Latest fromOhakune
‘Critical milestone’ for Whakapapa ski field
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is urging unity over the 10-year lease.
Council cautioned against Māori ward bias
A councillor wanted the Māori ward referendum labelled as discriminatory.
Desert Road closure puts Waimarino A & P Show on the map
“You might just end up stuck, not stuck in a bad way, stuck in a good way.”
Bitumen spill wreaks havoc on vehicles along SH47 detour
A courier driver noticed tarseal wrapped around his truck's wheels.
'Freaking amazing': Desert Road closure brings boom to small town
Ohakune businesses have thrived since the two-month closure began.
Desert Rd closure pushed back a week but concerns remain
'I think motorists will throw their hands up in horror.'
'Extremely sad situation': Dog euthanised after attacking 5-year-old at school
The dog was surrendered to the council by its owners and euthanised.
Kiwi freeride skier big victory on world stage
'You just have no idea what it’s going to look like on a camera.'
Iwi kickstarts whānau housing dream
Ngāti Rangi has completed its first small-scale affordable rental development in Ohakune.
Ngāti Rangi appoints new tribal rūnanga chair
Troy Brown will take on the role in December when Whetu Moataane stands down.
CEO resigns from large farming business
Andrew Beijeman is moving on after 10 years with Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation.
Fears mill closures could create ‘ghost towns’
Raetihi residents say the negative flow-on effect is already being felt.
NZTA advises Auckland to Wellington motorists to avoid SH1
A detour of 23km or about 16mins will be in place.
Ruapehu mayor: Chateau Tongariro issues not insurmountable
Ruapehu's mayor says there are 'credible developers' interested in restoring it.
‘Just stunned silence’: Mill closure shocks rural community
'Our local towns... it’s probably going to wreck them.'
Truck carrying 'dangerous goods' catches fire
Fire crews returned to the scene to make sure the fire wasn’t going to reignite.
Mt Ruapehu life pass holders 'devastated' at losing their $4k passes after liquidation
'The majority of life pass holders have had a very sour taste left in their mouth.'
#RescueRuapehu campaign launched
A petition urges the Government to intervene to save hundreds of jobs.
'No one is going to want to live here': Proposed mill closure threatens town
The proposed closure of two large North Island mills is already hurting the local economy.
'Outdated' rural copper landlines on way out
'There is no need for anybody to be using it.'
‘Keep the lights on’: Community rallies over mills threat
'I believe this can be fixed – there needs to be an intervention.'
Mayors 'cautiously optimistic' about keeping mills from closing
The Government has invited the mayors to work with WPI on possible solutions.
‘We pulled out all the stops’: Rampant power costs crush hope for Ruapehu mills
Chief executive Mike Ryan said rapidly increasing energy prices were unsustainable.
‘Don’t be scared, mate’: Councillors defend Māori ward
Councillors are talking with the community about the future of Ruapehu's Māori ward.
‘Backward move’: Councillor slams mandate to undo Māori wards
Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase says it is an attempt to 'diminish Māori representation'.
Whanganui ambulance officers under pressure
Patients may have to self-transport to hospital or a medical clinic during planned strike.
'No cash, no housing’: Council calls on Government to act
Ruapehu District Council says it is bowing out from financing housing developments.