The distinctive macrocarpa, known for its upturned bucket shape, is one of six finalists in the national competition.

NZ Notable Trees Trust chair Brad Cadwallader said the response from local readers had been extraordinary.

“The Bucket Tree’s rise has been remarkable. It shows that a good local story and strong community support can quickly change the leaderboard,” he said.

Only days ago, the competition was being led by the Mighty Old Mataī from Dunedin, but the Bucket Tree has now opened a strong lead on the latest leaderboard.

Brad said the result showed how strongly communities could get behind a local landmark.

The Bucket Tree was planted in the 1850s on Boscobel Farm in Tawa and has been trimmed into its unusual shape since about 1879. It is also known as the Earp Macrocarpa, after the property’s original owner, William Earp.

Voting remains open at www.treeoftheyear.co.nz/2026-trees-1/the-bucket-tree and closes at midnight on 8 July. The official site lists the 2026 finalists as Ancient Pūriri, Kissing Tree, The Sangro Survivor, Mighty Old Mataī, The Bucket Tree and Old Goff.

The plan sets a clear challenge: the scale and complexity of natural hazards is increasing faster than the capacity of the current emergency management system.

“Right now, we know the system can be stretched by large, sustained events,” Mayor Anita Baker, Chair, Wellington Region CDEM Group Joint Committee, says. 

“Delays in decision-making, pressure on resources, and gaps in coordination can emerge when disruption lasts for weeks – increasing risk to communities.”

Shaping the plan

Developed with councils, emergency services, iwi, lifeline utilities, government agencies, and community organisations, the plan sets out how the region will work together to strengthen system performance and resilience.

A 2025 environmental scan confirmed the Wellington Region has one of the highest disaster risk profiles in New Zealand, with growing exposure to earthquakes, tsunami, and severe weather. While strong work is already underway, capability and capacity gaps remain in areas such as coordination, logistics, and community readiness.

“We asked ourselves a simple but confronting question – if a major event like Cyclone Gabrielle happened here tomorrow, could our system cope not just in the first 24 hours, but in the weeks that follow?” Mayor Baker, says. 

A key feature of the plan is a shift to an all-of-society approach, recognising emergency management as a shared responsibility across agencies, communities, and individuals.

“We are moving from a system centred on agencies to one that enables communities to play a fully active role”.

The plan places a stronger emphasis on outcomes over activity, focusing on the difference emergency management makes for communities – including faster decision-making, reduced disruption, and more effective recovery.

“Emergencies don’t impact everyone the same way”.

“This plan recognises that and prioritises more equitable outcomes, ensuring those most affected are better supported.”

It outlines practical improvements to strengthen the system over time, including clearer roles and responsibilities, improved decision-making processes, stronger leadership and accountability, and more effective communication and collaboration – all designed to support sustained, long-duration responses.

Public consultation earlier this year helped shape the final plan, with input from residents, businesses, and community organisations across the region.

“Community insight is critical to ensuring our approach reflects real experiences and builds on the strengths already in our region. We want to thank everyone who contributed,” says Mayor Baker.

The Wellington Region CDEM Group Plan 2026–2031 is available at wremo.nz

“After a rigorous first round of judging, the results are now in. The Electra Business & Innovation Awards team would like to congratulate all the businesses that entered and extend their best wishes to the finalists as they move forward to the second round of judging.”

One of the Electra Business & Innovation Awards Managers, Natalie Rutene, commented – “This is one of my favourite times of year. Working with our judges to identify finalists and recognise businesses doing incredible things across the Horowhenua and Kāpiti districts is genuinely rewarding work. It is great to see so many awesome businesses and not-for-profits putting themselves forward for recognition, and even better to see just how tight the competition has been this year.”

Main Awards Finalists

Construction and Trades: Sponsored by Mills Albert Ltd

● AAM – Affordable Audio & Mechanics
● Premium Garage Doors
● The Block Busters Ltd
● Whittaker Electrical Ltd

Consumer Services: Sponsored by Zebunisso Alimova – Mike Pero Mortgages

● Birthworx
● Driving Miss Daisy Levin – Waikanae
● Nation Beauty
● Vanilla Hair Parlour Ltd

Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism: Sponsored by Kapinua

● Hey Coastie
● Kaewa Tours
● Salt & Pepper Cafe
● The Custard Pie

Manufacturing, Production and Processing: Sponsored by MTF Kāpiti

● Frank House Limited
● Norca Rugs & Textiles Ltd
● Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms
● Udderly Organic Ltd

Not for Profit, Community and Public Services: Sponsored by LT McGuinness

● Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC)
● Projects For Good – Golf For Good
● The Kilns at Te Horo
● The Mahara Gallery Trust (Toi MAHARA)

Professional and Business Services, or Technology: Sponsored by Graphic Press & Packaging

● BOSS. Back Office Support & Solutions
● CORUM Limited
● Organic Wealth
● Pou Architecture
● Procure 101
● Rustam Nomozov – Mortgage Lab

Retail: Sponsored by: New World Levin

● Four Square Shannon
● Four Square Waikanae Beach
● Q Variety Store
● We Love Local

About the Electra 2026 Business & Innovation Awards
Now in its 32nd year, the Electra Business & Innovation Awards celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation across the Horowhenua and Kāpiti business communities.
The awards recognise businesses of all sizes from all sectors that are making a real impact.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Night, which will be held on Thursday 1st October 2026 at the Horowhenua Events Centre, bringing together entrants, partners, supporters and the wider business communities for an evening of celebration,
connection, and recognition. Early Bird tickets are on sale.

For more information visit www.bkh.org.nz

“Kāpiti’s future should be decided in Kāpiti by locals, not in the Beehive by Ministers,” says Handford.

“Right now, the National-led Government is trying to force councils across the country to amalgamate together. Councils have been given just three months to talk to their communities and neighbouring councils and come up with a plan – or National will impose a plan on us.”

Handford says Labour is drawing a clear line in the sand on the issue. “If we are elected to lead the next Government, there will be no forced amalgamation of councils. If any councils do want to amalgamate, they will have to show they have the backing of the voters – whether that’s through a referendum or overwhelming support during a public consultation.”

She says National’s plan removes the local voice and local choice.

“The August deadline for councils to present merger proposals is far too short for a decision that will impact generations. It denies our residents, community organisations, mana whenua, and businesses the time they need to properly consider the options and have a meaningful say. Kāpiti shouldn’t be backed into a corner.

“And, what’s worse, under National’s plan, once an amalgamation plan is developed, it won’t be Kāpiti Coasters who decide in a referendum whether we want it to proceed or remain independent. It will be Cabinet Ministers – none of whom even live in Kāpiti – who will decide.”

Handford says Labour’s position is that changes to local government must be locally led, driven by communities, and backed by the people who will be affected. It should be locals’ choice; not imposed from the Beehive.

“If Kāpiti Coasters wanted to join with other councils, I would support that choice. But most locals I speak with are saying we don’t want to be forced into larger councils dominated by Wellington or Palmerston North, where our voice would be lost, and we could end up paying for other communities’ infrastructure problems and water issues. ‘

She says in Porirua, more people she speaks to are open to amalgamation with Wellington, and if that’s the path they want, she would support that.

“The point is, it should be voters’ choice what happens to their councils, either way,” says Handford.

“Residents and ratepayers deserve to know exactly what any merger would mean for their rates, their services, and their local representation. Would decisions currently made locally be taken over by the city? Would we retain a strong, independent voice, or would we be diluted into a minor part of a larger organisation?”

Handford says these questions cannot be answered under a rushed three-month ultimatum and that’s why the final decision should be in locals’ hands. She says under Labour, it will be.

“There are always opportunities for councils to cooperate, share services, and work smarter together across boundaries. But voluntary cooperation is not the same as a forced merger.

“I am calling on my fellow Kāpiti electorate candidates to join with me in telling the Government to stop trying to mash Kāpiti together with our neighbours at a reckless speed. Let councils take the time to properly consider what amalgamation might look like, and give Kāpiti voters the final say.”

This afternoon Police assisted ‘Mary’ into an ambulance where she will be taken for assessment.

There were very real concerns mounting over her physical well-being with the recent very cold and stormy weather, including rain inundating her make-shift shelter. With all of her belongings strewn around the area there was also a very real traffic danger, particularly with the recent high winds.

Police told KCNews today mental health and physical health assessments would determine what happens next. Police have been constrained by the limits of legislation to act earlier, as have other agencies, including council.

Kāpiti mayor Janet Holborow says she is relieved a very vulnerable person is now likely to receive the care and assistance needed.

Mayor Holborow says Council staff have collected all of the belongings left on the side of the road.

MSD told KCNews today they would be providing a statement tomorrow.

The man faces a total of 17 charges, including 11 burglaries, two unlawfully takes of motor vehicles, three shoplifting offences, and one charge of using a stolen bank card.

The offending includes a burglary at Feilding High School, as well as several residential burglaries in Bulls and rural Feilding.

The offender was located and arrested by Feilding Police on Wednesday 27 May after he allegedly attempted to steal from a local Feilding business. Staff members challenged the man, who fled on foot and attempted to evade identification by changing his clothing. He was apprehended shortly after.

Police say the arrest was significantly aided by the quick thinking of local members of the public, who helped direct officers to the offender’s movements.

Feilding Officer in Charge, Sergeant Mike Linton, acknowledged both the community’s role and the coordinated Police response.

“Those who offend in our community will be identified, located, and held to account. This is a strong example of Police across our areas working together to get results,” Sergeant Linton said.

“We also acknowledge the assistance from members of the public, whose information helped us quickly locate and arrest the offender.”

The arrest follows a targeted investigation into an increase in burglary and dishonesty related offending in the area. Through strong coordination and information sharing between Feilding, Marton, and Bulls Police, officers were able to identify and locate the alleged offender.

The man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court in July.

Police would also like to thank members of the public who provided information assisting the investigation. Community vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity continues to play a vital role in preventing and solving crime.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Police via 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

On Thursday 18 June, Police carried out a search warrant at a property on Pharazyn Road in response to a drug cultivation operation.

Detective Sergeant Joe Salisbury says during the search, officers located more than 800 cannabis plants, along with substantial quantities of dried cannabis and a significant amount of cash.

“A 50-year-old man has now been charged with cultivating cannabis and possession of cannabis for supply.

He is due to reappear Palmerston North District Court on 14 July.

“We remain committed to disrupting the supply of illegal drugs and holding those responsible to account. Operations of this size cause real harm in our communities,” says DS Salisbury.

He says Police will continue to target those involved in the cultivation and distribution of drugs.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact Police via 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

www.lukestreewalkers.co.nz

The eye-witnesses say they were just driving past when they saw the house fire which they said seemed to be fully engulfed. The house is near the Ratanui Rd turnoff.

The eye-witnesses contacted the fire service who took details.

For the Kāpiti Coast, the primary responsibility for helping a homeless person lies with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), which is the lead government agency for emergency housing.

KCNews went to the office of MSD in Paraparaumu in April regarding a woman ‘Mary’ who had been sleeping on the side of the road just south of the Elizabeth St rail crossing in Waikanae.

MSD declined to comment at the time, instead referring KCNews to their media team. We received a reply on April 16^th from a ‘Lead Media Advisor’ who suggested we get in touch directly with the MSD media team (presumably the team of which she is the Lead Advisor).

On the same day Radio NZ ran with a headline: MSD document says there’s ‘no evidence’ hundreds of New Zealanders are without shelter

KCNews rang the MSD media team who seemed largely disinterested. When the situation was explained to them that a person has been living on the side of the road for many weeks and there was some real danger to her wellbeing the response barely shifted. The MSD Media Team advised they would not answer any questions over the phone and if we wrote to them with questions they would respond.

On May 4 (the same day as the phone call) we wrote to MSD;

As you are aware there has been an elderly woman sleeping rough on the side of the road in Waikanae just south of the rail crossing at Elizabeth St for the last two months.

What are MSD doing to assist this person.

What other agencies are involved.

If a person is homeless in this situation what is the normal course of assistance.

MSD have been aware of this for a considerable time and yet it appears you have done nothing. Why is that.

These seemed like reasonable questions and a response was expected. The MSD Media Team has never responded. Now six weeks later the situation has worsened significantly.

Many residents in Kāpiti have expressed serious concerns for the health and welfare of ‘Mary’ who is still resident on the side of the road in Waikanae in freezing temperatures and significant rainfall.

Kāpiti Council have offered to help several times but ‘Mary’ has declined. Police have said there is very little they can do as no laws are being broken.

In April this year a government document says it is a “narrative” that hundreds of New Zealanders live without shelter, and there is “no evidence” to validate that.

A Ministry of Social Development internal briefing said a plan to support rough sleepers was put together “to support dispelling any myths and ensure those without shelter are not disadvantaged”.

If those whose job it is to sort this out would like some ‘evidence’ a quick visit to Waikanae should help.

As it stands the buck stops with MSD.  Perhaps they believe homelessness and rough sleeping are a myth, perhaps they will wait until ‘Mary’ catches pneumonia and is carted off in an ambulance, or perhaps they will do their job.

When a person is able to sleep on the side of the road with no shelter, other than a small plastic cover, in all sorts of weather for many months it is a rank failure. If someone in that situation refuses help but is clearly a danger to themselves and possibly others there may be some difficult decisions to be made to resolve this but those responsible for making them do not appear to be willing or capable.

By KCNews Reporters

Friday 10 July: Matariki Nature Workshop
From 10am, 60 minutes
– Pot a seedling
– Make a pūrerehua (bush telephone)
– Make a bug hotel

Saturday 11 July: Kiwi & Cat Mānawatia a Matariki screening
11am, 90 minutes
Enjoy a hot chocolate and popcorn while watching 10 episodes of this iconic cartoon duo.

Sunday 12 July: The Penguin & the Sea Monster Puppet Show
11am, 60 minutes
Join String Bean Puppets for a magical adventure featuring penguins, sea creatures and plenty of laughs. After the activities, spend some more time in nature. Admission to the Reserve is half price for families – simply add to your booking or ask at the counter.

For more see: www.ngamanu.org.nz