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Laurel Stowell
Reporter
Whanganui

Laurel Stowell is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Laurel’s latest content
Premium
Whanganui: stink at meatworks came from helping hand
The Country

Whanganui: stink at meatworks came from helping hand

08 Apr 05:00 PM
Course aims to help fill entry-level dairying jobs
The Country

Course aims to help fill entry-level dairying jobs

09 Mar 04:00 PM

A recruiter has been employed to find more dairy students for AGC Training

Premium
Iwi to lead Jobs for Nature project in Whanganui catchment
The Country

Iwi to lead Jobs for Nature project in Whanganui catchment

07 Mar 04:00 PM

The project includes 290km of fencing, 630,000 plants and 100ha of pest and weed control.

Premium
'It was very good, quick work' - senior firefighter
The Country

'It was very good, quick work' - senior firefighter

06 Mar 04:00 PM

Potentially contaminated water diverted away from Whanganui River.

'Dire consequences' if farming emissions go into ETS
The Country

'Dire consequences' if farming emissions go into ETS

28 Feb 04:00 PM

Farmers are weighing up options for paying for greenhouse gas emissions.

Premium
'We aren't cowboys'
The Country

'We aren't cowboys'

18 Feb 04:00 PM

The operators have addressed a school's concerns about sprays at a new kiwifruit orchard.

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'Devastating' dog attack kills at least 80 lambs, many more injured
The Country

'Devastating' dog attack kills at least 80 lambs, many more injured

08 Feb 04:00 PM

Cost of shearing and burying adds to financial loss from dog attack on lambs.

Premium
'No one left until the last dog was sold' - club secretary
The Country

'No one left until the last dog was sold' - club secretary

06 Feb 09:30 PM

People come from all over the lower North Island to buy reputable working dogs

Wind flares up month-old slash fires
The Country

Wind flares up month-old slash fires

23 Jan 09:00 PM

'Dry grass is fine fuel.'

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'Pretty tough conditions for beekeepers'
The Country

'Pretty tough conditions for beekeepers'

20 Jan 04:00 PM

Honey exports are up but prices are down in a time of oversupply.

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Access problems continue on Kauarapaoa Rd
The Country

Access problems continue on Kauarapaoa Rd

02 Jan 04:00 PM

A washout on Kauarapaoa Rd affects logging operations and access to Whanganui.

Premium
Ātihau operation adapts to deal with Covid's impact on markets
The Country

Ātihau operation adapts to deal with Covid's impact on markets

06 Dec 04:00 PM

The incorporation's earnings were down slightly for the last financial year.

Premium
Waverley dairy farms scoop environmental awards
The Country

Waverley dairy farms scoop environmental awards

28 Nov 04:00 PM

Two Waverley dairy farms are fencing and protecting biodiversity in their gullies.

'How cool is that?' Journeys of a migratory bird
The Country

'How cool is that?' Journeys of a migratory bird

26 Nov 04:00 PM

Godwit AJD was late arriving in Whanganui, probably blown off course by a storm.

Premium
Dream job for graduate vet
The Country

Dream job for graduate vet

24 Nov 04:00 PM

The variety of work and her love of the outdoors drew Netta Rousell to Whanganui.

Premium
'Unworkable regulations' focus of Groundswell protest
The Country

'Unworkable regulations' focus of Groundswell protest

21 Nov 03:00 AM

Protesters against farming regulations have again driven around Whanganui.

Premium
'I'm one of the lucky ones' - Woman beats one of the deadliest cancers
The Country

'I'm one of the lucky ones' - Woman beats one of the deadliest cancers

17 Nov 04:00 PM

77-year-old former farmer defeats dangerous cancer through proactive approach and surgery.

Premium
Where the wild things are: Closer than you'd think
The Country

Where the wild things are: Closer than you'd think

05 Nov 11:00 PM

Wild deer are an increasing problem in the Whanganui region, along with pigs and goats.

Dryer at Tangiwai pulp mill catches fire for second time
The Country

Dryer at Tangiwai pulp mill catches fire for second time

17 Oct 01:30 AM

Fire and Emergency NZ called to pulp mill for second time in week.

Seabed mining ruling: Trans-Tasman Resources sees clear legal pathway to having consents re-approved at EPA
The Country

Seabed mining ruling: Trans-Tasman Resources sees clear legal pathway to having consents re-approved at EPA

30 Sep 04:45 AM

Mining firm sees clear legal pathway to consents, despite Supreme Court rejection.

Premium
'It's been quite trying': Covid-19 could wreck Waverley show's 100th celebrations
The Country

'It's been quite trying': Covid-19 could wreck Waverley show's 100th celebrations

24 Sep 05:00 PM

If the area is still under level 2 Waverley's A & P celebrations will be postponed.

Premium
'Absolutely thrilled' with funding for biodiversity projects
The Country

'Absolutely thrilled' with funding for biodiversity projects

14 Sep 05:00 PM

Schools are among 21 groups sharing Horizons' $260,000 biodiversity grant fund.

Premium
Regional council's carbon footprint revealed
The Country

Regional council's carbon footprint revealed

06 Sep 05:00 PM

The inventory cost $87,000

Premium
DoC plans two more aerial 1080 drops to protect region's birds
The Country

DoC plans two more aerial 1080 drops to protect region's birds

03 Sep 05:00 PM

DoC says the 1080 drops will help endangered flora and fauna.

Premium
Intensive farming consents delayed again
The Country

Intensive farming consents delayed again

22 Aug 05:00 PM

Nitrogen-leaching measurement software used by Horizons Regional Council isn't accurate.

Premium
New whitebaiting rules in force this season
The Country

New whitebaiting rules in force this season

17 Aug 05:00 PM

There will be an information evening about the new rules on August 26 in Whanganui.

Premium
DoC ranger encouraged by interest in predator trapping
The Country

DoC ranger encouraged by interest in predator trapping

16 Aug 05:00 PM

DoC offers advice and traps to backyard predator trappers in Whanganui

Horizons releases mite to curb plant pest
The Country

Horizons releases mite to curb plant pest

13 Aug 05:00 PM

European mite introduced to limit vitality of a rampant weed - old man's beard.

Premium
Rabobank's decision to close accounts frustrates farmers
The Country

Rabobank's decision to close accounts frustrates farmers

02 Aug 05:00 PM

The bank says it could have better emphasised a more flexible timeframe.

Premium
Winter grazing rules shift focus to sheep, water systems
The Country

Winter grazing rules shift focus to sheep, water systems

29 Jul 05:00 PM

Winter grazing practices are improving but new water systems are needed by some farmers.

Premium
Plans to trap wildlife predators around Whanganui
The Country

Plans to trap wildlife predators around Whanganui

25 Jul 05:01 PM

Chris Smith and Milly Mitchell-Anyon want co-ordinated predator trapping in Whanganui.

Premium
'Timely' move to monitor winter grazing in Rangitīkei
The Country

'Timely' move to monitor winter grazing in Rangitīkei

14 Jul 05:00 PM

Horizons Regional Council monitors intensive winter grazing for the first time

Premium
Farmland Foods moves into former Mars factory
The Country

Farmland Foods moves into former Mars factory

09 Jul 05:00 PM

Bulls cooked meats manufacturer re-purposes Whanganui facility for use.

Premium
Firefighter retires after 56 years
The Country

Firefighter retires after 56 years

09 Jul 05:00 PM

Firefighter Jes Sorensen is retiring to write his memoir and work on his house.

Premium
Businessman ditched by bank for being debt-free
The Country

Businessman ditched by bank for being debt-free

08 Jul 05:00 PM

'A bank may decide to withdraw products and services for commercial reasons.'

Premium
Waipipi Wind Farm opens on time, under budget
The Country

Waipipi Wind Farm opens on time, under budget

22 Jun 05:00 PM

The farm's turbines are the biggest in New Zealand for both rotors and generators.

Construction of new road to Waiinu Beach set to begin
The Country

Construction of new road to Waiinu Beach set to begin

21 Jun 05:00 PM

All-weather access to Waiinu Beach will be created by extension of Nukumaru Station Rd.

Premium
Group says it's time to review activities around waterways
The Country

Group says it's time to review activities around waterways

16 Jun 05:00 PM

Farmers have been receptive to the idea of working together on water quality.

Premium
'Jobs for Nature' team helps and monitors region's native fish
The Country

'Jobs for Nature' team helps and monitors region's native fish

08 Jun 05:00 PM

Young conservationists move across region monitoring and aiding native fish species.

Premium
Peppery horopito leaves form basis for Ruapehu business
The Country

Peppery horopito leaves form basis for Ruapehu business

03 Jun 05:00 PM

Rhayne employs six to eight, and harvests and sells the leaves of native plants.

Ski season begins at Ohakune with carnival spirit
The Country

Ski season begins at Ohakune with carnival spirit

03 Jun 05:00 PM

Carrot Carnival and Growers' Games lead the festivities.

Premium
Farmers asked to focus on winter grazing practices
The Country

Farmers asked to focus on winter grazing practices

28 May 05:00 PM

The campaign comes ahead of new rules on intensive winter grazing next year.

Premium
Horizons 'overreaching' in Long Term Plan
The Country

Horizons 'overreaching' in Long Term Plan

25 May 05:00 PM

Cut overambitious work plan and concentrate on freshwater and other basics, farmers say.

Premium
Committee to distribute Waipipi Wind Farm's $25,000 community fund
The Country

Committee to distribute Waipipi Wind Farm's $25,000 community fund

17 May 05:00 PM

The farm is also in the process of changing ownership.

Premium
In pictures: Mud flies and engines roar in 4x4 challenge
The Country

In pictures: Mud flies and engines roar in 4x4 challenge

16 May 04:00 AM

Hundreds watch extreme 4x4 vehicles tackle gruelling challenges on a Turakina farm.

Four thousand central North Island properties without power
The Country

Four thousand central North Island properties without power

09 May 11:11 PM

A fault on the Transpower network has cut electricity to the central North Island.

Premium
Produce supply could be affected without bridge fix, warns mayor
The Country

Produce supply could be affected without bridge fix, warns mayor

03 May 10:00 PM

Getting food to market is made difficult or impossible by ageing rail overbridges.

Premium
New dyehouse for expanding Tasman Tanning
The Country

New dyehouse for expanding Tasman Tanning

03 May 05:00 PM

New dyehouse marks first stage in expansion for Tasman Tanning.

Rural Women Walk the World takes in historic Whanganui sites
The Country

Rural Women Walk the World takes in historic Whanganui sites

18 Apr 05:00 PM

About 35 register for a fundraising walk across Marangai/Fordell farms.

Premium
Operations normal at wind farm amid tilt for ownership
The Country

Operations normal at wind farm amid tilt for ownership

16 Apr 05:00 PM

Agreements will be honoured despite a possible change of ownership, Tilt's manager says.

Premium
'Modest' improvement to water quality from plan change
The Country

'Modest' improvement to water quality from plan change

13 Apr 05:00 PM

About 250 operators are expected to apply for land use consent under the revised rules.

Fine weather needed for boat fishing contest
The Country

Fine weather needed for boat fishing contest

31 Mar 04:00 PM

Committee prepares for Whanganui's 15th Easter boat fishing contest.

More 'little rays of sunshine' at forest sanctuary
The Country

More 'little rays of sunshine' at forest sanctuary

31 Mar 04:00 PM

It's been a busy year at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, with a better hihi breeding season.

Premium
Wind farm 'challenging, but well worth doing'
The Country

Wind farm 'challenging, but well worth doing'

05 Mar 04:00 PM

Warwick Lupton and David Alexander have enjoyed and profited from Waipipi Wind Farm.

Premium
All turbines up and running at Waipipi Wind Farm
The Country

All turbines up and running at Waipipi Wind Farm

05 Mar 04:00 PM

All 31 turbines are now generating electricity.

Premium
Our biggest decision: What to do about water
The Country

Our biggest decision: What to do about water

02 Mar 04:00 PM

Big decisions are looming for councils in the Government's three waters reform programme.

Premium
Big spend to keep Denlair Rd open during logging
The Country

Big spend to keep Denlair Rd open during logging

26 Feb 04:00 PM

Logging truck damage to Denlair Rd brings debate about forestry roads into focus.

Premium
Commercial property investors buy former sawmill site
The Country

Commercial property investors buy former sawmill site

26 Feb 04:00 PM

The new owners are now looking for tenants who may provide local jobs.

Premium
Tasman Tanning gets contract to process 1.8 million hides
The Country

Tasman Tanning gets contract to process 1.8 million hides

25 Feb 04:00 AM

But the company has told the council it will not result in more chromium discharge.

Premium
Berry farm owner seeking new challenge
The Country

Berry farm owner seeking new challenge

23 Feb 04:00 PM

Windermere Farms makes use of latest technology and science to up production.

Premium
'Battle' over residents' ability to drain coastal lagoon
The Country

'Battle' over residents' ability to drain coastal lagoon

05 Feb 04:00 PM

Councils talk over process of applying for consent to partially drain coastal lagoon.

Council says high daily contaminant levels don't breach consents
The Country

Council says high daily contaminant levels don't breach consents

27 Jan 04:00 PM

Daily limits were exceeded but trade waste consents were not breached, council CEO says.

Premium
Iwi buys bigger share of coastal Rangitīkei farm
The Country

Iwi buys bigger share of coastal Rangitīkei farm

25 Jan 04:00 PM

Rangitīkei iwi increases its investment in highly productive coastal farm.

Premium
Turning 21 in 2021: Millennium babies on growing up in the 21st century
The Country

Turning 21 in 2021: Millennium babies on growing up in the 21st century

22 Jan 04:00 PM

Seven young Whanganui people turn 21 in 2021 - and are looking ahead to their futures.

Premium
Farm equity continues to rise in 'crazy' Covid year
The Country

Farm equity continues to rise in 'crazy' Covid year

15 Dec 04:00 PM

The worth of the Ātihau Whanganui Incorporation continues to rise.

Premium
High hopes for better hihi breeding at Bushy Park
The Country

High hopes for better hihi breeding at Bushy Park

15 Dec 04:00 PM

An Otago University Masters student is monitoring hihi breeding success this season.

Premium
Council launches campaign against fly-tipping
The Country

Council launches campaign against fly-tipping

09 Dec 04:00 PM

The public are asked to use a new phone app to help the council catch fly-tippers.

Council's climate change targets align with NZ goals
The Country

Council's climate change targets align with NZ goals

08 Dec 04:00 PM

Whanganui District Council wants feedback on its climate change strategy.

Premium
Use of farm for training near Marton secured
The Country

Use of farm for training near Marton secured

23 Nov 04:00 PM

The Howard family stays involved in a long term future for the former Westoe farm.

Regional council to decide on prison stormwater discharge
The Country

Regional council to decide on prison stormwater discharge

02 Nov 04:00 PM

The Whanganui Prison stormwater discharge new consent has been on hold since 2013.

Resident concerned about pūkeko deaths in industrial area
The Country

Resident concerned about pūkeko deaths in industrial area

27 Oct 02:00 AM

The Whanganui District Council says a new wetland area is being developed nearby.

Big turnout for Mudder event
The Country

Big turnout for Mudder event

18 Oct 04:00 PM

It was the most entrants the event has had in its six years.

Crane clears logs piled against Waimarie wharf
The Country

Crane clears logs piled against Waimarie wharf

09 Oct 04:00 PM

The spring flood on September 26-27 piled up logs against the wharf.

Bushy Park to be extended
The Country

Bushy Park to be extended

06 Oct 04:00 PM

Bushy Park Trust invites community to help in forest edge planting.

Whanganui's carbon footprint revealed
The Country

Whanganui's carbon footprint revealed

05 Oct 04:01 PM

The rural sector is unhappy with agriculture's perceived contribution to climate change.

Thomas elected to farmer council, Journeaux steps down
The Country

Thomas elected to farmer council, Journeaux steps down

22 Sep 05:00 PM

Thomas aims to focus on improving the mental health of farmers and farm workers.

Chainsaws to lamb docking - learn tricks of the trade at lifestyle farming day
The Country

Chainsaws to lamb docking - learn tricks of the trade at lifestyle farming day

17 Sep 05:00 PM

Lifestyle Farming Club aims to provide information and social time for lifestyle farmers.

Premium
DoC to stop using volunteer river rangers
The Country

DoC to stop using volunteer river rangers

30 Aug 05:01 PM

Difficulty of training volunteers caused DOC to employ hut rangers instead.

Premium
Whanganui 2050: Slow change, diversity the future of agriculture
The Country

Whanganui 2050: Slow change, diversity the future of agriculture

26 Aug 05:01 PM

Future farmers will need to choose plants suited to changing climate conditions.

Premium
Cargo company seeks to grow sea freight
The Country

Cargo company seeks to grow sea freight

26 Aug 05:00 PM

Coastal Bulk Shipping hopes for 50 per cent increase in cargo for MV Anatoki.

Council to prosecute meat processor
The Country

Council to prosecute meat processor

24 Aug 05:00 PM

Rāhui on Hāwera's Tawhiti Stream to remain until it is returned to full health.

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