Mike Tweed is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle, covering arts and sports news to education, health and politics.
A career in journalism was always on the agenda in my teens, but I took a 15-year detour into music with a band I started while at Whanganui High School. We ended up in Berlin for the best part of a decade, and it was there I began writing for a friend’s PR company – bios, press releases, etc. I returned to Whanganui in 2017, finished a diploma of creative writing, and began interviewing artists for NZ Musician magazine. Fast forward four years and I applied for a job at the Chronicle whilst in Kelowna, Canada. I was invited for a Zoom interview and eventually offered the role of multimedia journalist. It’s been a steep learning curve ever since but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve covered a bit of everything over the last two and a half years - the arts, sport, politics, education, health as well as a brief stint as court reporter. Whether it’s the Prime Minister or the guy who insisted on presenting me with a dead octopus he found, telling people’s stories is what I enjoy the most.
'Enormous': Illegal rural rubbish dumping rife
'We did witness a person attempting to drop off a couch.'
'We can't wait': Official opening date for Sarjeant
Gallery staff 'will take up residence' at the end of June.
Council coming for castle murals
'It was a grey, drab-looking place so I thought let’s tart it up.'
Councillors vote to sell Repertory Theatre for $1
'We are putting it in very capable hands.'
Council cans Pākaitore crossing
No funding has been included in the council's 10-year plan.
Time runs out for Whanganui's aviary
'Birds have got wings to fly and they are not able to do that in the aviary.'
New parking meters, higher charges signed off
More than 600 public submissions were made on the council's new parking bylaw.
‘A hill I’m prepared to die on’: Family face fine for front yard cabin
A Whanganui couple say they won't move the cabin on their property.
Stage set for Whanganui East Pool debate
The issue will be 'well and thoroughly debated' by councillors.
Councillors cautious about Sarjeant entry fee
Whanganui Deputy Mayor Helen Craig says 'making policy on the fly' is not a good idea.
Who should pay for Whanganui's growth?
'We can’t try and clip the ticket every step of the way.'
Maintenance cuts concern Sport Whanganui
Chief executive Tania King also backs Whanganui East Pool remaining open.
Library access makes way for Sarjeant landscaping work
'We will have two construction sites working next door to each other.'
'Prague without the gargoyles': Lifelong muso loves Whanganui
Brian Baker has wasted no time getting to work.
Prudent or 'poppycock'? The Sarjeant entry fee proposal
Councillor Rob Vinsen says "the ratepayer pocket is empty".
Community leader says Gonville Library more than just books
'The social impact impact is astounding.'
'Incredible pedigree': Bridges full of praise for Whanganui
'Some people might say the arts are a bit left-wing or something - no way.'
Council using 'sledgehammer to crack a walnut' with aviary closure
'It’s an interesting contrast to our web-footed friends.'
Duck thefts spark police investigation
'If people are thieving wildfowl from a public place, they should throw the book at them.'
Grounded planes, low student numbers hit pilot academy
'The issue for council is: how long are you willing to support it while it’s loss-making?'
Inner-city flower baskets hanging by a thread
'It would seem that we have lost pride in our appearance.'
Drain from mid-19th century discovered in central city
The find "represents a very early attempt at formal drainage".
Airline boss brands parallel taxiway 'an unnecessary luxury'
The project is in the council's draft LTP but contingent on central government.
'For the benefit of football': New Wembley Park facility on track
It is the first major capital project in the park since the 1970s.
Sarjeant trust chair 'flabbergasted' by proposed funding cut
'There are going to be severe repercussions, quite frankly.'
Aeronautical fees land with bump for Air Chathams
Aeronautical fees are reviewed every five years.
Rollout of crates for recycling service begins
About 17,000 households will have crates delivered over the next five weeks.
Expert questions value of $17.8m Opera House upgrade
The community is content with the building and its limitations, he tells council hearings.
New members to oversee council's commercial interests
The move follows the axing of Whanganui District Council Holdings in March.
Culvert discovery provides glimpse into history
'When you’re doing construction work, there's always a risk that you’ll find something.'
Block party to bring 'joy to our community'
The new park on Guyton St will be used as a dance floor for the day.
Museum's financial woes prompt emergency funding
The museum has a debt to the IRD for failing to pay PAYE and underpaying GST.
Council buys CBD properties as hotel talk swirls
They will be added to the city endowment portfolio, which is valued at $45m.
'Gone beyond a war': Council votes for Gaza ceasefire
'Without political pressure on a nationwide and international scale, nothing will stop.'
Reggae legend sets up shop in Whanganui
As a 17-year-old, Brent Clough climbed a fence to secure an interview with Bob Marley.
Unlikely hole-in-one hero nabs $10,000
'At the clubhouse afterwards, a guy said it was better to be lucky than good.'
'We don't even have kerbs': Petition against recycling service
Bill Simmons says the only council resource residents in his area need is water supply.
'Something to celebrate': Record number of LTP submissions
It's almost triple the number of submissions for the 2021-2031 long-term plan.
'Very unexpected': Transfer station changes hands
'We just want to get the feet under the desk and make sure we’ve got the basics down.'
New speed limit reductions signed off
They will be phased in around the district by June 30, 2027.
'A natural fit': Developer hatches hotel plan
Dave Moore estimates the project would cost $35 million.
PM says local councils should stop doing 'dumb stuff'
Christopher Luxon says councils should focus 'on the must-do, not the nice-to-do'.
Weddings, lavender and pork: Councillors' pecuniary interests
Elected members are busy in and out of chambers.
Vintage Weekend generated record amount in 2024
Around 5000 out-of-towners came to Whanganui for the event.
Calls for cycle trail to be fast-tracked
Construction of the $2.4m project isn’t scheduled until between 2032 and 2034.
'Creeping costs' at Sarjeant redevelopment
It will be open to the public by the end of this year.
District can 'go it alone' for Three Waters
Regional or sub-regional approaches are also being investigated.
Paige Conley reigns supreme at swimming nationals
“That’s Paige for you, she picks the hard stuff to do".
'We have a responsibility': Petition for Gaza ceasefire
'A whole lot of quiet voices speaking at once makes a noise.'
Risk v reward: New hotel could offset rates
'If it does stack up, we would be fools not to progress it.'
Cafe owner in standoff with council over lease
'I’m going to walk out of here with absolutely nothing.'
Council 'missing link' in reserve project
'It's a beautiful area and it has historic significance.'
No one left behind for kerbside recycling
Carrying crates to the kerb could be a problem for some.
'Visible reduction' in homelessness
Regular Armourguard visits are 'keeping the anti-social behaviour under control'.
Mind the gaps: Aramoho bridge project delayed
The main train bridge, owned by KiwiRail, was built in the 1870s.
Grand public transport plan for Whanganui
'It’s enough to create a great network because we’ve built our city around tram routes.'
“I just want kids to read': 50 years with the National Library
'So many worlds open up for you if you‘re a reader.'
Council unveils $300m housing initiative
'I think we have the opportunity to do some real good in our community...'
Speed restrictions could give 'false sense of security'
The council is pressing on with a new speed management plan.
Whanganui’s $830,000 raised crossing project
“This is about re-establishing what Pākaitore was originally ..."
Horizons apologises after removing protest signs
The council said it was a mistake and reinstated the signs.
'A bit stuffed': Repertory Theatre facing closure
Demolition requires resource consent and that is 'not straightforward'.
Dismay at potential pool closure
'That pool has trained thousands of kids over the years and saved lives.'
Council rejects funding calls for some community projects
Whanganui District Council starts consultation on its long-term plan on April 2.
'Not a good look': Councillor questions mayor's trip
'It’s been eight years since we last went. Why would another year matter?'
Council 'closer to the action' after shutting holdings company
“You need people there with commercial expertise and knowledge of the industries."
'Where's the low option?': Councillors' views on rates rise
'Everyone has to take some pain here.'
Whanganui's 'most important project' is at Kokohuia wetlands
'The site had been fenced off from the community for decades.'
Tough decisions needed to achieve 10.6 per cent rates rise
'I've talked to fellow mayors around New Zealand and there is some very real concern.'
Is the ratepayers association rising again?
'People can attend meetings, gather information and pass it on to ratepayers.'
From donuts to dunks: Big plans for Williams Domain
'More use of the domain would potentially discourage antisocial behaviour.'
'Over the moon': Soft plastic recycling arrives
“It’s one of these areas that hasn’t really had a home".
Stand off over school pool fees
'I want whoever comes and sits where I am today to know the history and the story...'