Representing Manawatū From Bowls to Ballads
Two driven rangatahi from the Feilding community presented at Wednesday’s Council meeting, sharing their recent adventures representing the Manawatū District on very different stages. With support from MDC’s Representative Fund, Adam Wasley competed in an Indoor Bowls Championship, and Theo McMenamin immersed himself in workshops gearing up for the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand National Shakespeare Schools Production.
The Representative Fund is part of Council’s community toolkit, supporting residents to take part in cultural, recreational, and learning opportunities. Minimising financial barriers, it supports people to achieve their goals and make the most of their opportunity, representing the Manawatū District nationally or internationally.
Adam Wasley, a 14-year-old Feilding local and member of the St Brigid’s Indoor Bowls Club recently competed at the New Zealand Junior Singles Final Zones in Hamilton after winning the Manawatū Indoor Bowls Junior Championships in May 2025. The competition pushed him outside his comfort zone, from facing older competitors, to adapting his technique on concrete floors which were faster than the wooden floors he’s used to. Adam walked away proudly with two wins. Mayor Michael Ford wished Adam every success in his bowling career, and Councillors praised both his achievements and his positive attitude toward learning and challenges.
Theo McMenamin shared his experience at the workshops for Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand’s National Shakespeare Schools Production. Held in Wellington in September, Theo spent 8 days collaborating with young performers, directors and leaders in the field, learning performance and discipline techniques. He recounted his learnings with his school’s drama department, his experience encouraging classmates to audition and participate in more events. His journey is just beginning, as he’s been selected for a 3-week trip to London in 2026 to study and perform in the London Globe Theatre. Council celebrated his success and the bright future ahead of him, as Theo shared he’s off to university in 2026 to study Theatre, continuing to learn, develop and pursue his dreams and talents.
Council is proud to support Manawatū District residents through the Representative Fund, helping remove barriers and encourage participation in opportunities that benefit participants and the wider community.