Latest fromManawatu-Whanganui

Watch: Discover top talent at this year's Smokefreerockquest and Showquest
Behind the scenes action and talented performers captured in this week's webisodes.

'Be like John': Businessman's five years with a brain tumour and what it's taught him
O'Sullivan was told only 10% of people with his brain tumour live longer than nine months.

Dr Lesley Rameka honoured for 30-year service to Māori
“They were sharing a real taonga with us, and it was important that their words be heard."

Supermarket disputes woman's claim worker crushed toddler's fingers with trolley
The mother wrote she wanted to 'jump over and rip your hair out'.

Numbers drawn for Lotto's $17m Powerball prize
Time to check your tickets to see if you're a winner.

Watch – 'Freaky and very loud': Twisters touch down in Taranaki, locals fear for safety
Powerco crews restored power to two properties in Pungarehu.

Watch: Auckland’s first electric ferry is on the water - but chargers way behind schedule
PLUS: Ferry's Auckland designer wins huge US contract.

The 'sobering' report on Māori kids in the system: ‘My dreams will come true...even if it takes a while’
The “oranga tamariki system” includes Oranga Tamariki, police and several ministries.

Investigator says missing US student 'appears to be safe' despite ongoing police search
Private investigators say there's no immediate concern for Will's safety.

16yo accepted as volunteer firefighter, puts out his first flames alongside dad
It’s rare to be accepted at just 16, but Tyler Parkinson's waited his whole life for this.

Whakapapa 'geared up' ahead of new season
More than 1600 people applied for jobs for the winter season.

First XV wrap: Scoreboard drama as Sacred Heart clinch last-gasp victory
Palmerston North edged Hamilton 21-19, their first win since 2011.

Wellington leads in income, South Island shines in low unemployment
Wellington now ranks high in housing affordability due to falling prices.

Fog disrupts 43 flights at Auckland Airport, severe storms to follow
More thunderstorms are forecast for the top of the North Island today.

‘It’s all backwards’: Father admitted to bar thanks to his daughter
"It was a very proud moment to say the least."

‘I’ve never worked a day’: Radio’s Brian Kelly on 55 years pursuing a childhood dream
'When I was 5, I wanted to be a radio announcer – and I've followed that dream.'

'It means a lot': Hunting contest's crucial role in rural rescue
'Pongaroar' brings together hundreds of hunters, farmers, locals and spectators.

Why Hawke's Bay households will pay more for water by 2026
Separate water bills will replace current rates bills.

On The Up: 'Desire to innovate' - Kiwi fitness app wins global prize for Harry Potter challenges
Plus: Tauranga gin distillery's big UK win and Pāpāmoa skincare start-up's Goop deal.

On The Up: Former Olympic swimmer dives into business with waste venture
PortaSkip provides mobile skip bins for easy rubbish removal in Hawke’s Bay.

Sarjeant Gallery visitor numbers revealed
Of the 83,000 visitors, 60% are expected to be from outside Whanganui.