Focus on Manawatu - October 2025 by NZME.

Manawatū FOCUSON

MONTHLY

OCTOBER2025

The Cancer Society is challenging you to complete the distance of a marathon over the month of November! Marathon in a is the Cancer Society’s premier health promotion event held nationwide every November The event challenges people to complete the distance of a marathon using the mode of exercise they chose over the month This could be walking, cycling, swimming, running, etc The purpose of the challenge is to encourage people to live a more active lifestyle, eat healthier, and develop long lasting positive exercise habits To complete a marathon over the month of November only takes 1 4km of exercise in your chosen ﬁeld per day

Marathon in a Month is a massive achievement and something for you to be proud of, pushing yourself to go the distance and

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

supporting those with cancer in your community On top of the health beneﬁts of getting active, there is also the added incentive of fundraising for Marathon in a Month to go in the national prize draw Anyone who raises more than $300 goes in the draw to win a national accommodation prize

You also get to set the challenge - one marathon not enough? Why not do two or three! This event is for everyone Whether you want to get your family going on a daily walk or you’re an experienced athlete who wants to do four marathons over the month, then this is for you

Signing up is easy, just head to marathoninamonth org nz You can sign up as an individual or get your workplace or family/friends involved and set up a team

Take up the challenge and get active this November to support the Manawatū Cancer Society

Distribution: 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

ALocalSuperh

Fornearlyfourdecades,Karlynhasbeenafamiliara comfortingpresenceatVautierPharmacyinPalmer NowworkingatPioneerPharmacy,herwork goesfarbeyondprescriptionsandpills-shehas becomealifelineformanyinthecommunity.

byLeylaBoukhelida

Whetherofferingadvice, ashouldertoleanon,or oneofherfamouslywarm smiles,Karlynhasmadeithermission tocareforthosewhoneeditmost. Countlesstimes,shehasreached intoherownpocketstoprovide essentialslikefood,clothing,and householditemstoindividualsand familiesdoingittough.Butmorethan materialsupport,itishercompassion andgenuinehumanconnectionthat hasmadethebiggestimpact.

Karlynmakeseveryonefeelsafe, sheseespeopleattheirlowestand liftsthemup,oftenwithouteven realizingtheprofounddifference she’smaking.

Herempathyisespeciallyevident inherworkwithpeoplestruggling withmentalhealthchallenges. Karlyn’spresence,patience,and abilitytolistenhavehelpedcountless individualsﬁndstrength,hope,anda pathforward.

Outsidethepharmacy,Karlyn’s generosityandenergyhavetouched manycornersofthecommunity.She hasvolunteeredinnumerouslocal organisations,includingMedicsMake Music,helpingtoraiseover $80,000 forthe rescuehelicopterservice.

Herdedication toyouthisjustas inspiring.AsalongtimesupporterofJunio MaristRugby,Karlynno encouragedyoungplay theﬁeldbutalsooftens inasadriver,gear-supp cheerleader—alwaysbe inthemevenwhenthey believeinthemselves.M ofthoseboys,nowgrow men,stillstayintouchw thewomanwhooncest proudlyonthesidelines cheeringthemon.

r t e s p l y M w w t s, buted her a s

only rson tepped lier,and ieving didn’t any n ith ood nd tonNorth.

Karlynhasalsocontrib timeandcompassionworkingin thecancerwardatPalmerstonNorth hospital.

Karlynismorethan justalocalherosheisourworld.

BeyondcommunityserviceKarlyn isadevotedmothertohertwosons WilliamandJack,alovingwifeto herhusbandBrent,a“oneofakind specialfriend”andanirreplaceable colleague.

Ineveryaspectofherlife,Karlyn hasledwithlove.Herhumilitymeans sherarelyseeksrecognition—butfor thepeopleofPalmerstonNorth,her impactisimpossibletoignore.

Thinkingof becomingalandlord? Readthisﬁrst

byAudreyGrinter,PropertyManagementAdvisor–WatsonIntegrity

Owningarentalcanbeasmart move,butit’snoteasymoney, it’sabusiness.

Inmyrole,Ioftenmeetandconsult withpeopleconsideringtheirﬁrst investment,andthesametruthscome upeverytime:beforeyoujumpin,get clearonyourresponsibilitiesandyour realities.You’llneedtounderstandthe legalstandards,yourobligationsaround bonds,privacyandmaintenance,andthe record-keepingthatprovesyou’redoing thingsright.Ifyourplanis“I’llsortit later,”pause.Latergetsexpensive. Knowyourmarket.What’srenting quicklyinyoursuburb,andatwhatlevel? Setrentbydemandandcomparables, notbywhatyouneedtocoverthe mortgage..Whoareyoulikelytoattract— families,professionals,students?Great marketingandfairpricingreducevacancy andstress.Alsobehonestaboutyour time.Advertising,viewings,screening, inspections,organisingtrades,handling theodd10pmcall,beingalandlord requiresactivemanagement.Ifyourdiary isalreadyfull,factorinprofessionalhelp. Donewell,landlordingcanbeincredibly rewarding.You’reprovidingawarm,wellkepthomeforsomeonewhoneedsit,

whilebuildingequityandasteady,longtermreturn.

Mymostimportantadviceisthatcash ﬂowmatters.Couldyoucoverrates, insuranceandthemortgageifthehome satempty?Planforarealisticvacancy bufferandsetasideamaintenancefund. Toreducerisk,usearobustapplication andscreeningprocess,acleartenancy agreement,routineinspectionswithgood reporting,timelymaintenance,andthe rightlandlordinsurance.

Thisiswhereaprofessionalproperty managerearnstheirkeep.Agood managerknowsthelegislation,tracks themarket,craftseffectiveadvertising, screensthoroughly,setsandreviews rent,coordinatesmaintenance,conducts regularinspections,keepsthepaperwork tight,andnavigatesdisputesifneeded. Theoutcomeisfewervacancydays, bettertenants,solidcompliance—and oftenalowertotalcostthangoingit alone.

Bottomline:treatyourrentallikea businessservingcustomers.There’sreal satisfactionindoingthisright.Ifthat mindsetﬁts,you’reontherighttrack. Ifitfeelsoverwhelming,partnerwitha proanddoitproperlyfromdayone.I’m happytositanddiscussyourplan.

TangiUtikere| MPforPalmerstonNorth

Ihavealwaysbeenahugesupporter oftheCapitalConnection,and astrongadvocateforimproved servicesbetweenPalmerstonNorth andWellington.Alongsidemany locals,Iusetheservicetotravelto andfromWellingtonwhenIcan.

Therecentnewsthatthecontract fortheCapitalConnectionupgrade hasﬁnallybeensignediswonderful newsforourregion,andI’msoproud tohavefoughthardforthisastheMP forPalmerstonNorth.

Labourinvestedheavilyinrailin Budget2023,includingco-investing in18newtrainsforthelowerNorth Island.Thissupportforanewﬂeet oftrainswouldensurestronger, faster,morefrequentandmore environmentally-friendlyservices alongtheManawatūline.

Ashortercommute,services doubledduringpeaktime,and weekendandoff-peakservices, aswellasmorereliable,efficient andsafertrainservicesareall gamechangersforPalmy,andI’m proudtohaveadvocatedforthese improvementsforourregion.

Disruptionandinfrequent timetableshavebeenalltoofamiliar forthosetravellingintoourcapital cityfromPalmy,sothestrengthening ofthesepublictransportlinksand additionofmoreservicesisextremely welcomenews.

Theblessingandmaidenvoyage ofthelong-awaitednewCapital Connectioncarriagesin2023were anotherresultofLabour’sinvestment inrailinfrastructure.Theseareahuge improvement,andcertainlymakethe journeymorecomfortable.

SinceIbecamethelocalMPI’ve advocatedstronglyonanumberof transportissuesinourcommunity. IknowthebeneﬁtsthatourCapital Connectionserviceprovidesforus hereinPalmy,whichiswhybackin 2022Isuccessfullyadvocatedfor ourservicetobeincludedinthe 50%PublicTransportfarereduction package.Thisensuredlocalswere supportedintermsoftheirtravel andtransportoptions,andIwas pleasedtobeabletoreachouttothe TransportMinisteronbehalfofour community.

MorerecentlyIwasprivilegedto joinwithcommunitiesonbothsides oftheManawatūGorgetooppose atollonTeAhuATuranga,andwas thrilledwhentheproposedtollwas droppedbytheGovernment.

Areviewofruralschoolbusesin Manawatūhasalsopromptedhuge concerninruralcommunitieslike AshhurstandRongotea.Earlierthis yearIheldapublicmeetingtohear theviewsofthesecommunities,and havecontinuouslybeenadvocating forruralschoolbusservicestoremain astheyare.

TheRangitīkeiispartofwhoIam.It’swher wefarmandraisedourfamily.Iamproudto beyourlocalMP.

TheCapitalConnectionisan extremelyvaluableserviceforus locally,soI’mexcitedtoseethesenew trainscomeintoservice from2030.Iwill continuetoadvoc forthisservice,to holdtheGovernm toaccount,andpu toensureour newtrainsare deliveredon time.

Pleasecontactmeforadvocacyservices,individua assistance,oraccesstotheparliamentaryprocess.

Connectwithme: Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz•06323725 51FergussonStreet,Feilding suzeredmaynempsuzeredmaynerangitikei

AuthorisedbySRedmayne,ParliamentBuildings,Wgtn.

AsspringawakenstheManawatūlandscape,sotoodoesawave ofartisticenergy.Octobermarksatimewhencreativityspillsfrom studiosintogalleries,trails,andtowncentres-invitinglocalsand visitorsaliketodiscovertheregion’svibrantculturalheartbeat.

Atthecentreofthiscelebration aretwostandoutevents:the ManawatūArtAwards,hosted bytheacclaimedFeildingandDistrict ArtSociety,andtheArtTrailManawatū, ledbyCommunityArtsPalmerston North.Together,theseevents formadynamicduo thatshowcasesthedepth anddiversityofNew Zealand’sartistictalent.

Feilding,a picturesquerural townnestledinthe heartoftheregion, hasquietlyearned itsreputationasa culturalgem.Often hailedas“thebest regionalartgalleryinNew Zealand,”theFeildingArt Centrecontinuestosurpriseand inspire.TheManawatūArtAwardshave becomeacornerstoneoftheregion’s creativecalendar,drawingentries fromacrossAotearoa–withlastyear’s winningpiecearrivingfromGisborne.

ThisOctober,theAwardsreturnwith $6,000incashprizesandarenewed commitmenttocelebratingoriginality andexcellence.VisitorstotheFeilding ArtCentrewillbetreatedtoastunning exhibitionofselectedworksacrossa widerangeofmedia,includingpainting, sculpture,ﬁbreart,photography, digitalart,andmore Whetheryou’reaseasoned collector,acasualadmirer, orsimplycurious,the exhibitionoffersarare opportunitytoexperience thebestofNewZealand artinoneplace.Aspart oftheArtTrailManawatū, theFeildingArtCentre becomesamust-visit destination-connectingartists, audiences,andcommunities throughthepowerofvisualstorytelling. Don’tmissyouchancetobeinspired, visitwww.feildingartsociety.comfor moredetails.

FeildingArtCentre–DiscoverArtin theHeARTofManawatū

Travelinstyleonourheritagetraintothevibrantrivercityof Whanganui.Discoverthecharm,history,andattractions thiswonderfultownhastooffer.Whetheryou’reseeking adventure,culture,orarelaxinggetaway,theRiverCity Expressisyourtickettoanunforgettableexperience.

JohnBertrandCollectablesAre BuyinginManawatu,Rangitikeiand HorowhenuaNextWeek

Onceagain,thegoldandcollectablesbuyersfrom WellingtoncompanyJohnBertrandCollectablesare visitingManawatu,RangitikeiandHorowhenuanext week.MrKevinGeorgefromthecompanysays,“Ifyou aredownsizingorwantingtodisposeofthingsbecause theynolongerserveanypurposetoyouoryourfamily bringthemin”.“Nextweekwillbeagreatopportunityto haveanyitemsyouwanttosellassessedbyourbuyers” saidMrGeorge.ParticularlywantedareGoldandSilver (inanyofitsforms)andCollectablessuchasCoins, Banknotes,WarMedals,OldWind-upWatchesand otherinterestingSmall Collectables.

“Wearekeenbuyers, especiallyoftheitemsin thelistbelow”saidMr George.“Nothingistoo smallforourconsideration. Wearejustashappy buying1itemasweare buying1,000items”he said.Thebuyerswillbein Manawatu,Rangitikeiand Horowhenuanextweek. (seedetailsbelow).As KevinGeorgepointsout“If youareindoubtaboutany itemsyoumaywishtosell, bringthemalongforan instantappraisal.”

MrKevinGeorge SeniorBuyer JohnBertrand(Collectables)Ltd

Gold&Silver AtNearRecord Prices

uringthese uncertaintimes wehaveseenasharp increaseinthepriceof preciousmetals.ThegoldpriceinNew Zealandisatnearrecordlevelssogather upallyourunwanteditemsandtakethem alongtothebuyers.KevinGeorgesays“We canbuyoldgolditemsinallforms, includingJewellery(Rings,Chains, Broochesetc),Coins(Sovereignsandthe like),Alluvial(RiverGold),virtually anything,evenGoldTeeth!Wealsoneed allSterlingSilverincludingCups,Tea Services,CutleryandOldCoins”hesaid.

TEInterestingSmall CollectablesWanted

hebuyersfromJohnBertrand (Collectables)Ltd,visitingManawatu, RangitikeiandHorowhenuanextweekare happytolookatanyinterestingitems,for examplevintagepocketandwristwatches suchasRolex,Men’sOmega,Breitling andgoldwatchesetc.Alsowanted,pre 1950’spicturepostcards,MaoriandPaciﬁc artefacts,oldfountainpensandothersmall antiqueorhistoricalitems.

“Ifyouhavesomethingunusualwhich youwouldliketosell,pleasebringitinto oneofourvenues,wewouldlikethechance toatleasthavealookatit”saidKevin George,buyerfortheCompany.“Wewill consideranythingwhichmaybeofinterest toacollector”hesaid.

SomeBigDollarsinEarlyBanknotes

arlyNewZealandBanknotes datedbefore1932arecurrently fetchingbigmoney!Thisisaccording toMrKevinGeorge,SeniorBuyer. MrGeorgeisinManawatu,Rangitikei andHorowhenuanextweekonabuying tripforJohnBertrand(Collectables)Ltd andwouldbeverykeentoseeanyof theseissues.“Wewillpayatleast$300 foranyundamagedTenShillingorOne PoundbanknotefromaNewZealand

tradingbankdated1932orbefore. Denominationsoffivepoundsand higherwouldbeworthfrom$700.“Any banknotedatedpriorto1900wouldbe worthatleast$1000”saidMrGeorge. AlsopurchasedareanyReserveBank ofNewZealandpre-decimalissues, especially50Poundnotes.Alloverseas banknotesarealsowanted,especially earlyPacificIslandissues.

CollectorsNeedWarMedals Currently,throughoutNZandtheworldthereisabig demandbycollectorsforwarmedals.Thesecoverallwars rightthroughfromtheNewZealandLandWarsandtheBoer War,totheFirstandSecondWorldWarsandthelaterKorea andVietnamconﬂicts.NewZealandServicemenandWomen ﬁrstservedoverseasintheBoerWarinSouthAfricaaround 1900andthewarmedalsawardedforthisserviceareneeded bythebuyers,asareanyotherMedalsfromearlyNewZealand andtheNewZealandWars. GeneralservicemedalsfromboththeFirstandSecond WorldWarswillalsobepurchased,butascanbeimagined thesewereawardedinfairlylargenumbers.“Ifagroup ofmedalshasanyspecialawardforbraverysuchasthe MilitaryMedal,MilitaryorFlyingCrossorothermedalsfor DistinguishedConductorMeritoriousService,thesecanadd greatvaluetoagroup”statedMrKevinGeorge,buyerforJohn Bertrand(Collectables)Ltd.“Manyfamilieshaveoldmedals, somedatingbacktoearlyImperialdays,thattheyarenotsure whattodowith.Thesearebetteroffinthehandsofcollectors whowilllookafterthem.Wewillbehappytolookatanywar medalswhatsoever,justbringthemintovenues”hesaid.

OldCoinsCanTossUpaRarity

Doyouhaveabunchofoldcoinssittingaroundinyour drawersandcupboards?Youjustneverknowwhat raritiesmaybelurkingthere.TheadvicefromKevinGeorge fromJohnBertrand(Collectables)Limitedisto“bring theminandletushavealook”.“Noneedtosortanything outjustbringthemin‘asis’andpleasedon’tcleanthem! Wecangothroughcoinaccumulationsandcollections fairlyquickly”hesaid.Thebuyersareparticularlykeen tobuypre1946NewZealandSilverCoinsforatleast20 timestheirfacevalue(moreforquantity).“Inanyevent wewillbuyAllCoins,”saidMrGeorge.

Thepoetrymachineisa repurposedrecordplayer thatprintsoutapoem wheneveryouhitabigred button.Allpoemsarelocally sourced,organicandfreerange, andwheneverthemachinevisits anothertownitpicksupafew moreforthekete.It’sverycool toseethecollectionofpoems growasthemachinetravelsabout. Whenthepoetrymachineisn’t jet-settingaroundthecountry, youcanusuallyﬁnditatoneof thePalmerstonNorthCityLibrary locations.

Everwonderedhowabook makesitsjourneyfromareturns binbacktoalibraryshelf?Forthe book-curiousamongstus,let’s havealookatthat.Eachlibrary locationhasareturnsslot,and thoseareclearedeveryday.Books returnedovernightarechecked inwithalacritysoyoudon’t accidentallygetﬁnesOHWAIT therearenooverdueﬁnesatthe CityLibrary–yay!Therearealso severalbookbinsdottedaround town.Checkthelibrarywebsite fordetails.Thosebinsarecleared eachdaybyatrustyvandriver, whoferriesbooksbetweenallthe locations.Overthecourseofthe day,allofthosebooksgetchecked inandsenttowherevertheyneed togo:backontheCentralshelves; outtoacommunitylibrary,onto theHoldsshelves,etc.Ifallthe librarybooksgotreturnedfrom peoples’homesinoneday, thelibrarywouldburstatthe seams.Soplease,doyoupartby borrowingbooks! NadiaLimcomestotownon SundayOctober12,topromote hernewbookNadia’sFarm Kitchen,sogreaseupyourskillet andprepareforanaudience

withoneofAotearoa’scooking cognoscenti.Anotherauthorvisit that’sexcitingisMichelleDuff, ex-Manawatūjournalistwhowrote theﬁrstbiographyaboutJacinda Ardern,andnowhasabookcalled “SurplusWomen”ontheshelves. Comealongandgiveherawarm home-townwelcome.

ThePalmyWallsAliveproject wasonagainthisyear.Fabulous artworksbykidsfromthe ManawatuMulticulturalCouncil’s WelcomingSchoolsprogramme werebroughttolifewiththehelp ofUCOL,andprojectedontothe exteriorofDowntownPalmerston Northatnight-time.Theoriginal worksweredisplayedontheFirst FloorofCentralLibrary.Eachwork representedadifferentspeciesat adifferentlevelofendangerment, andtherewasevenabookletyou couldtakehomethattellsyouall thedetails.TheLibraryisproudto beinvolvedinsuchacoolproject. Keepyoureyeoutforitnextyear! Ifyou’rereadingthisatthestart ofOctober,therearestillsome schoolholidaysessionsforyouto enjoyatthelibrary.There’stheﬁrst everlibraryQuietReadingParty, aneatopportunityforkidsaged 7+tochilloutandenjoythequiet vibesandcompanyofothersas theydipintotheircurrentreads. Anddon’tmissthePalmerston NorthChineseSchool’safternoon eventfeaturingtraditional activitiessuchaslanternmaking, calligraphy,andpapercrafting aspartoftheirMoonFestival celebrations.

TheLatinAmerica&SpainFilm FestivaloccursfromOct3-19.This popularseriesofmoviescoversa widerangeofgenres,topicsand styles,givingyoutheopportunity tofeelclosertoLatinAmerican andSpanishhistoriesandcultures throughthelensesofgreatﬁlm makersandartists.Entrytoall ﬁlmsisfree. Keepuptodatewitheverything that’sgoingonat

TheCityLibrary’spoetry machinerecentlytookatrip toNgāmotuNewPlymouth totakepartinPukeAriki’s StoryWorldsfestival.

Craft beer, big slices, and a whole lot of Palmy heart

Walk into Tony’s Pizza and the ﬁrst thing you notice isn’t just the aroma of sourdough bases crisping in the oven; it’s the community vibe

by Renee Murray

Board games stacked for family nights, a retro PS2 humming in the corner, and a “woof wall” of Polaroids celebrating the venue’s very dog-friendly policy “We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel comfortable relaxed and connected within those ﬁrst 10 minutes,” says owner-operator Jack Foston

Tony’s opened in March 2023 and quickly became a go-to for serious pizza and a seriously good beer “I love curating a stand-out NZ craft beer lineup,” Jack says “If a staff member loves a beer, they talk about it; if they’ve got a favourite slice, they recommend it Great service here is authentic, never forced ”

In the kitchen, the quality brief is simple: fast casual, high quality Sourdough bases are made from scratch in-house, toppings are fresh, meats are free-range only, and the mozzarella is shredded on site The suppliers are deliberately local and independent: Woody’s Meats (Levin), Gillards Honey, and Palmy’s own Texas Salsas “We take pride in making what we consider the best pizza in Palmy,” Jack says with a grin

When I asked about staff favourites, two classics came up: the Buffalo Chicken slice (best with a cold, hazy IPA) and the Tony Pepperoni, using custom pepperoni designed to “cup and char” like the New York slices that inspired the shop’s name As for the business decision that still deﬁnes the place, Jack points to hiring a great team and backing genuine hospitality “That and being willing to do everything ourselves; I can be on business reports one minute and cleaning the bar the next ”

Why Palmerston North? After stints in Asia, Australia and an internship at a craft beer restaurant in New York, Jack saw a great opportunity here “I saw so much potential in Palmy for a venue like Tony’s, and I love the fact it’s a city with a close community feel It’s deﬁnitely underrated in my opinion!” That community shows up in the memories made here at Tomy’s Pizza: engagements, graduations, even ﬁrst birthdays with four generations around one table Dogs, dates, game nights or postwork pints, Tony’s is built for good times and good pizza, in that order Find them at 134 The Square

PUTTING PALMERSTON NORTH FIRST!

A head for business, a heart for the community and a passion for a vibrant Palmerston North!

STANDING FOR

A future Smith-led Council will continue to;

• Invest in key Council infrastructure, giving ratepayers value for money and improving Council efficiency

• Champion city and regional catalyst transport & distribution projects. Te Utanganui Central NZ hub, the O2NL Otaki to North of Levin highway and the Manawatu Regional Freight Ring Road.

• Ensuring the regional Waters Entity is established and the city’s Nature Calls Waste Water plant is affordable, sustainable and underway

• Promoting the city’s Food Strategy, world-class education, science, research & food innovation institutions

Past Smith-led Councils have attracted investment, built infrastructure and facilities that have changed the face of the city.

As Mayor I will use my experience, independence and leadership to continue leveraging investment, both private & public for the betterment of ALL residents in our city

FocusonManawatū

Springhaswellandtrulyarrived, andit’sgreattoseesomany peoplegettingoutdoorsand enjoyingthecity’sparks,pathways andgreenspaces.

It’sbeengreattoseesomany peopleoutonbikeandfoot exploringthecity’snewestshared pathwayalongTeAhuaTūranga–ManawatūTararuaHighway.DOChas alsoﬁnishedworkattheTawaLoop now,sothat’sreadyforsummer adventurestoo.Ifyou’revisiting eitherpath,stopbythecarpark andvisitGorgeQuarterStore–the brainchildoflocalAmyAnderson. Thestoresellsgiftwareandproducts fromlocalmakers.We’llbesharing moreaboutAmy’splansinthe summereditionofPalmyProud,due outinDecember.

Ifyou’vebeeninVictoria Esplanadeadmiringthespring bloomsandnoticedworknearthe aviaries,that’sthelathhousebeing upgraded.Theshadedentranceto thePeterBlakeConservatoryisin drasticneedofrenovation.We’re rebuildingitsoit’ssafer,stronger andmoreaccessible.Theadjoining conservatorywillbecloseduntilthe endofNovemberwhiletheworkis carriedout,andthecity’snationally signiﬁcantBonsaicollectionisbeing carefullylookedafteratournursery untilitreturnstothenewlathhouse.

SpeakingoftheEsplanade,Central EnergyTrustWildbaseRecovery islookingformorevolunteersto helpcareforwildlifeandwelcome visitors.Noexperienceisneeded

–justabigheartandafewspare hours.Headdowntohaveachatto theteamtoﬁndoutmore,andwhile you’rethereaddafewextraminutes toadmireourpātekeducklings, whicharepartofanationalbreeding programme.

BothWildbaseandourlibraries havebeenbuzzingoverthepast fewweekswithschoolholiday programmes.Abigshoutouttoour Councilteamsandallofyoufor comingalongandtakingpart.

We’restartingtoheadintothe summereventsseason,andﬁrst cabofftherankisCouncil’sannual DiwaliMela(FestivalofLights).It’s cominguponSaturday1November, 5pmto10.30pminTeMaraeoHine TheSquare.Thisfree,family-friendly festivalcelebrateslightwithmusic, dance,culturalperformances,market stalls,deliciousfood,facepainting, rangoliart,andmore.

Finally,areminderaboutlocal Councilelections.Votingclosesat 12noononSaturday11October,so makesureyougetyourvotein.We’ll sharetheresultswithyouinthe nextedition,butyoucanalsocheck Council’swebsiteandsocialmedia forresultstoo.Councilmeetings resumeinearlyNovember.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabout anythinginhereorCouncil-related, pleasegetintouchwithusatour CustomerServiceCentre,byphone, online,orviasocialmedia.We’re here,andalwayshappytohelp.

Thiscolumnwasprovidedby PalmerstonNorthCityCouncil.

‘Gettinganinterview withRichieMcCawislike listingahouse’

WhytheagentthinksAucklandersshouldmovetoManawatū.

byNikkiPreston

-HamishMcKay,formerTV broadcaster,transitionedtoreal estate,sellinghigh-endAuckland homes.

-HemovedhometoManawatū, focusingonauctioneeringand buildinganauctionculturein Feilding.

-McKayalsoreturnedtoradio, hostingonNZME’sTheCountry andGoldSport.

FormerTVbroadcasterHamish McKaystillhassleeplessnights aboutAucklandhouseprices.

Duringmarketpeak,hewas sellingtownhousesinGlenInnesfor justunder$1million-wellabovethe priceshe’susedtonowadaysinhis newpatchofManawatū.

McKayquitKiwiTVscreensnine yearsagoandbecamearealestate agent.Hespentmostofhistime sellinghigh-endhomesinStHeliers, Glendowie,andMissionBay,buthe alsofoundhimselfin2021and2022 sellingtwo-bedroomhomesinGlen Innes,aworking-classsuburbthat wasinthemidstofredevelopment.

“Istillsitboltuprightatnight thinkingaboutthe70sqmhomes Isoldfor$900,000.Igo,‘Whoa’.

Thatwasatthepeakofthemarket.”

Thesubsequentslowdowninthe Aucklandhousingmarketmadehim questionnotsomuchwhathewas doingbutwherehewasdoingit.

“Oneofmyfrustrationsin AucklandwasthatIwaslisting$2m to$3mto$4m-pluspropertiesthat vendorshopedwouldsellforalot more,butinreality,theywereworth alotless.”

Achancemeetingwithagents fromTremainswhilehewas auctioneeringacharityeventin Hawke’sBayearlierthisyearwas theturningpoint.“Theysaid, ‘Hamish,areyouauctioneering?’ AndIsaid,‘No,butIshouldbe,and Iwanttobe,’andonethingledto another.”

InJuly,McKayopenedupto HeraldNOWhostRyanBridge aboutthenewleaseoflifehehad followingbariatricsurgeryanda 55kgdropinweight.Aroundthe sametime,hesaidgoodbyeto 30yearsoflifeinAucklandand returnedtohisrootsinManawatū.

“Itwasreallyaboutcominghome morethananythingelse,butthe movewasalsoanopportunityto getinvolvedwithauctioneering.”

McKaytoldOneRoofthathewas focusedonbuildinganauction cultureinManawatū.“Ibelieve,as anagentandaseller,it’sthebest methodofsale.I’munashamedlyan auctionguy,andIsayifyouwant action,thenyouneedtoauction.”

Whilerealestateremainsthemain focus,he’salsorecentlyreturnedto theairwavesafteratwo-yearhiatus.

McKayisaﬁll-inhostonNZME’s TheCountryandhasaregularspot onGoldSport.

“Firstandforemost,it’sreal estateallday,butIlovedoingradio, andtobequitefrank,I’mpretty bloodygoodatit.Ihadtoldmyself foralongtimethatIwasn’t–I hadlostmyMOJOforabit-but nowI’vegotafewpeopleinmy campbackingmeandgivingme opportunitiestodostuffIlove.

“Itreatradiolikegolf.It’smy release.”

However,hebelievesrealestate andbroadcastingaresimilar,telling OneRoofthatbothjobsrequire goodcommunicationskills.

“GettinganinterviewwithRichie McCawislikelistingahouse.You’ve gottogointheretowin,you’vegot tohustlefortherighttogetthat intervieworgetthatlisting.”

McKaysplitshistimebetween

FeildingandAuckland,wherehis wifeandsonwork,butsaysitis onlyamatteroftimeuntiltheyare allinManawatū.

Hehasn’tboughtahouseyet becausehewantstowaituntilhis wifemovesdown,butonethinghe iscertainofishowmuchmorebang foryourbuckyougetinFeilding. Aprimeexampleisaproperty at15WindsorTerrace,inFeilding, whichheishelpingTremains colleagueNatashaBannersell.

“IwenttoitandIwassortof chokingonmyWeeties,going,‘I can’tbelievehowmuchthisisfor thesuggestedmoney.’”

McKaytalksupthetown wheneverhe’swithfriendsfrom Auckland.“I’vebeenthinkingof goingdowntoBritomartand puttingonasandwichboardand going‘Feilding–comeonyouguys, whatareyoudoing?Whyareyou here?’”

Headded:“It’sbeenabreathof freshairgoingdownthere.Feeling athomedowntherehasbeengreat. AsIgrowtheManawatūbusiness, wewillallbedowntheresooner thanlater.”

Source:OneRoof

220YearsofService:Palmerston NorthLionsWomenHonoured

byReneeMurray

FourPalmerstonNorthwomen arecelebrating45yearsof communityservicewiththeir HeartlandLionsclubthismonth: KandiHumphries,MarionWilson,Pat Bowers,andChristineWoodhouse. Alongsidethem,JanKentmarksan impressive40years.Thestorybegan in1980,whenwomeninthelocal communityformedaLionessClub, ultimatelybecomingawomen-only

Lionsclubin1992.Askwhythey joinedandtheanswerisconsistent: theywantedtohelpthecommunity, andtheyknewtheycoulddo moretogetherthanalone.Itwasa timebeforecellphonesandonline networks,whenyoumadefriends bygettingoutthere,shoulderto shoulder,weekafterweek.

Thefocushasalwaysbeensimple: fundraisingandpracticalhelp.One

legendaryeffortinthelate1980ssaw amemberdonateapaddocksothe clubcouldplantcorn,harvestit,and sellitatlocalmarketseveryweekend; thatsinglefundraiserbroughtin about$3,000forcommunitycauses. Wherethemoneygoesisdecided togetherbyaclubvote,andthe recipientsaredeliberatelyvaried: includingNZGuideDogs,theCancer Society,breastcancersupport,and localschoolchildrenheadingto sportingoreducationalevents.

Servicehasmeantturningup inperson,too.Foryears,many membersspenteverySaturdayat thehospitalpool,supervisingand assistinganarthritisgroupwith exercises.Noteveryoutingwent toplan.Onaboatingtripupthe WhanganuiRivertheteamended upstranded,anescapadethatmade thepaper,butitallbecamepartof theclub’ssharedstory.Therewere lighterhighlightsaswell;PatBowers stillsmilesabouta1983triptoHawaii, wheremorethan25,000Lionsfrom acrosstheglobegatheredforan internationalconvention.

Whatstandsoutmostisthe sacriﬁceandsolidarity.Whenmany ofthesewomenstarted,theyhad youngchildrenintowatmeetings andfundraisers;todaythereare grandchildreninthephotos.They havestoodtogetherthroughbirths, illnesses,farewells,andmilestones, showingupforthecityandforeach other.Askwhytheystayedandthe answersarethesame:friendship, purpose,andthesatisfactionof seeinghelplandwhereitisneeded.

Forty-ﬁveyearson,manythings havechanged,butthespirithas not.Theclubisopentonewcomers, withabroadagerangeandplenty ofwaystopitchin.UnderPresident AnneRussell’sstewardship,the club’sapproachremainssteady:raise funds,lendhands,buildfriendships, andleavePalmerstonNortha littlebetterthantheyfoundit.As ChristineWoodhouseandtheother long-serverswilltellyou,thework isimportant,butthememoriesand kinshiparetheglue.

WardsFurniturehasitallfromNZmadebedsbySleepyhead,loungesuites, Lazboy,rugs,giftware,canvasprints,andsomuchmoreinstore

Tremains Opens Doors in Feilding

Tremains is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in the heart of Feilding, a milestone that reﬂects over 50 years of trusted service and community focus across New Zealand

From day one, Tremains has stood for values that never go out of fashion: honesty, trust, and genuine connection. For decades, these principles have guided our work, helping thousands of New Zealanders buy, sell, and invest with conﬁdence Expanding into Feilding is a natural next step, one that brings our people-ﬁrst approach to a community that shares those same values.

The new Feilding office is more than a physical presence It is a dedicated team of professionals who know the region, live locally, and care deeply about the place they call home Backed by market expertise and an energetic, collaborative spirit, they are ready to support every client, from ﬁrst-home buyers and families selling treasured homes, through to seasoned investors looking for clear, honest advice

At the heart of the Feilding office are people who live and breathe the community they now represent They know the local schools, sports clubs, cafés, and businesses, because they are part of them too You will see the team not only in the office but also at community events, supporting fundraisers, and cheering from the sidelines Tremains has always believed that real estate is about more than property It is about people, relationships, and investing in the

places where we live and work. The Feilding team embodies that spirit

“We are not just opening an office, we are embedding ourselves into the life of the community,” says Managing Director Simon Tremain. “Our aim is to build lasting relationships and earn the trust of Feilding locals by doing what we have always done best, being there when it counts and delivering results the right way”

This expansion underlines Tremains’ mission to make every property journey a good one For clients, it means expertise paired with empathy For team members, it means being part of something bigger than a job And for the wider community, it means another trusted partner investing in its future

With our doors now open, Tremains looks forward to supporting Feilding and the surrounding region with the same passion and integrity that have deﬁned the business for more than half a century If you are curious about the current market, thinking of selling, or simply want to know what your home might be worth, get in touch and chat to the team about a free, no-obligation appraisal.

Visit us at our new Feilding office and discover why, after 50 years, working with Tremains is always a Good Move

Focuson Manawatū

Septemberwasanotherbusymonth inWellingtonandbackhomeinthe electorate.Ourgovernmenthasbeen workinghardtodeliveronthethingsthat mattermosttoourcommunities.

OneofthehighlightsinParliamentwas passingtheClimateChangeResponse (EmissionsTradingSchemeForestry Conversions)AmendmentBill,betterknownas theFarm-to-forestBanBill.Thisoneiscloseto myheart,andIwasthrilledtoseeitbecome law.Itprotectsourbestfarmland,secures ourfoodsupply,andsupportsourrural communities–ahugewinforregionsacross thecountyjustlikeours.

Ihadtheprivilegeofattendingaspecial ceremonyatGovernmentHouse,wherelocal legendsPeterNationONZM,AlanTroonKSM, andmygoodfriendandmentorIanMcKelvie MNZMreceivedtheirKing’sBirthdayHonours. Thankyouallforyouroutstandingservice.

Backhomeduringrecesslastweek,Ijoined myfriendandcolleagueHonChrisPenk, AssociateMinisterofDefence,atLinton MilitaryCamptowitnessgroundbeingbroken onthelargestDefencehousingprojectin decades.Defenceplaysahugeroleacross Rangitīkei–withLinton,OhakeaandWaiouru –andthisprojectwilldelivermodernhomes forourDefencefamilies,whoaresuchan importantpartofourcommunities.It’sa winnotonlyforthem,butalsoforeconomic growthandforourconstructionsector.

Workisalreadyunderwayoneightnew homesatLinton,alongsideﬁveinBullsfor personnelbasedatOhakea,withmoreto

comenationwide.Ourgovernmentalso remainscommittedtodelivering50new homesatWaiouru,withfurtherdetailstobe announcedlaterthisyear.

Ialsotookpartinthesod-turningaswork begunontheŌ2NLExpressway–anew 24-kilometrestretchofStateHighway1from ŌtakitoNorthofLevin.Anyonewhohas facedthedelaysandcrashesonthatstretch knowshowdesperatelythisroadisneeded. Thenewexpresswaywillcutcongestion,and improvesafetyandefficiencyforfreightand commutersalike.We’vealreadyseenthe beneﬁtsoftheKāpitiExpressway,andŌ2NLis thenextvitallink–dueforcompletionbythe endof2029.

Asalways,ifyouhaveanythingyou’dlike todiscuss,pleasefeelfreetodropmealine. EmailmeatSuze.RedmayneMP@parliament. govt.nzorcall063237253.Youcanalso followmeonFacebookatfacebook.com/ SuzeRedmayneMPtokeepuptodatewith moreofwhat’shappeninginWellingtonandin theelectorate.

SportManawatūofficiallylaunchedthesecondyearofthe NZCTManawatūActiveCommunitiesFund(MACF)atthe FeildingCivicCentre,ledbyChiefExecutiveKellyShanks.

TheeventwelcomedNZCT’s BenHodges,Manawatū DistrictCouncillors MichaelFordandBridgetBell, andrepresentativesfromlocal organisationsandbusinesses whohaveseenthefund’simpact ﬁrsthand.

Initsﬁrstyear(2024–25), MACFsupported103applications, positivelyaffecting2,122people aged7to73.Shanksdescribedthe responseas“heartwarming,”with manyrecipientssharingstoriesof howthefundhelpedthemaccess physicalactivityopportunities.

Thefundwascreatedthrough collaborationbetweenSport ManawatūandNZCT toaddressﬁnancial barriersthatprevent participationinsport andrecreation.Ben Hodgespraisedthe partnership,sayingit complementsNZCT’s existinggrantsand extendssupportto moreindividualsand groupsacrossthe region.

SportManawatū’s strongcommunityties

havehelpedchannelfundinginto previouslyunderservedareas.One exampleisNextLevelAthletes, where13-year-oldEllasharedhow theprogrammeimprovedher performanceandconﬁdence:“We learnhowtomovebetter,jump higher,sprintfaster,andrecover properly.I’vebecomequicker onthenetballcourtandmore balanced.”

SportManawatūacknowledged NZCT’songoingsupportand looksforwardtoanotheryearof meaningfulcommunityimpact.

Applicationsforthe2025–26 MACFarenowopenandwillremain openuntilallfundsareallocated.

HuntleySchoolprovidesaneducationthatbalances character,care,andcuriositywiththeskillsneededfor tomorrow’sworld.

Whetheryouarefamiliarwithprivateschoolingorjust beginningtoexplore,you’llfindacommunitythat welcomesyou,andopportunitiesthatwillinspireyour child’sjourney.

Joinusforouropendaytoseetoseeourschoolin action,tourourschoolandmeetthestaffthatsupport andinspireouryear3-8students.

ScantheQRcoderegisteror calltheofficeon063278049. OPENDAY FRIDAY17OCTOBER FROM9.30AM JOINUSFOROUR

Palmy’shomegrown Swampfestcomesofage

Swampfest–thatalmostannualcelebrationofhomegrown bandsandlocalmusic-makers,hasnowbeenaroundfor21years.

byRichardMays

Tocelebrate,CreativeSounds recordingstudioandgig venueTheStomachon LombardSt,ishostingfourdaysof musicandmemoriesfromOctober 23–26.

Backin2004duringNew Zealand’sMayMusicMonth,eight localbandsturnedupatThe Guv’norsTavern(nowTheRoyal)on RangitīkeiStfortheﬁrstSwampfest hitout.WhySwampfest?Well, Palmywasfoundedonaswamp, andaccordingtoCraigBlack,who managedTheStomachatthetime, thenamewasgiftedbyMurray

ShawoflocalbandTurbostillin homagetohishometown.‘The Swamp’and‘Swampton’are affectionatecolloquialmonikers forthecity,sowhynot“sharethat love”.

ThroughhiscontactsatAudio Progress,Blackscoredareasonable soundsystemforthegig.

“Ifyoubelieveinwhatyou’re doingandinthevalueofthelocal musicscene,youshouldtreatit withtherespectitdeserveshaving adecentsoundsetupandtaking careofthebands.”

Thesuccessoftheﬁrstfest

meanttherewasasecond,also atGuv’nors,withBingTurkby contributingtheSwampfesttheme songandOutpostrecordinga festivalDVD.

“ThatDVDwasaprettybigdeal atthetime,”Blacksaid. HeemphasisedthatSwampfest wasverymucha“doittogether kindofevent”.Localvisualartists contributedposters,musos volunteeredasushers,andthenin 2009,followingacoupleofyears atTheGlobe,CreativeSounds fullyadoptedtheeventtomark TheStomach’sown21stbirthday. In2012Swampfestmovedto SeptembertomatchTheStomach’s actualbirthdaymonth.

AsforOctober’s21stbirthday Swampfest,onopeningnight Thursday23,Blackwilljoina ‘StoriesfromtheSwamp”panel withsomewhowereinvolved inthefestival’sformationand development.Theeveningincludes a‘rehearsalroomperformance’

bybandTheFairlightChoir.Black willperformasresearchintospeed duringthefest’sFridayFireevening ofelectronicashortsets.

ManagerofTheStomachAbi Symessaidpatronsshouldexpect “asupersaturated,fullimmersion musicalexperience”.Saturday’s SwampfestSupershowwillfeature 15bandskickingoffatmiddayand playinguntillate,withawind-down sessionintheafternoononLabour WeekendSunday.

Symessaidthe21stbirthday partyattheall-ages,alcoholand drug-freevenuewillshowcase21 hoursofliveoriginallocalmusic fromslightlymorethan21bands overthefourdays.

“It’soneofthehighlightsof myjobtoorganiseSwampfest. Itplayedsuchanimportant partofmyyouthandmusical development,andIwanttomakeit reallyspecial”Symessaid. Furtherdetailsareatfacebook. com/TheStomach.NZ/

MARKET

FEILDING FIASCO

BY ALISONQUIGAN

NOV 15DEC 13

Celebrate50Years ofBohemian Rhapsody–Liveat theRegentTheatre!

•GasandElectricHotWater systems

•GasandWoodFire Installations

•PlumbingandGasFitting Maintenance

•Kitchen,Bathroom,Laundry, AlterationsandMaintenance

Phone Nick021757266 or062139123 oremail Nick@nwplumbingandgas.co.nz

Freshfromsold-outtours inCanadaandAustralia, theinternationalhitshow Queen:It’saKindaMagic iscomingtoNewZealand, celebrating50yearsof BohemianRhapsody.

Fanscanexperiencethis unforgettablerockextravaganza liveatthe RegentTheatreon 10thOctober.

BohemianRhapsodybroketherules ofpopmusicwhenitwasreleased, runningafullsixminutesinsteadof thestandardsinglelength.Queen refusedtoshortenit,andthesong becameaniconicglobalhit.It’s beeninductedintotheGrammyHall ofFameandwasnamedthemost

streamedsongofthe20thcentury, inspiringgenerationsoffans. LeadsingerWarrenVernon-Driscoll, classicallytrainedanddedicatedto recreatingFreddieMercury’svocalsin theoriginalkey,leadsaninternational bandperformingallofQueen’s greatesthitslive,includingWeWill RockYou,WeAretheChampions, RadioGaGa,SomebodytoLove,and ofcourse,BohemianRhapsody. Don’tmissthischancetosee Queen’smagicliveattheRegent Theatreon10thOctober.Ticketsare onsalenowattheboxofficeoronline atqueenitsakindamagic.com.

Wanttowinadoublepass?Email shona.lingham@nzme.co.nzand tellusyourfavouriteQueensong!

021710930

Onecallgetsthemall

ServicingManawatuand surroundingtownships

Whetherit’saparkinglotdingorashoppingtrolleybump,you cannowsaygoodbyetosmalldentswithMcVerryCrawford MotorGroup—quick,affordablePaintlessDentRemovalthat preservesyourcar’soriginalpaintandvalue

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Manawatū What’s On

October/Whiringa-Ā-Nuku 2025

‘FROCKTOBER’ – Ovarian CancerAwareness Month Info frocktoberorg nz

VOTING

Local Government Elections – Polling until midday Saturday October11 Info vote nz/local-elections/

EXHIBITIONS UNTIL OCTOBER 31:

Trail Mix Exhibition - FREE 9am – 5pm Monday –Friday, Square Edge Community Arts, 47 The Square Info communityarts org nz/

UNTIL NOVEMBER 1:

Manawatū Art Awards 2025: 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 1pm Saturday, Feilding and District Art Society, 104 ManchesterSt Feilding Info feild ngartsocietycom 06 323 2323.

PERFORMANCES

THURSDAY OCTOBER 2

Disney High School Musical Jr– Six to Sixty Musical Theatre, 1pm & 6pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Ma n St Info sixtosixtynz com/globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409

Paint N’ Sip – R18 Palmy Drag Fest event hosted by Miss Terri & RubyDax 730pm, Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409

FRIDAY OCTOBER 3

Feilding Rural Day – FREE entry 10am – 3pm Manchester Square, Feilding Info: feilding co nz, iS te 06 323 3318

Disney High School Musical Jr – Six to Sixty Musical Theatre, 1pm & 6pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Ma n St Info sixtosixtynz com/globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409

Beat Girls - It’s My Party, ManchesterHouse

50s-ﬂavoured fundraiser 3pm & 745pm Feilding Civic Centre 84 Aorangi St Info fei dingciviccentreorg nz

Shellie Hanley goes Spanish forLatin American & Spain Film Fest opening, FREE, 6pm, Event Cinemas Broadway Info citylibrarypncc govt nz, eventcinemas co nz

Musical Madness! – Palmy Drag Fest Dance Party with DJ Kita Mean, 730pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409

SATURDAY OCTOBER 4

Rainbow Fair- Palmy Drag Fest – 10am - 2pm, Free entry Fly Palmy Arena, Pascal St Info venuespn co nz

Disney High School Musical Jr– Six to Sixty Musical Theatre, FINAL, 1pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info sixtosixtynz com/globetheatre.co.nz 06 351 4409.

Inspire ME Talk Show 4 - embracing art, love, culture and inspirat on, 3pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409, inspire me talk show, 028 420 4759

Palmy Drag Fest – 8pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5

Feilding Lunch on the Square – Eat Street Market: Food music and market 10am – 2pm ManchesterSquare Feilding Info: Feilding and Distr ct Promotion iSite, feilding co nz, 06 323 3318

PINK RIBBON DAY - WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8

Organ Powerwith Roy Tankersley, 1215pm Pathways St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 388 Church St Info pathwayspresbyterianchurch nz/, 06 358 0884

Skeleton Crew Presents: Bare Bones, A Local Arts Showcase – 1/4, short plays, devised theatre, slam poetry & short ﬁlm, 7pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info g obetheatre co nz 06 351 4409

THURSDAY OCTOBER 9

Just Dance: Live by Roslyn Schoo , 6 30pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

SkeletonCrewPresents:BareBones-ALocalArts Showcase – 1/4, short plays devised theatre slam poetry & short ﬁlm, 7pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info g obetheatre co nz, 06 351 4409

Vatu Dei - Album launch concert by Palmys Pasiﬁka Artist in Residence 2025 7pm Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10

Feilding Craft Market, 1/2, 9am - 4pm, Manfeild Stadium, 59 South St, Feild ng Info feildingcraftmarket co nz/

Skeleton Crew Presents: Bare Bones - A Local Arts Showcase – 3/4, short plays, devised theatre, slam poetry & short ﬁlm, 7pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info g obetheatre co nz 06 351 4409

Swamp City Big Band in Concert - 7.30pm Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 730pm, Railway Land Reserve Church St Info 027 224 7287

The Wrong Train to Bruges: The Underbellies + People of the Sun 745pm, Snails: Artist Run Space, 103 Taonui St Info facebook com/snailsartistrunspace/groups

Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic – 50th Anniversary of Bohem an Rhapsody, 8pm Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

Feilding Craft Market, 2/2 9am - 4pm Manfeild Stadium 59 South St, Feilding Info feildingcraftmarket co nz/

Local Government Elections – Polls close midday Info vote nz/local-elections/

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival – 2pm & 730pm Railway Land Reserve Church St Info 027 224 7287

Manawatū Diwali Festival 2025 – FREE, 5pm10 30pm, Feilding Civ c Centre, 84 Aorangi St, Feilding Info feildingciviccentreorg nz/whats-on

Salud! – R18 music, food and boutique beverage festival midday – 7pm, Gate 2, Central Energy Trust Arena, 107 Cuba St. Info sa udfestival.co.nz/

Skeleton Crew Presents: Bare Bones - A Local Arts Showcase – 4/4, short plays, devised theatre, slam poetry & short ﬁlm 7pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatre co nz, 06 351 4409

Corps de Burlesque Graduate Showcase – R18 730pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12 - WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY

Te Hīkoi Toi – with Warren Warbrick: 9 50am – 1040am & 2pm – 340pm Te Ahu a Turanga Western Gateway Park, 1631 Nap erRd, Ashhurst Info manawatunz co nz/events/ te-hikoi-toi/

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 1pm & 4pm, Railway Land Reserve, Church St Info 027 224 7287

Manawatū Youth Orchestra Gala Concert – play ng Sibelius, Faure, Saint-Saens 4pm, Speirs Centre, PNBHS, 263 Featherston St Info facebook com/ manawatuyouthorchestra/

FourLast Songs – ChamberMusic NZ 4pm, Globe Theatre 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409

Le Malade Imaginaire by Moliere – Alliance Franca se presents Noumea’s Les Incompressibles theatre troupe, 4pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info french org nz, globetheatre co nz, 06 351 4409

Whanganui Jazz Orchestra plays the Manawatū Jazz Club, 5pm Willow Park Tavern, 820 Tremaine Ave, Roslyn Info mjc org nz

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15

Showtime – Manawatū Gang Show, 1/5 730pm Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100

THURSDAY OCTOBER 16

New Zealand Food Awards Gala Dinner – 6 30pm, Fly Palmy Arena (2), Pascal St Info venuespn co nz, 0800 383 688

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 730pm Railway Land Reserve Church St Info 027 224 7287

Showtime – Manawatū Gang Show, 2/5, 730pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

Hot Spot – comedy improv R16, 8pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info facebook com/hotspotimprov globetheatre co nz, 06 351 4409

FRIDAY OCTOBER 17

Manawatū Volunteering Expo 2025 – 10am, City Library George St Info facebook com/volunteercentral nz, 06 354 6027

Bites & Beats – 1/3 Food trucks, desserts, boutique retai , beats, giveaways, free lawn games, outdoorkids movies, picnic zones, 4pm -10pm CET Arena 1 Info venuespn co nz 0800 383 688

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 730pm, Railway Land Reserve Church St Info 027 224 7287

Showtime – Manawatū Gang Show, 3/5, 730pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

Try Music Showcase – end of yearconcert, 6pm Globe Theatre, Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409, trymusic co nz

Niels & Friends - Palmerston North Fo k Club concert, 8pm, Theosophical Hall, 304 Church St Info pnfolkclubweeblycom

Rory Lowe – NZ tour 8pm Globe Theatre Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409, rorylowecomedycom

SATURDAY OCTOBER 18

Art Trail Manawatū – 1/2 Artists’ studios galleries and pop-up spaces, 10am-4pm, Square Edge Community Arts, 47 The Square Info communityarts org nz/ WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival – 2pm & 730pm, Railway Land Reserve, Church St Info 027 224 7287

Showtime – Manawatū Gang Show, 4/5, 2pm 5/5 8pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100

Bites & Beats – 2/3 Food trucks, desserts, boutique retail, beats, giveaways, free lawn games, outdoorkids movies, picnic zones, 4pm -10pm, CET Arena 1 Info venuespn co nz, 0800 383 688.

Miss Pole Dance New Zealand 2025 – with The Ballet School Dropouts 7pm, Globe Theatre, Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409

Comedy Hub’s Graduation Showcase - 8pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info comedyhubpalmycom/, globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409

SUNDAY OCTOBER 19

Art Trail Manawatū – 2/2 Artists’ studios, galleries and pop-up spaces, 10am-4pm, Square Edge Community Arts, 47 The Square Info communityarts org nz/

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 1pm & 4pm, Rai way Land Reserve, Church St Info 027 224 7287

Sunday Matinee Series: Musica Viva Young Performers Showcase - koha $5+, 2 30pm, Globe Theatre, Main St Info globetheatreco nz 06 351 4409

Bites & Beats – 3/3 Food trucks, desserts, boutique retail, beats, giveaways, free lawn games, outdoorkids movies, picnic zones, 4pm -9pm, CET Arena 1 Info venuespn co nz, 0800 383 688

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22

Fabulous 50s - Operatunity Daytime Concerts 11am, New Life Church, 590 Featherston St Roslyn Info operatunityco nz/

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23

Swampfest 2025 -21: 1/4 Stories from the Swamp w th key to the door 21st anniversary sets, 6pm, The Stomach, 84 Lombard St, Info facebook com/TheStomach NZ, 06 359 0120

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 730pm, Railway Land Reserve Church St Info 027 224 7287

Raybon Kan - Raybonanza 31st Anniversary Gold A bum Tour, 7pm, Globe Theatre, 312 Main St Info globetheatreco nz, 06 351 4409

FRIDAY OCTOBER 24

PACANZ National Young PerformerAwards – 1/3 Musical Theatre, Modern Dance, Instrumental, Speech & Drama and the Troupe Dance Award Troupes competition from 845am ﬁnals from 4pm, Regent on Broadway, Spiers Centre, Globe Theatre Info pacanz co nz

Swampfest 2025–FridayFire: 2/4 Electronica short sets, 6pm, The Stomach, 84 Lombard St, Info facebook com/ TheStomach NZ 06 359 0120

Gish: Live in Rongotea, 7pm Rongotea Tavern, Thames St Info facebook com/p/Rongotea-Tavern, 06-324 8564

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival - 730pm, Railway Land Reserve Church St Info 027 224 7287

The 046 ‘Legacy in Motion’ NZ Tour, 8pm, The Royal Hotel 44 Rangitīkei St Info thenewroyalhote papaioea com/ 022 033 1075

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25

PACANZ National Young PerformerAwards – 2/3

Musical Theatre, Modern Dance, Instrumental, Speech & Drama and the Troupe Dance Award from 8.30am Regent on Broadway, Spiers Centre Globe Theatre Info pacanz co nz

Celebration of Quilts – Rose City Quilters quilt fest, 1/2, 10am -4pm Community Leisure Centre, 569 Ferguson St Info facebook com/rosecityquilters/

46th Annual Mustang Convention - supporting the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, 10am to 4pm CET Arena

1 Info venuespn co nz 0800 383 688

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival – 2pm & 730pm, Railway Land Reserve, Church St Info 027 224 7287

SpooktacularHalloween Night Market – FREE entry, 4-9pm, Kelvin Grove Community Centre Kaimanawa St Info facebook com/manawatucraftandfoodfair

Swampfest 2025 - Supershow: 3/4 15 bands midday t l late, The Stomach, 84 Lombard St Info facebook com/TheStomach NZ, 06 359 0120

SUNDAY OCTOBER 26

Foxton Spring Fling – 9am – 3pm, Main St Foxton Info facebook com/foxtonspringﬂ ng/

Celebration of Quilts – Rose City Quilters quilt fest 2/2 10am -4pm Community Leisure Centre 569 Ferguson St Info facebook com/rosecityquilters/

PACANZ National Young PerformerAwards – 3/3

Musical Theatre, Modern Dance, Instrumental, Speech & Drama and the Troupe Dance Award from 10 30am, F nal Concert 730pm Regent on Broadway, Spiers Centre G obe Theatre Info pacanz co nz

WeberBros ‘The Circus’ & Funtime Carnival – FINAL, 11am, Railway Land Reserve, Church St Info 027 224 7287

Swampfest 2025 – Sunday Comedown, 4/4, m dday, The Stomach, 84 Lombard St Info facebook com/ TheStomach NZ 06 359 0120

LABOUR DAY MONDAY OCTOBER 27

RĀ MAUMAHARA (NEW ZEALAND WARS REMEMBRANCE DAY), TUESDAY OCTOBER 28

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29

UCOL Employment and Careers Expo – 11am – 1pm, UCOL main atrium Princess St. Info ucol.ac.nz

Chris Dann Duo, 1215pm, Pathways St Andrews Presbyterian Church 388 Church St Info pathwayspresbyterianchurch nz/ 06 358 0884

HALLOWEEN - FRIDAY OCTOBER 31

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1

Manawatū & West Coast A&P Show, 1/2, 9am, Manfeild Park, Kawakawa Rd, Feilding Info manawatushow co nz/, 06 323 1886

Oroua Country Church & Garden Ramble 9am – 4pm Oroua Parish Hall 16 Camden St Feilding Info feilding co nz, 06 323 4026

Esplanade Light Party - Free entry, 5pm – 9pm, Scen c Railway Station carpark, Victoria Esplanade Info facebook com/LightPartyPN

Diwali Mela – FREE, 5pm – 10 30pm, Te Marae o Hine/The Square Info pncc govt nz/News-Events/

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2

Manawatū & West Coast A&P Show, 2/2 9am, Manfeild Park, Kawakawa Rd, Feilding Info manawatushow co nz/, 06 323 1886

Grassroots Trust Rescue HelicopterOpen Day, 11am – 2pm, Rescue Helo Hangar 50 Ruahine St Info rescueorg nz/ grassroots-trust-rescue-helicopter/

DIWALI - MONDAY NOVEMBER 3

MELBOURNE CUP DAY - TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4

Grassroots Trust Rescue HelicopterMelbourne Cup Long Lunch, 12 30pm – 6pm, Silks Lounge, Awapuni Racing Centre, Racecourse Rd Info rescueorg nz/grassroots-trustrescue-helicopter, manawatuevents@pbco nz

PARIHAKA DAY - WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5

SirDave Dobbyn: Selected Songs - 8pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows, 06 350 2100

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6

Magic Men Australia - LargerThan Life – R18, 730pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7

An Evening with Cowboy Junkies: Celebrating 40 Years – 730pm, Regent on Broadway Info regent co nz/shows 06 350 2100

Disc a mer Harcourts Whats On s an attempt to corral a months worth of regional Manawatū shows performances, festiva s, community and cu tural events foreasy day-by-day reference

It does not c a m to be deﬁn tive

Wh le every effort has been made to accurate y l st events theirvenues and times, patrons are adv sed to check forany add tions changes, cancel at ons and postponements NB: Un ess there are specia c rcumstances -

On Sunday October 19 at 2.30pm the Globe concert will feature a showcase of some of the best of the Manawatu’s young concert pianists, vocalists and instrumentalists who will have been successful in the upcoming Young Performers Scholarship run jointly by the Musica Viva Manawatu and the Palmerston North Rotary Club

Musica Viva is a local music Club which has recently celebrated a centenary of music making by it and its parent organisations - the Palmerston North Music Club and the Dorian Society Its long-standing Young Performers Scholarship has over the years helped launch a number of distinguished performers including soprano Anna Leese, pianist/

conductor Andrew Atkins and violinist/ conductor Matthew Ross

Sunday December 7 will be the occasion of a variety concert led by ﬂute and saxophone impresario Diana Neild The audience will be treated to a ﬂute choir, a sax quartet playing jazz standards, a Moxy functions band featuring lots of vocals as well as individual instrumental items

Oroua Country Church and Garden Ramble – A Day of Beauty and History

On Saturday 1 November 2025 from 9 00am to 4 00pm, the Oroua Country Church and Garden Ramble invites visitors to explore a unique blend of rural heritage and ﬂourishing gardens across the district Spanning Colyton, Kimbolton, Kiwitea Beaconsﬁeld Waituna West and Stanway, the event showcases both natural beauty and historic charm

The ramble features six historic country churches, each specially decorated to reﬂect a different occasion Visitors can pause for refreshments, with hot drinks and home baking available at every stop making each church a welcoming place to rest and connect This year’s ramble is more than a day of exploration - it is also a fundraiser to support the upkeep of our church buildings, ensuring they remain cared for and available to the community In addition organisers hope to make a donation to Manchester House Social Services recognising the vital work they do in supporting families and individuals across the district Among the gardens on display is Bradbury’s Garden in Colyton once a bare paddock 16 years ago, now a large informal haven with tree-lined paths enjoyed by grandchildren Arotai Farm is even newer - only 16 months ago it was farmland, but

today it boasts sculptures crafted by the owner and a creative, evolving landscape In Beaconsﬁeld Valley, Wairere surrounds a threeyear-old Oamaru stone home on land held by the same family for nearly a century This formal garden grows richer each year Kimbolton’s Heritage Park, run by volunteers, offers 11 acres of colour with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and more than 2000 plant varieties Other highlights include Rosebank in Kiwitea, Tōtara Park in Stanway and Down End in Waituna West, each with their own charm and history With its combination of lovingly tended gardens, historic churches, and a heart for community, the Oroua Country Church and Garden Ramble promises a day of inspiration and purpose

Mckay on sport with Hamish Mckay

I know I was born a Manawatu rugby tragic. But in preparation for writing this memory lane piece I thought I’d better check with the oracle ChatGPT to see whether or not I was in fact possibly delusional As in, were there actually other mere mortals who shared my love for the green and white

by Hamish McKay

Here’s what I uncovered.

‘McKay is widely known in New Zealand as a seasoned sports broadcaster and television presenter, and his passion for sport particularly Manawatu rugby runs deep’. There it was, in black and white And no mention of my old mate Mr Manawatu himself, Gary BOOF Nesdale Cut me and I do indeed bleed green and white!

These days I’m back in the Radio commentary box on Gold Sport and Iheart Radio taking every opportunity to commentate Manawatu’s run in the Bunnings NPC. Since my return to calling I’m sitting on 3 from 4 for the Turbo’s, the recent loss to the BOP Steamers breaking my run of victories. But let me give you the tip, if 12 months ago if I thought I’d get to call Manawatu to victories over Wellington and Waikato in season 2025, I’m sure there would have been those who thought I’d lost the plot. Softer in the head

than a well picked over Apiti Swede

Indeed the recent old timers day victory over Wellington was pure gold, a right blast from the past. It was reminiscent of the day back in August 1978 when Wellington supposedly only had to get on the bus and come to Palmy to win the Ranfurly Shield! Okay, we don’t have the Shield any more, but a win over Wellington is almost as good as my grandmother Maisie McKay’s gravy on a Sunday roast. For the buffs among you, veteran Mick O’Callhagn scored a peach of a try that day, after some brilliant build up work by Mark Donaldson and Ken Granger My memory and love for this of this game went to an even higher level when I learned my old TV3 colleague John Campbell had been a skinny knee knocking Wellington fan sent packing home that day without the Shield. Sorry about that JC!

Sadly the Shield era would

come to an end a few weeks later at the hands of North Auckland But there were reasons a plenty Gary Knight had forgotten to eat his regular pre game block of fruit and nut chocolate, Geoff Old wore a different pair of undies for the ﬁrst time in a shield defence and the bus driver deviated from the regular route to the old Showgrounds oval And I have mentioned the 52 minute second half? Time enough for the men from Kauri country to ﬁnally be awarded a match winning penalty!

As I hope you can see, my love for Manawatu rugby is not just professional, it’s deeply personal, tied to my upbringing and identity When it comes to the Turbos, past and present, I’m an old fashioned mix of loyalty, humour, and gritty optimism. Because for me Manawatu rugby represents grassroots sport at its best: community-driven, full of heart, and a breeding ground for future

All Blacks. And we’ve had spoken of the very best. I could mount an argument for Aaron Smith, Gary Knight and Christian Cullen to be named in the greatest AB XV ever 20 percent of the team could be from Manawatu. Never mind one of that team’s locks would have to be local lad Sam Whitelock! Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed this ﬁrst drop of McKay On Sport.

To conclude this ﬁrst edition of MOS, I thought I’d share what else ChatGPT had this to say about me Again, I approve! ‘Whether on-air or off, Hamish McKay embodies a blend of professional insight and personal enthusiasm, and nowhere is that clearer than in his enduring affection for Manawatu rugby and the wider sporting life of New Zealand’. Next time join me as I, amongst other things, break down the season 2025 of the Manawatu Turbos And, yes, I will be taking a look at our fabulous women’s rugby team!

TRIO

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