Both local Councils’ have been successful in receiving money from the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.
Thirteen proposals from Council’s around the country were successful from over 200 initial expressions of interest.
The funding is to assist with wastewater, stormwater and freshwater infrastructure for new developments.
The Tararua District Council has secured $880,000 to allow at least 30 new homes to be built on the former Hillcrest School site in Pahiatua.
Mayor Tracey Collis said the funding is significant and will help address a shortage of housing identified in Pahiatua.
Meanwhile the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council will receive $10.9 million from the Fund for much-needed new homes at the old Waipukurau Hospital site.
Crucial infrastructure work including transport improvements, kilometres of new pipeline for wastewater and water supply, a new water reservoir, and major stormwater upgrades is planned, enabling up to 950 homes to be built.
The old hospital site has been zoned residential for more than two decades, with a number of dwelling types planned to include retirement housing to smaller homes.
Mayor Alex Walker said a mix of housing for whānau, retirees, established residents and people new to CHB will become an exciting reality.
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The Waipawa M & D will go ahead with the opening of its Aladdin production this weekend – albeit a day later than planned.
On Wednesday night, the M & D had said they were reviewing the opening due to an injury to a key cast member.
Director Madeleine Howard will now step into the role, with the opening pushed out to tomorrow night to allow for a rehearsal.
Anyone who had purchased tickets for tonight, or for the matinee tomorrow, can transfer them or receive a full refund.
The season of Aladdin will run until the 16th of November, with tickets available through Eventfinda.
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The owner of two rubbish sacks full of clothing found on SH2 between Waipawa and Waipukurau last week is being sought.
Senior Constable Andy Walker from CHB Police said he noticed the clothing scattered all over the highway and picked them up.
He said the clothing is all in good condition, and anyone who has lost it, can call in to the Waipukurau Police Station.
If the owner isn’t found, Mr Walker said the clothes will be donated to one of the local op-shops.
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The MJF Shrimpton Memorial 50-over cricket competition gets underway this weekend.
The Waipawa Butchery CHB Premiers will take on Napier Tech in the first round, with the game being played at Forest Gate Domain at OngaOnga tomorrow from 11am.
