Liz Wylie is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle.
Journalism was a late-life career change for Liz after years of social service roles in disability support, community mental health, tenancy advocacy and adult literacy tuition. In 2011 her life was changed dramatically by a number of factors and after experiencing a magnitude 6.3 earthquake while walking down a city street in Christchurch on February 22, she decided it was time to throw off the bowlines and set sail for somewhere new while she still had time. Liz found her way to the Whitireia Journalism Programme in Wellington where she completed the certificate course before undertaking the national diploma. At the conclusion of the course, she was willing to go anywhere although she was most attracted by the prospect of working at a provincial paper. Liz started work at the Whanganui Chronicle in 2014 and envisaged that she might stay for a year or two. After 9 years she's still there because she soon discovered that this is, without a doubt, a glorious place to live and work. The climate is most agreeable and there is an endless supply of compelling stories to be found in the city and surrounding districts. The region is home to some of the most fascinating, innovative and engaging people she has ever met. Whether a child at primary school is describing her lunch menu, a centenarian is recalling her eventful childhood or a former royal footman is remembering his employment at Buckingham Palace, there is always a captivating quote or two. You can contact Liz at liz.wylie@nzme.co.nz.
'He is extra special': Baby James leaps into world early
Four babies were born at Whanganui Hospital on February 29.
Whanganui newborn tips the scales
A Whanganui couple have welcomed a surprisingly big baby boy.
Ōhakune housing development scuppered with Kāinga Ora withdrawal
Ngāti Rangi says the decision is a major setback for the community.
Whanganui Reverend appointed Assistant Anglican Bishop of Wellington
Fletcher has been co-priest with her husband at St Peter’s Church since 2018.
Excitement builds for Road Rodders Street Drags
Tristan Teki's white 1969 Camaro is ready to shine on Sunday.
Ruapehu farm gates open for outdoor adventure
Raetihi farmers open their gates for a quad-sapping adventure.
Ohakune hotel's history 'as chequered as the iconic dancefloor'
The historic Kings Hotel - the oldest hotel in the central North Island - is up for sale.
The Whanganui hospital and the fight against polio
Even Olympic gold medallist and American track star Jesse Owens visited.
Paepae in the Park a Waitangi Day hit in Pātea
Patea celebrates 21st year of Papae in the Park.
Workers in hard hats and safety vests perfect subjects for Whanganui artist
Portraits prove a hit with work crews.
Whanganui East School urges more support for KidsCan
Parents are struggling with back to school costs.
Expert team takes on top job
'We’ve been here for 12 weeks so we’ve had a chance to get used to the hot weather.'
Buyer confidence increasing in property market
The trend of multiple offers being made on properties is expected to continue in 2024.
More Than Mugs: Potter Fiona McLeod inspired by 'rugged west coast'
'Since we’ve been here I’ve felt very much at home.'
Kai Iwi Holiday Park crammed for summer holidays
'We’ve enjoyed fish and chips from the cafe here and we’ll be having some more tonight.'
Massive mosaic project reaches final stage
"I did have to provide some guidance because little blue penguins are never pink.”
Defunct milking shed becomes thriving nursery
The nursery produced 40,000 plants in its first season.
Happy campers fill Top 10 Holiday Park
"We’re used to horizontal rain so the Whanganui rain doesn’t bother us."
Restorative justice champion gets QSM
Jenny Saywood was a founding member of Restorative Justice in Whanganui in 1999.
Dental professional honoured in New Year list
Barbara Dewson began her career as a school dental nurse in Ohakune.
Bonnie Sue’s dedication to health sector honoured
She has advocated for the health of communities in the Whanganui region for 25 years.
I’m new to this: Reporter discovers the finer points of bricks and mortar
Reporter Liz Wylie tries her hand at bricklaying and gets a smoko treat.
Ruapehu adventure races hit milestone
Ruapehu outdoor adventure challenges celebrating 20 years in 2024
Omaka Lodge on Forgotten World Highway joins five-star rated gardens
"We’re honoured and humbled."
Green light for restoration of Taihape Town Hall
The earthquake-prone building has been closed to the public since 2021.
The rare bird only found along the Whanganui River
It was first seen on the river's lower areas about 30 years ago - and now there's a book.
Whanganui man shot by police stable in Wellington Hospital
The Independent Police Conduct Authority is investigating.
Man shot by police after allegedly attacking police officers, dog
The man allegedly assaulted officers and a police dog.
Taihape BnB owners find a happy place for travellers
“It’s a great thing about Taihape - people help each other out."
Weather: What to expect this week
“The band of rain that was moving up the country on Sunday will have gone."
How Wanganui Enterprises is bouncing back
Wanganui Enterprises is preparing to re-employ previously laid-off workers.
A man for all artists: Bill Milbank remembered for his dedication to Whanganui and NZ artists
He also instigated the Tylee Cottage artist-in-residence programme in 1987.
Kāinga Ora ready to proceed with Ōhakune housing project
A lobby group wants the new Government to put the project on hold.
Whanganui weather: What to expect this week
Make the most of the dry weather while you can.
'We help in any way we can': Rural calendar raising funds
'I was happy to be a calendar girl as long as I didn’t have to take my clothes off....'
Museum farewells loyal servant and welcomes a fresh face
'I’m loving the place and the people so far,' says visitor experience leader Max Reeves.
Ruapehu property valuations climb
Both capital and land values have shot up in the latest QV figures.
Study support for Whanganui parents with final Gary Reid Scholarship
Reid dedicated more than 20 years of his life to supporting those facing hardship.
Woman threatened with knife while trying to help ‘hurt’ man lying on the ground
'I reached over to check if he was breathing. He grabbed my arm and pulled a knife.'
Duncan family continues legacy of support long after polio hospital closure
“I’m happy to hand it over to the next generations.”
Whanganui-born talent started as a teenage cartoonist
'It leaves it to us to appreciate the extraordinary talent of this artist.'
Wellington's Warratahs return to Whanganui
It’s been a while since Whanganui heard the Warratahs play live.
In profile: Meet Rangitīkei’s comedic communications guy Ben Caldwell
Someone asked: 'Who is Ben? I hear he’s really cool.'
Beautiful vision: Whanganui a new chapter for author
Minnie Baragwanath's book "Blindingly Obvious" is a candid account of an eventful life.
Whanganui weather: What to expect this week
“Whanganui will be far from the worst place to be this week."
Nailbiter! Whanganui reacts to narrow final loss
“I don’t recall any game where the captain was sent off like that.”
Eric Dodd recieves Peter Nelson Award for pest control in Horizons region
Retired Horizons staff member acknowledged for expertise in vertebrate pest management.
Power move: Whanganui woman saves Rugby World Cup viewing
'We were all annoyed about the timing but Val was the one who got on the phone.'
Bright and bold works winners at Mangaweka’s big arts and market day
Fakes and Forgeries contest winners favoured the bright and bold.
'Battery heaven': A light-hearted approach to safety in Rangitīkei
The campaign message contains a ‘eulogy’ for the deceased batteries.
In profile: Meet Whanganui Girls College principal Nita Pond
“I love teaching - it fills my cup."
Five Whanganui teenagers achieve top Girl Guiding award
'It was an incredible experience.'
Special significance for 2023 Fakes and Forgeries contest
The biennial art competition falls on a significant date this year.
An artist’s eye on Tongariro National Park: Whanganui illustrator captures subtle beauty in new book
Whanganui artist Desmond Bovey talks about the inspiration behind his newly released book.
Whanganui's forest sanctuary and homestead a joy in spring
The new season makes for a great time to visit the Bushy Park sanctuary,
How Whanganui could be linked to passenger rail services
National and Act opposed recommendations for rail.
Whanganui weather: A mild week ahead, but keep the umbrella handy
Temperatures are about average for early September.
Whanganui costume collection preserving our history
People don't realise just how extensive the collection is or how widely it’s used
Analogue revival: Books and vinyl find favour with Whanganui readers and listeners
Whanganui's boutique shops cater to lovers of "old-school" visual and audio mediums.
Helping Whanganui gardeners grow abundant kai
Some good advice for back yard gardeners in Whanganui
Three-way partnership for Ōhakune housing development
The Ruapehu housing development will cater for different needs.
Carrot Park a popular stop-off for visitors and locals
The Ohakune Carrot Park attracts an average of 10,000 visitors a month.
New rail overbridge in Ohakune to open
The first of two restored Ohakune bridges opens on Friday, August 11.
Political parties urged to make rail a priority for Horizons region
An open letter is being sent to all political parties.
'I removed the tubes and walked out': Discharged from hospital ED at 2am
'I was disoriented and I was upset about the way I had been spoken to.'
Weather: What to expect in the next few days
There will be a respite from damp weather in Whanganui.
Logging veteran turns the turf for start of work on Te Ara o Mangawhero
The last time Laurie Weller had taken a shovel to the ground near Tūroa was 1960
Peggy Frew of Ōhakune awarded a QSM for her long service to local communities
Frew has been working for half a century for the Ruapehu and Whanganui communities.
Liz Wylie: 'My love Kōwhai Park'
I'm loving sharing my memories and making new ones with my grandchildren.
Prestigious prize for historian Danny Keenan
Whanganui-based academic Danny Keenan is latest Michael King Fellowship recipient.
Minister backs Ruapehu’s tourism re-think
Ruapehu's destination management plan proves a hit with tourism minister
New signs at Pākaraka vandalised within hours of ceremony
Hapū Ngāti Maika and supporters disgusted after Pākaraka signs stolen and vandalised.
Rental fight spills to footpath: Fed-up landlord loses it over tenants’ rubbish, unpaid rent
Whanganui neighbours are disgusted at a rubbish pile left on their street.
'It is some of the best kapa haka I have seen:' Prisoners wow judges in comp
Whanganui Prison kapa haka group wins national competition as first-time entrants.
Free air missing in action at Whanganui petrol stations
There's been a spate of air hose thefts from local petrol stations lately.
Harding wants youth opportunities and tikanga Māori values represented on council
Mayoral hopeful DC Harding is also running for a district council seat.