Whanganui news: Woman on drugs charges; drove while disqualified; Ratana talk

Remanded in custody

A woman appeared in Whanganui District Court yesterday facing multiple drug and shoplifting charges. Rebecca Miriana Hamilton is facing three charges of shoplifting, two charges of procuring or possessing cannabis, two charges of possessing or using utensils for methamphetamine and one charge of procuring or possessing methamphetamine. Hamilton was remanded in custody until she will appear again on June 19.

Book a walk online

The Conservation Department is launching a new booking system for New Zealand's nine Great Walks. It will allow people to log the dates they prefer well in advance, make changes and get information. Each user will begin by creating an online account at doc.govt.nz/greatwalks. Walks are being added one by one over this month, with the Whanganui Journey added on June 21.

Ratana talk

The "Ratana From the Archives" talk that is part of this year's Puanga Festival takes place at the Alexander Heritage Library at 2pm on June 16. The speakers will be archivists Puawai and Arahi Hagger. The wrong day was given in Monday's Wanganui Chronicle.

Guilty pleas

Byron Wiremu Renata, 29, pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified, receiving property and three charges of using a document for pecuniary advantage at Whanganui District Court yesterday. Renata will appear back in court on September 19 for sentencing.

Wind to ease

Southeasterly winds averaged 50 km/h over Monday night and reached gusts of 90 km/h yesterday.. MetService expects the wind to ease today and turn south, then southwest, then northwest.