingtoridourregionofthem.Tohelpusprioritise whatpestswetackle,wehaveadocumentcalledtheRegionalPest ManagementPlan.Thisidentifieswhichspecieswewillfocuson,andwhich areaswewillprioritise.Forexample,thereareareaswherewefocuson rookstoprotectcropfarmingandotherareaswherewefocusonpossums toavoidthespreadofTB.Wearereviewingthisplan,andyoucanhaveyour sayaspartofthisreviewathttps://haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz/rpmp.
Bringingdoctorshomekeyto easingregionalhealthcarestrain
AsrecordnumbersofNew Zealand-traineddoctors headtoAustralia,pressure ismountingonregionalhealth services.IntheManawatū,one primarycarenetworkbelieves thesolutionliesinbringing homegrowntalentbacktothe communitiesthatneedthemmost.
LocalHealth,whichsupports morethan30,000patientsacross theregion,saysstrengthening pathwaysforyoungdoctorsto returnaftertrainingiscriticalto buildingasustainableworkforce.
RegistrarsMatthewProuseand ElizaMudgwayarepartofthat returningwave.Bothleftthe Manawatūtostudymedicineat theUniversityofOtagoandthe UniversityofAucklandbefore makingthedecisiontocomehome andpractiseasGPs.
NowbasedatFeildingHealth Care,Mudgwaysaysworkinginher hometownbringsauniquesense ofpurpose.“Beingabletoserve thecommunitythatbroughtmeup isreallyspecial,”shesays.“Ioften seepeoplewhowerepartofmy youngerlife,evenformerteachers. There’salreadyaleveloftrust there.”
ForProuse,returningwasalways partoftheplan,thoughhispath
includedtimeinchildcancer researchbeforeshiftingtofrontline care.“IrealisedIwantedtowork directlywithpeopleandmake adifferenceintheirday-to-day lives,”hesays.
Hebelievesgeneralpractice playsavitalroleinaddressing inequitiesinruralhealthcare.
“Accesstospecialistsandprivate servicescanbelimitedinsmaller communities.Weneedmore doctorssupportingthehealthof NewZealanders.”
Bothdoctorssayearlyexposure
toregionalgeneralpracticehelped shapetheircareerchoices.Hospital placementsandtimeatFeilding HealthCarehighlightedthescope oftherole.
“Somepeoplethinkgeneral practiceistheeasyoption,but it’sactuallyoneofthemost demandingareasofmedicine,” Prousesays.“It’schallenging,but incrediblyrewarding.”
Supportiveworkplaceculture hasalsobeenkeytotheirdecision tostay.Mudgwaypointstostrong teamwork,mentoringanda
ANZACDAY Celebrating100yearsof
healthierwork-lifebalanceasmajor benefits.
LocalHealthchiefexecutive NickyHartsaysinvestingin localdoctorsisessentialtothe long-termhealthofregional communities.“Weneedtotreat homegrowndoctorsasastrategic asset,”shesays.
ForProuse,therewardsof returninghomeareclear.“When youreallyknowyourpatients,you cantellhowthey’redoingjust bythewaytheywalkdownthe corridor,”hesays.
FocusonManawatū
ItwasgreattobeatCentral DistrictsFieldDaysatManfeild inFeildingalongsideMinister forAgricultureHonToddMcClay asheannounced18recipientsof theGovernment’sRuralWellbeing Fund.It’sfantastictoseeseveral organisationswithalocalpresence includedontherecipientlist:NZ FederationofYoungFarmersClubs Incorporatedreceiving$585,000, SeafoodSectorSupportNetwork Trust(FirstMate)$550,000,Surfing forFarmersCharitableTrust
$160,000,AraTaiohiIncorporated $70,000,NZShearingContractors AssociationLiveWellShearWell programme$50,000andBlueprint NZLimited$11,878.Partneringwith grassrootsorganisationshelps Governmentfundingtogofurther andmakearealdifference.
AtFieldDaysItookpartinan openforumwithlocalcouncilchief executives,mayorsandthelead teamfromAccelerate35,alongside mycolleaguesCarlBatesMPfor WhanganuiandMikeButterickMP
forWairarapa.IalsojoinedacrosspartypanelmoderatedbyStuff PoliticalEditorLukeMalpass.Itwas goodexchangingviewsandsharing somebanterwithfellowMPsAndrew Hoggard,DamienO’Connor,Mark PattersonandSteveAbel.
FieldDaystakearealteameffort, anditwasfantastictohavesucha strongteampresenceacrossthe threedays.AlongsideCarlandMike, IappreciatedsupportfromTim CostleyMPforŌtaki,membersof myRangitīkeiExecutiveteamand PalmerstonNorthNationalParty candidateAnkitBansal.OnSaturday theLowerNorthIslandYoungNats boughttheirenergyandenthusiasm totheevent.
IrecentlyattendedtheHorizons BallanceFarmEnvironmentAwards attheAwapuniFunctionCentre. CongratulationstoSupremewinners JarredandBronwynClodeand TeamTeHauFarms,andtoNgā WairikiNgātiApaDevelopments Ltdwho,inpartnershipwithĀtihau WhanganuiIncorporation,ownTe
HauFarms.Theseawardscelebrate excellenceinsustainablefarming andgrowing.TheClodeswere recognisedforleadershipinlarge scaledairyfarmingcombinedwith strongcommercialperformance andoutstandingenvironmental stewardship.
MarchalsoincludedtheeverpopularNewZealandRuralGamesin PalmerstonNorth,showcasingsports whichbuiltournationandcontinue bringingcommunitiestogetherin auniquelyKiwiway.Eventsranged fromshearingtocoalshovellingand gumbootthrowing.Iwaspleasedto presentprizesintheSeniorClash ofColleges.Congratulationsto RathkealeCollegeplacingfirstand secondandtoFeildingHighSchool placingthird. Anotherrecenthighlightwas
speakingataspecialpresentation atUCOLwhere18students receivedFreemasonsWillson LewisScholarshipstotalling $35,000.Withstrongdemandfor newhomes,roads,schoolsand hospitals,NewZealandneedsskilled peoplereadytocontribute.These scholarshipsrepresentapractical investmentintalent,capabilityand futureleadershipacrossessential industries.Itwasencouraging meetingrecipientsandhearingtheir stories.
Asalwaysifyouhaveanything you’dliketodiscusspleasefeelfree toemailmeatSuze.RedmayneMP@ parliament.govt.nzorcall06323 7253.Youcanalsofollowme onFacebookatfacebook.com/ SuzeRedmayneMP
SUZEREDMAYNE
THEHEARTLANDFLYER
Sunday24thMay2026
ExperiencetheGoldenageofRail—onboardSteamIncorporated’s HEARTLANDFLYER!
AllaboardSteamIncorporated’sHeartlandFlyer—aclassicsteam-hauledjourney throughthespectacularManawatuGorge.DepartingfromPaekakarikiandpickingup passengersatParaparaumu,Waikanae,Otaki,Levin,andPalmerstonNorth,thisreturn excursiontravelstothehistoricrailwaytownofWoodville,offeringviewsofdramatic rivervalleysthrough‘TheGorge’andlandscapesrarelyseenfromtheroad.
AtWoodville,enjoytimetoexplorethestationprecinctbeforethereturnjourney, soakinginthesights,sounds,andatmosphereofabygoneera.Withonboard refreshmentsandafriendlyvolunteercrew,it’samemorabledayoutforfamilies,rail enthusiasts,andanyoneseekingauniquetravelexperience.
Faresstartfrom$139adultand$99childfromKapitiCoaststations,withreducedfares availablefromPalmerstonNorth,andinfantstravellingfreeonanadult’sknee.Don’t missyourchancetoexperienceoneofNewZealand’smosticonicrailjourneys.
Allaboardforanunforgettablerailexperience!
Bookonlineatwww.steaminc.org.nzorcalltobookon0800783264!
Karangawai Marsh, Tīrairaka 2026
7 MAR - 10 MAY
Spanning Robin White’s carear, Tuituia | Something Is Happening Here portrays the relationship between people and their environments. Toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
14 MAR - 19 JUL
Six wāhine Māori explore the diverse roles that are part of the mana of Māori women.
SCHOOLHOLIDAYS
6-17APRIL
Buildingandboating,flyingandfloating, getcreativetheseschoolholidaysatTeManawa. Ifyou’rearty,curiousorjustwanttohaveago–here’sthechancetoblowyourmindinawholenew worldofinspiration.Checkouttheprogrammeon ourwebsiteatwww.temanawa.co.nz
SUNSET
17APRIL|6-9PM|$5PP ScienceShows6.15&7.45pm TicketsatMuseumfrontdeskoreventfinda.
Comealongforaspecialafter-hourssciencenight atTeManawaaswecelebratethefinalweekend of Sunlight:IhiKōmaru.Exploretheexhibitionafter darkanddiscoverthescienceoflight,energy,and theSunthroughinteractiveexhibitsandhands-on activities.
JoinscientistsfromFonterra’sResearchand DevelopmentCentreastheybringsciencetolifein thisinteractivesessioninspiredbythescienceof sunlight.
Whetheryouwanttoraceabeamoflight, experimentwiththesciencebehindeverydaylight phenomena,orsimplyexperiencetheexhibitionin anewway,thiscouldbeyourlastchancetosee Sunlight:IhiKōmaru beforethesunsetsonit.
MUSEUMOFART,SCIENCEANDHERITAGE 326MAINST,PALMERSTONNORTH 0800-4-A-MUSEUM|WWW.TEMANAWA.NZ
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION|7DAYS10AM-5PM
FromSisterCitiestoSummer Events:it’sallhappeninginPalmy
ByPalmerstonNorthCityMayor GrantSmith
Aswemovefurtherinto Autumn,manyofusarestill quietlyhopingforafewmore warmdaysbeforethecoolerweather finallysettlesin.Ithasbeenabusy timearoundthecity,withvisitors, eventsandimportantconsultations helpingshapingthefuturefor PalmerstonNorth.
Recently,wewelcomedavisiting businessdelegationfromour UnitedStatessistercity,Missoulain Montana.Missoulahasbeenoursister citysince1982,andthisvisitmarked thefirsttimeaMissoulamayorhas travelledtoPalmerstonNorth.Mayor AndreaDavisandhergroupspent theweekexploringourcityand thewiderManawatū,learningmore aboutwhatmakesPalmysucha specialplacetocallhome.
Thevisitendedwithaceremony atMissoulaReserveinKelvinGrove tocelebrateitsrefreshandunveila carvedbenchmarkingboththevisit andthelongfriendshipbetweenour cities.ThedelegationalsovisitedTe UtanganuiCentralNZDistribution Hub-ourfast-growinglogistics anddistributioncentre-touredthe
ByGrantSmith, MayorofPalmerstonNorth
NewZealandRugbyMuseum,and experiencedaclassicKiwibarbeque atCacciaBirchHouse.
Asyou’reawarefrommyprevious columns,we’restillontrackfor CentralDistrictsWatertobelooking afteryourwaterfrom1July2027.An independentboardhasnowbeen appointed,withformerCabinet MiniterSteveMahareychairing. He’ssupportedbydirectorsDrSue Bidrose,DaveChambers,JonNichols, LindaRobertson,andPahiaTuria.It’s greattohavesuchanexperienced groupofboardmembersinvolved.
Iwillkeepupdatingyouonthese changesoverthenextyear,but youcanalsostayupdatedatwww. centraldistrictswater.co.nz.For now,wecontinuetolookafteryour day-to-dayservices,andintothe futureCouncilwillownandsetthe expectationsforCentralDistricts Water.
Ithasbeenamemorablesummer ofexcellentcommunityeventsinthe city-fromChristmastoNewYears, EsplanadeDay,ourinternational FestivalofCultures,theFestivalof Coloursandmanymore.Bigevents likeSpeedwayTeamsChampsand NZRuralGamesalsoaddedtothe widevarietyofentertainmentfor locals,whilealsosupportinglocal businesses.Thankyoutoeveryone whocamealong,volunteered,or performed.Eventsliketheseonly workwhenthewholecommunity getsbehindthem,andithasbeen greattoseesomanyofyouenjoying what’sonoffer.
WenowlookforwardtoAnzac DayonSaturday25April,which alwayshasspecialimportancefor PalmerstonNorthasamilitarycity. Theofficialcommemorationswill takeplaceatTeMaraeoHine–The Square.TheDawnServicebeginsat 6am,followedbytheCivicService at9am.Thisyearmarksthe100th
AnniversaryofthePNWarMemorial/ Cenotaph,animportantmilestonefor ourcityandameaningfulmomentto reflectontheserviceandsacrificeof thosewhoserved.
AspartofCouncil’sCivicService, schoolsandcommunitygroupsare invitedschoolstogetinvolvedby signinguptotakepartintheAnzac Dayparadeand/orlayingawreath. Youcansignuptobeinvolvedonour website.Serviceswillalsobeheldat LintonCamp(Dawn)Ashhurst(Dawn andCivic)andBunnythorpe.
Ifyouwouldliketostaymore closelyconnectedwithwhatCouncil isdoing,Iencourageyoutosign upforPalmyMatters,ourmonthly emailnewsletter.Ithasbecome oneoftheeasiestwaystokeep acrosswhatishappeninginthecity, frominfrastructureprojectsand consultationstomytopfivethingsto doforthemonth.Youcansubscribe throughourwebsite.
Asalways,ifyouhaveany questionsaboutanythinginhere, oranythingelsetodowithCouncil, pleasegetintouchwithmyself asyourCityMayor,yourelected members(theirdetailsareonour website),orcouncilstaffatanytime withanyquestionsyoumayhave. We’reheretohelp.
Mayor Grant Smith and Missoula Mayor Andrea David at Missoula Reserve in Palmerston North
Meowestdiscerningeyes.
Yes,it’sme,Maysie,Palmy’s self-declaredfamouscat.It’s beenafewmeowsandpurrs sinceIretiredfrommyeditorial assistantpost
Afterdiscoveringthatthereis noYearoftheCatintheChinese zodiac,mypawshavebeen a-twitching.I’vesetupaFacebook
pagetosharemymusingswith you.Mymumandretirededitor JudithLacymighthavehelpedme awhisker.
Catsshouldbeeverywhereinour finecity:lecturetheatres,council chambers,andtheflytoweratthe RegentonBroadway. Weshouldalsobeunderthe
CommunityGrantsnowopen
thesaurusfortherightwordsto describemyfur.
It’sanimpossibletask.It’sneither cinnamonnorcurry,driedleaves norbeetroot.
waterdumpsatMemorialPark, patrollingTheSquarefordodgy dudes,andspyingondogs frolickingatLinklaterReserve Iknowyouareasdesperateasa BridgertonmamatoknowwhatI havebeendoingsinceretirement. HaveIgotaquillofnewsforyou! I’vespentmonthsporingoverthe
Canyourisetothechallenge? Letmeknowyourdescriptionvia Maysie,Palmy’sfamousfelineon Facebook.Talkingofleaves,autumn meansmoretimetositonMummy’s lap,andmorecrunchytoysto chase.Ofcourse,lookingafter Mummytakesupalotofmytime. Ineedtomonitorherchocolate intake,lickherlegsdryaftershe showers,andtrytohideherlayers ofwellness(ie,fat)bydraping myselfoverthem.
Iofferfreecounsellingsessions tothedogs-friendsorfoewhosaunterpastmymailbox. Attemptingtoenticetradespeople togiveusadiscountbysmooching theirlegsisgoodexercise. Meowfornow.
Betweenroadtrips,entertaining thekids,andalittletoomuch chocolate…yourbodycanstartto feelthestrain.
Chiropracticcarehelpskeep yourspineandnervoussystem functioningattheirbest-soyou canenjoytheholidayswithoutthe achesandpains.
Getholiday-ready,book yourappointmenttoday
Combined119yearsofhealthdedication giventothecommunity
KemOrmond
PeterandElizabethElliotthave contributedacombined119 yearstothehealthsector,and eventoday,bothremainactiveinthe industry.
Peterstillworksasapart-time radiographeratasmallPrivateX-ray PracticeattachedtoaPalmerston Northmedicalcentre.Healsoassists withinhousetrainingonimage interpretationandmattersrelating toX-raysforNursePractitioners, MedicalInternsandTraineeGPs.
Elizabeth,averyexperienced registerednurse,worksparttimeas anurse/vaccinatorforaPalmerston Northpharmacy.Theyareareal team;duringCOVID,Petertrained asaCOVID-19vaccinatorsothey couldworktogetheraspartofthe MidCentralHealthCOVIDResponse Team,preparingandadministering thousandsofvaccinestopeople acrossPalmerstonNorth.Thiswas inadditiontoPeter’songoingpart timeradiographywork.
On24January,atage78,Peter marked60yearsasaradiographer, nowknownasaMedicalImaging Technologist,atermthatreflectsa broaderscopeofpracticeincluding modalitiesbeyondXray.
InJanuary1966,heleftschool tobeginradiographytrainingat WaikatoHospitaleventuallystaying for20yearsinHamiltonwherehe taughtstudentstheartandscience oftheprofession.The“art”involves understandingtheinterpersonal factorsrequiredwhensupporting patientsundergoingimaging:age, ethnicity,culturalconsiderations, physicalcondition,injury response,awareness,consent,and cooperation.The“science”draws onphysics,mathematics,anatomy, biology,photographyand,today, advancedcomputing.
Amidallthesophisticatedand oftendauntingmodernimaging equipment,hesays,wemustnever forgetthatatthecentreisalways thepatient.
InJanuary1986,Peterrelocated toPalmerstonNorthasCharge TutorRadiographeratthehospital andthencontinuedteaching radiographersatUCOL.Healso completedthreeextramural teachingqualificationsfromMassey Universitytokeeppacewith evolvingknowledgeandinstruction. Hewasalsoanationalexaminerfor manyyearsinradiographysubjects
TheRangitīkeiispartofwhoIam.It’swhe wefarmandraisedourfamily.Iamproud beyourlocalMP. Pleasecontactmeforadvocacyservices,individua
fortheNZtrainingcourse.Hehas trainedwellinexcessofathousand studentsforthemedicalimaging workforceofNZ.
In1998animportantopportunity cameupforhimtoreturnto clinicalpractice.Withglobal radiologistshortagesleadingto potentialreportingdelays,senior radiographersareincreasinglybeing calledontoofferinformedimage evaluations.Peterhasworkedinthis capacityforthepast12years.
“Ihaveseenmanychangesinmy 60yearcareer,”hesays.“Themost remarkableshiftsoccurredinthe 1970swiththearrivalofUltrasound wherepregnancyradiography becameobsoletealmostovernight.” CTscanningarrivedinthe1980s. MRimagingfollowedinthe late1990s,withCTandMRslice imagesrevealinganatomical detailpreviouslyunseen,enabling significantlyimproveddiagnostic accuracy.
Henotes,“Ishuddertothinkwhat wasmissedintheolddayssimply becausewecouldnotshowitorsee it,butIremainconfidenteveryone didtheirbestwithwhattheyhad.”
Earlyinhiscareer,Xrayfilmswere usuallyviewedforreportingby onepersoninadimlylitroomand
transmissionoftheimageswasnot possible.Radiographswerestored inlargepaperpackets,labelledand archived,inhugeroomswithinthe RadiologyDepartment.
Today,X-rayfilmisnolongerused anddigitalimagesareproduced andmanipulatedwithcomputer assistance,viewedonmonitors, andcanbesharedinstantlywith specialistsanywhereintheworld. Artificialintelligenceisnowentering medicalimaging,withsomeof Peter’simagesbeingAIassessed beforefinalreportingremotelyby theRadiologist.
OnatriptoEuropelastyear,Peter andElizabethvisitedthebeautiful BavariancityofWurzburg,where X-raysallbegan.Thisdiscoverywas announcedtoanastonishedworld byProfessorWilhelmRoentgenon ChristmasDay1895.Alotofchange hashappenedsince.
WhenPeterandElizabeth eventuallyretire,theylookforward toenjoyingtheirsharedinterestsof grandchildren,travelling,gardening androses.PeterisalsoaJusticeof thePeaceandapianistandsinger. Theyare,withoutquestion,an extraordinarycouple.
Focuson Foxton
Foxton’sBigDutch DayOutReturns
Foxtonwillbecomethevibrant hubofallthingsDutchon SaturdayApril18,asthe FoxtonWindmillTrusthostsits annualBigDutchDayOut.Each yearthetowntransformsintoasea oforangeinhonouroftheDutch King’sbirthday,bringingwithita fulldayoffunactivitiesforallages plustraditionalfood,culture,and communityspirit.
Asalways,thefestivitieskickoff withacrowdfavourite:theOrange BikeRide.From8.30am,cyclists dressedinorangeandwithoften extravagantlydecoratedbikes, setofffromDeMolen,winding throughthebackstreetsofFoxton toVictoriaParkbeforereturningto DeMolenby10.00am.Theirarrival markstheofficialopeningoftheBig DutchDayOut,ledthisyearbythe DutchAmbassador,HisExcellency MrArdvanderVorst,whowillalso launchNationalDutchWeekacross NewZealand.
Oncethedayisunderway,visitors canimmersethemselvesinawide rangeofactivitiescelebratingDutch culture.Getyourfacepainted, tryyourhand(orbalance!)at traditionalgameslikestiltwalking, sampleclassicDutchtreats,and climbtheiconicwindmillforatour
guidedbyoneoftheon-sitemillers.
StrolldownMainStreetand explorecreativewindowdisplays asyouhuntforhiddenlettersthat formaDutchword,crackthecode andwinaprize.
Whileyou’rethere,makesureto visitTeAwahouNieuweStroom,the award-winningmuseumandcultural centrelocatedattheRiverside CulturalPark.
TheOrangeBikeRidestarts at8.30am,andthefulldayof festivitiesrunsfrom10.00amto 3.00pm.
Thisisafamily-friendlyeventfilled withactivitiesforallages. Ziejedaar…seeyouthere!
8:30am-3pm,Saturday18thApril2026 TeAwahouRiversideCulturalPark,92MainStreetFoxton
Wearorangeandbringyourbikeaswekickstartthedaywith thefamousOrangeBikeRideat8.30am,thenwe’llofficiallyopen NZDutchweekfrom10amwithspeeches,games,dress-ups, streetfood,music+more.
Agreatdayofculture,music,andfunforthewholefamily. oranjehof.org.nz/events teawahou.com foxtonwindmill.co.nz
McKay On Sport
with Hamish McKay
One of my favourite rugby memories goes back to 1989, when a young Joe Schmidt then a flying winger scored a ripsnorting try for Manawatū against France Lightly built, blonde and sharp as they come, he latched onto a clever chip from Glynn Champion and did the rest It feels like yesterday
Fast forward nearly four decades and it’s no surprise the former schoolteacher is now regarded as one of the premier coaches in world rugby
That reputation was on full display at a recent schoolboy rugby fundraiser, where Schmidt held a crowd of 250 spellbound You could have heard a pin drop as he shared insights from a career that has spanned classrooms provincial rugby and the global stage His delivery was measured, thoughtful and packed with the kind of detail that separates the good from the great
It got me thinking: if Wayne Smith is known as “The Professor”, what does that make Schmidt? “King of Coaches” might not be far off Or perhaps rugby’s version of Oppenheimer a master tactician who understands the game at its most intricate level
The fundraiser was held at Napier Boys’ High School traditional Palmerston North Boys’ High School territory when it comes to Polson Banner rivalry Schmidt has coached the 1st XV at both schools for a combined seven years and remarkably went unbeaten
It’s a record that speaks volumes Across more than 30 years in coaching, Schmidt’s achievements at every level are something to marvel at
And perhaps the best part for locals he’s one of ours Manawatū, forever
Easter in the Manawatū:
By Shona Lingham
Easter is a special time of year across the Manawatū from Palmerston North to Feilding, Ashhurst, and down to Foxton and Foxton Beach It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple things that make our communities so special
While many of us look forward to chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, and a well-earned long weekend, Easter holds a deeper meaning for many For Christians, it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ a story of hope, renewal, and new life It’s a time of reflection, faith, and gratitude, shared in churches and homes throughout the region
Here in the Manawatū, Easter also brings a distinct seasonal shift As autumn settles in, the leaves begin to turn, the mornings feel a little crisper, and it becomes the perfect time to pause and reset Whether it’s a walk along the Manawatū River, a visit to a local market, or simply relaxing at home, there’s a sense of calm that comes with the season
Community spirit shines brightly at Easter Local events, school holidays, and family traditions bring people together Children enjoy Easter egg hunts, while friends and whānau gather to share meals and make memories
In a busy world, Easter reminds us to take a breath, appreciate what we have, and look ahead with hope Whether celebrated through faith, family, or community, Easter carries a message that resonates with us all renewal, kindness, and the promise of brighter days ahead
WrittenbyCraigJohnson
TheHeritageFestivalcontinuesintoApril, withaSavageCrescentwalkshop,atalk abouttheoriginsofIPU,badge-making sessions,aconversationbetweenMaxRashbrooke andRichardShaw,thecontinuationofthe HistoriesandMysteriesintheCollectionsseries, andsomuchmore.VisittheRugbyMuseumfor agoldcoindonation,playtraditionalgamesin theSquare–there’sevenaspecialsessionon Heritagetoolsforteachers.Asthefestivalnears itsend,we’dliketothankallthepeoplewhomade itsoamazing.Withmorethan150activitiesover 5weeks,itcan’thappenwithoutahugeamount ofworkfromalotofdedicatedandenthusiastic people.FromphotographyexhibitionstoFoxton guidedtours,fromwalkshopstoworkshopsto authortalks,therewasawidevarietyofthingsto seeanddo.Wehopeyouenjoyedtheprogramme –we’dlovetohearyourfeedbackaboutit!
Doyouhaveprimaryschool-agedchildren who’dliketohaveagowiththelibrary’ssmall wheeledrobots?CometotheMezzanineFloorin CentralLibraryonSaturdays(duringtermtime) at10am,andjoinin!Learnaboutprogrammingin
themostfunwaypossible.Thisstartedasapopupsessionbuthasprovensopopularit’snowa permanentprogramme.
Duringtheschoolholidaysthere’llbeagreat rangeofactivitiestokeepyourchildrenbusy. HighlightsincludeamagicalexperiencefromwellknownlocalmagicianAndrewWilson;acouple offunvisitsfromHaroldandtheLifeEducation Trust,andourfavouritefourleggedfriends returnwithCanineFriendsPetTherapy.Amongst allofthisisaspectrumofimaginativecraft, building,writing,andtechactivitieswhichinspire spontaneouslearningandfun.Theactivitiesare designedwithfamilyinmind,suitableforallages, spreadacrossalllibrarylocations,andfreeunless specified.
In2010,theNgaioMarshAwardswere establishedtopromoteandcelebrateexcellence inAotearoacrimewriting.In2015CraigSisterson organisedthefirstMysteryInTheLibraryevent: anauthorpanelthattiedinwiththeawards.Now inits12thyear,theMITLseriesspansthecountry, andtheCityLibraryisproudtobeoneofthepins onthisparticularmurderboard.Comealongto CentralLibraryonApril30at6pmtohearlocal authorsG.B.Ralph,PatriciaDunmore,andBing
TurkbyinconversationwithvisitingauthorKim Hunt,apastNgaiosBestFirstNovelfinalist,fora criminallygoodkōreroabouttheartandcraftof storytellingandcreatingmemorablecharacters, theimpactandevocationofsettingandreal-life issues,andwhatdreweachofthemtomystery andthrillerwriting.
Nextmonthwecelebratethethirtieth anniversaryofthe“new”CentralLibrarybuilding. That’sright,it’sbeenthirtyyearssinceweshifted fromacrosstheSquareintotheIanAthfielddesignedcurrentspace,withinternaldesign featuresfrompeoplelikeJohnBevanFord, andthebronzesculpturebyPaulDibbleatthe entrance.Ifyouhaveanywonderfulmemories orphotographsofthebuilding,we’dloveto hearorseethem!Photoscanbeaddedtothe onlinerepositoryManawatūHeritage–thereare alreadysomegreatonesofthebuildingunder constructiononthere.We’resofortunatetoshare thisamazingbuildingwiththecity.Technologies havecomeandgone,someareashavebeen rearranged,butitsroleasyourlivingroomofthe cityisunchanged Tillnexttime,happyreading.
WhySriLankaKeepsCallingTravellersBack
SriLanka’sEnduringMagneticAppeal
Forseasonedtourhost PeterRoddam,co-owner ofYOURTours,few destinationshavelefta lastingimpressionquite likeSriLanka.Afternearly twodecadesofreturning -bothpersonallyandwith tourgroups-it’saplace hedescribesnotjustas memorable,butmagnetic.
Peter’sconnectiontoSri Lankabeganin2005duringabusiness triptoColombo.Hisaccommodationwas modest,butitwasn’tluxurythatstoodout -itwasthepeople.
“WhatIdorememberisthepeopletheirkindnessandwillingnesstoexceed expectations,”hesays.“Everyoneknew mynamewithin10minutes-eventhelift attendant.”
Thatfirstimpressionneverfaded. Returningthefollowingyearwithhiswife, Peterexperiencedthesamewarmthand attentiontodetail.Itconfirmedthiswasn’t aone-off,butadeeplyingrainedpartofthe culture.“Everyguestreceivedthesame levelofservice,thatwasgenuinecareat itsbest.”
Today,Peterispreparingforhisfifth visit,threeofwhichhehashostedaspart ofYOURTravel’ssmallgrouptours.What keepsdrawinghimbackisacombination ofrelaxedpace,richculture,and remarkablewildlife.
SriLanka’snationalparksareahighlight, offeringcloseencounterswithelephants, slothbears,crocodiles,monkeys,and vibrantbirdlife.Peterdescribesitas immersiveandoftenunpredictable.
Amongthestandoutlocations areMinneriyaandYalaNational Parks.“Justgettingintothe safarijeepssendsshiversup yourback-youneverknow whatyoumightfind,”he says.Onemomentstoodout: “LastyearIsawaleopardfor thefirsttime-itwasmuch largerthanIexpected.”
Beyondwildlife,SriLanka offersarichmixofexperiences.
ClimbingWorldHeritage-listedSigiriya, orLionRock,isafavourite.Rising200 metreswithover1,200steps,theancient fortressrewardsearlyriserswithstunning sunriseviews.Visitorscanalsoexplore teaplantationsorwitnesstraditionalstilt fishingalongthecoast.
Foodisanotherhighlight.Peter appreciatesthecountry’semphasison fresh,organic,locallysourcedingredients. SriLanka’scuisinereflectsitsagricultural roots,withherbs,spices,seafood,and localproduce.
Whileinternationaldishesare available,heencouragestravellerstotry localflavours.Eachvillagehasitsown variation,meaningnotwomeals,even ifnamedalike,arequitethesame.That unpredictabilitykeepstheexperience exciting,althoughheadmitshestill enjoysfreshfruitandtheoccasionaleggs benedictforbreakfast.
Formanytravellers,thesurprises don’tstopthere.Historicsitessuchas thereveredTempleoftheToothRelic andKandyandtheancientcapitalof Anuradhapura,culturalencounters,and unexpectedmomentsaddasenseof
discoverythroughoutthejourney.
YetforPeter,it’snotonesinglehighlight -it’showeverythingcomestogether.He likensSriLankatoaperfectlybalanced cake,whereeachingredientcontributesto somethinggreater.
Momentssharedwithtravellersoften reinforcewhyhereturns.Onarecenttour, aguestcelebratingamilestonebirthday climbedSigiriyaatsunrise-something shehadn’tthoughtpossible.
Forthoseconsideringthejourney, Petersaystheexperienceisdesigned tobeenrichingyetrelaxed.YOURTours smallgroups,typicallyfortravellersaged 55andover,balanceexplorationwith comfort.Withprivatetransport,premium accommodation,expertguides,anda well-paceditinerary,guestscanimmerse themselveswithoutfeelingrushed.
Hisadviceissimple:“Stopandsmell theroses.Don’tworryabouttomorrow.” Injustafewwords,Peterdescribes SriLankaasaplacedefinedbyheartfelt hospitality.Combinedwithrichculture, accessiblesafariexperiences,diverse landscapes,andforthosewhovisit,it’s onethatoftencallsthemback.
SCINTILLATING SRILANKA
Learnmoreaboutthisfabuloustour 17October-2November2026
FullyhostedfromNewZealandwith aYOURToursHost TwinSharefrom$10,995perperson
MALAYSIAFORCHRISTMAS
CelebrateaTropicalChristmasinMalaysia!
Stepintoafestivewonderlandlikenoother,wherethemagicofthe holidaysmeetsthevibrantcharmofSoutheastAsia.Malaysia,adazzling tapestryofculturesandlandscapes,offersaperfectblendofmodern cities,historictowns,andbreathtakingnaturalbeauty.
OurfestivejourneybeginsinKualaLumpur,exploringvibrant neighbourhoodsbeautifullyenhancedbyseasonaldecorationsand celebrationsthatreflectMalaysia’srichculturaldiversity. IntheCameronHighlands,wefindrollingteaplantations,manicured gardens,andcascadingwaterfallscreatingafestiveatmospheresetamid nature’ssplendour.
ChristmasunfoldsinPenang,acaptivatingislandwhereheritage, creativity,andmodernsophisticationcometogether.Hereweexplore culturallandmarks,wandercolourfulstreetsallbroughttolifewith festivedecorandcelebrations.Withplentyofleisuretimeforrelaxation atourbeachsideresort.
Celebratetheholidaysinawarm,welcomingcountrywherefestivelights sparkleundertropicalskiesandtraditionsblendwithmodernity.
f f ll f l d d
OurguestsjoinusforourtoursfromallcornersofNewZealandandyou canberestassuredyourtourhostwillalwaysbeoneofourfriendlywellexperiencedYOURToursteammembers,ensuringeverythingislookedafter fromstarttofinish,allowingyoutorelaxandjustenjoyyourholiday.
FirsttoWalk—andGive:
Manawatūrallies forParkinson’s
Whenthesunrisesover
PalmerstonNorthon
Saturday11April,aquietbut powerfulmomentwillunfoldinThe Square.LocalswillgatherfortheRed TulipWalk,markingWorldParkinson’s Day—and,thankstoNewZealand’s placeonthemap,theywillbeamong thefirstintheworldtodoso.
Heldeachyearonthebirthdayof JamesParkinson,thedayshinesa lightonaconditionthatisnowthe fastest-growingneurologicaldisorder globally,affectingmorethan11million people.InNewZealand,over13,000 peoplelivewithParkinson’s—around oneinevery500—withseveral hundredfamiliesintheManawatū regiondirectlyimpacted.
ButinPalmerstonNorth,awareness isonlypartofthestory.Thisisalsoa dayofgiving.
From9am,Saturday11thApril theSquarewillbegintofill—not justwiththosediagnosed,but withpartners,carers,whānauand supporters.At10am,theywillwalk together.Somestepswillcomeeasily;
otherswilltakedetermination.Every step,however,carriespurpose.
Alongsidethewalk,theevent doublesasamajorcommunity fundraisersupportingtheworkof Parkinson’sNewZealand.Funds raisedhelpdelivervitallocalservices, includingspecialistnurses,home visits,educationprogrammes, advocacyandexercisesupportfor peoplelivingwithParkinson’sacross Manawatū.
Akeypartofthefundraisingeffort willbethecommunityraffle.Thanks tothegenerosityoflocalbusinesses andsupporters,around100prizes havebeendonated.
Participantscanpurchaseraffle entriesonthedaywhentheyregister, choosinganyamounttheywishto contribute.Paymentscanbemade easilyviaadedicatedQRcode systemorbycash.
Eachentrywillreceivearaffle number,withprizeresultsdisplayed atthecontroltentforparticipants tocheckwhentheyreturnfromthe walk.
ClassicandHotRod
Aspecialbonusdrawformajor prizeswilltakeplaceat11:30am, conductedpubliclyandunderPolice supervisiontoensurefairnessand transparency.
Majorprizeswillbedrawninthe followingorder:
•1m3ofhotburningfirewood (valuedat$130)
•$189photoshootfromToniLarsen Photography
•ExclusivevisitforfourtoBigginHill HangaratRNZAFBaseOhakea— includingahangartourfeaturing SpitfireandMustangaircraft,plus coffeeandabriefingwithBrendon Deere
•FlightSimulatorExperience#1at MasseySchoolofAviation
•FlightSimulatorExperience#2at MasseySchoolofAviation
•$500travelvoucherfromHouseof TravelTheSquare
•$1,200full-sizeBBQfromMitre10 MegaPalmerstonNorth It’saprizepoolthatreflectsa regiongettinginbehinditspeople.
“Thisismorethanawalk,” organiserssay.“It’speopleliving withParkinson’swalkingvisiblyand courageously—andacommunity walkingbesidethem,supportingin practicalways.”
Parkinson’sdoesn’tjustaffect movement.Itcanimpactspeech, mood,cognitionandindependence, withrippleeffectsfeltthrough families,workplacesandwider communities.Asdiagnosisratesrise, sotoodoestheneedforsupport services.
EventsliketheRedTulipWalkhelp ensurethatsupportremainsavailable closetohome.
Asthedaywindsdown,Palmerston North’sClockTowerwillglowblue, joininglandmarksworldwideina sharedshowofsolidarity. Formany,itwillbeasimplelight. Forothers,itwillrepresenthope. Becausebehindeverysteptaken —andeveryraffleticketbought—is acommunitydeterminedtomakea difference Jointheevent.,RainorShine
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