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.
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...'
Brrrrr! Autumn arrives with a shudder in Whanganui
It will also be chilly overnight on Wednesday and Thursday.
Cyclists encouraged to 'claim the lane'
“It’s not about anyone being more important or taking over."
'We need to steel ourselves': Climate forum comes to town
'You have to recognise the doom and gloom but you also have to walk out of it.....'
'Astounded': Behind the move to bring Whanganui & Partners in-house
“The staff is our priority and we remain committed to the best outcome for them..."
'Hundreds of community hours': North Mole upgrade taking shape
Project includes car park, toilets, showers, raised timber walkways and native planting.
'We need to make the tough calls'
All but three of Whanganui's district councillors back W&P's move in-house.
'A huge struggle': Big rates increase on the cards for Rangitīkei
Roading is a big cost for the district.
Minister for Mental Health visits 'innovative' Whanganui
He wants to get money out of Wellington and "into the grassroots and front line”.
Council spends $2.78m on planes for pilot academy
'We couldn’t be bringing the students to Whanganui without those aircraft.'
Status quo or room to grow? Airport's future being mapped out
Uncertainty over aeronautical fees remains an issue for airport users.
$6.7m parallel taxiway project could begin in July
Funding will be split between Whanganui District Council and central government.
'Like a miracle': Rain clouds part for street drags
'It was doom and gloom all the way to 4am.'
Whanganui weather: What to expect this week
The coolest temperatures are expected overnight on Thursday.
Council non-compliant with own policy after borrowing $30m
Auditors won't be knocking on the door any time soon, though.
Splash Centre’s recreational facility set to reopen
The centre has undergone a month of renovations.
Kerbside recycling service taking shape
“If you have a party one weekend, you can put out three crates of glass.”
Vision for central Whanganui: Vehicles out, business in?
The council's role is to make an environment that encourages "investment as well as use".
'Fiddly works': Sarjeant redevelopment delayed
Finding sufficient labour is 'proving to be quite challenging'.
'I want to change someone’s life': Ceramics award offering $15k prize
Rick Rudd is 'paying it forward'.
“For the safety of our tamariki”: Council continuing with possible speed limit reductions
“Just because central government says jump we don’t say ‘how high?’"
Loads of rubbish: New waste rules outlined by council
Proposals went to public consultation this week.
Award-winning Whanganui restaurant on market
“The bones are there and they’ve been built with blood, sweat and tears . . ."
'With their mates': Defence force plots being added to Rangitīkei cemetery
An niche wall for ashes that can house at least 48 urns is also being built.
From coal to low-carbon concrete: Bullocks plans for eco-friendly future
'This is a bit of trial but it’s certainly worth a crack.'
Forty-year cricket stalwart off to over-60s World Cup
There won't be any 'funsies cricket' in Chennai.
Cyclone response slows Horizons port work but project still afloat
Two major projects are set to kick off before the end of 2026.
No records broken but January hotter than normal
Region hasn't had much relief from the heat at night-time either.
Swimmers plucked from Kai Iwi Beach by rescue boat
“The information we had to go on was someone had entered the water and not come out.”
The Kiwi 'Grand Hotel' confident of turning it around after one-star reviews
Owner Sunil Kumar is confident the business will get back on track.
'The smell of an oily rag': Possible funding boost for 'icon' park
“Regulation and rules alone will not and cannot halt the decline".
Million dollar public transport funding boost on cards
There could be more "Tide-like" services in Whanganui.
New bus shelter hits speed bump
"Residents will use public transport if it is designed around their wants and needs".
Punters flocking to Whanganui East Pool
The pool's end-of-season date is yet to be announced.
Russell Howard bringing 'a bit of Piccinni' to Opera House
'It's a big, fat funny show about the world, really.'
Wild weather can't stop Highland Games
“At 4am I could still hear people enjoying themselves."
Wind disappears 'miraculously' before Cooks Classic mile
Before the meet, it was 'looking like a disaster'.
Frazzled: A first time parent’s guide to baby sleep
As if by some terrible black magic, the cot seemed to be our son’s most hated place.
'A lesson in humility and respect': Wrestling feud coming to a head next month
'If you want to get the job done right, you have to do it yourself.'
'Our cultural value is immeasurable': City bridge installations mooted
"A city that is proud of the heritage of mana whenua will attract more tourism."
'Labour of love': Unique bus shelter vandalised
“It’s likely a new glass panel will be put in instead.”
Whanganui council's $3.4m plan to turn faeces into fuel
The $40m wastewater treatment plant became fully operational in February 2019.
'More than one verbal stoush': Compensation awarded in housing dispute
The Marton couple had sought $20,000 from their former landlords.
30km long and 700m up: Otairi Station Race returns
"If you get to the finish line you’ll be pretty proud of yourself".
Three after-hours rescues in one day sparks surf lifesaving rethink
'People need to know their limits. If they are unsure, only go up to knee-depth.'
'A living, breathing community building': Future of Duncan Pavilion uncertain
"She may look a bit rugged on the outside but the bones are good."