Parliament in the . Deputy Mayor Matt Bell was then acting mayor until a by-election held on 7 March 2012. The by-election was narrowly won by Margaret Kouvelis from Feilding, who beat councillor Steven Gibson by just 14 votes (3293 votes to 3279). Helen Worboys won the mayoralty from the incumbent Margaret Kouvelis in the 2016 Local Government elections. Horizons Regional Council Manawatū District is in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region, which is governed by the Horizons Regional Council. For electoral and representation purposes, the district is divided into: Horowhenua-Kairanga Ward: rural area south of Feilding, including the entire Horowhenua District. Manawatū-Rangitikei Ward: Feilding and rural area to the north, and including the entire Rangitikei District. Tourism The Manawatū district includes both plains and hills, and is visited by cyclists and others for the views of the Central North Island volcanoes on clear days. The western coast has swimming beaches and large sand dunes, while the Ruahine Ranges in the east has walking tracks and views over the district from the Wharite mountain or from the Saddle Road. In the middle of the district is Feilding, with its saleyards, equestrian and motorsport venue (Manfeild), boutique shopping and historical landmarks and collections. The Royal New Zealand Air Force's main base, RNZAF Base Ohakea, is in Manawatū. Schools Secondary: Feilding High School, Feilding Hato Paora College, Cheltenham References Further reading Davies, D. A. & Clevely, R. E. (1981) Pioneering to prosperity 1874–1974: a centennial history of the Manchester Block. Feilding: Fisher Printing. Holcroft, M. H. (1977) The line of the road: a history of Manawatu County, 1876–1976. Palmerston North: Manawatu County Council. Knight, Catherine (2014) Ravaged Beauty: An Environmental History of the Manawatu. Auckland: Dunmore Press. External links Manawatū District Council History, Manawatū District Council Manawatū and Horowhenua, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand Manawatu & City Business Directory Districts of New Zealand