Moana is a Local Democracy Reporter based in Whanganui
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.
'Our sacred state of reset': Puanga rises over Ruapehu to herald Māori new year
This year's national celebration highlighted the star Puanga, or Rigel.
Councillors sound alarm on ‘evil twin’ bill
A councillor has urged her council to take a stand against the Regulatory Standards Bill.
Council floats supergroup proposal for community feedback
Ruapehu is considering a “potentially more beneficial” water services partnership.
'Fresh ideas': Ruapehu candidates announce bids for mayoralty
Incumbent Mayor Weston Kirton is undecided about running for another term.
Decision to shut overused recycling station under review after fiery backlash
The facility faces closure because of unsustainable costs and overflowing bins.
‘Critical milestone’ for Whakapapa ski field
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is urging unity over the 10-year lease.
Minister directs Health NZ to revive stalled health centre
Minister Simeon Brown says work on the new Waimarino Wellness Centre will be accelerated.
Ruapehu mayor demands answers over delays to rural health centre
Ruapehu's mayor says the community is being ignored over the Raetihi centre.
Iwi, mayors, tourism partners team up to finish cycle trail
The group has formed the charitable trust Ngā Ara Tūhono to secure funding.
Ngāti Hāua sets sights on self-determination and change
The lead iwi negotiator says jobs, housing and health improvements are priorities.
Crown apologises for bringing ‘death and division’ to Ngāti Hāua
The settlement includes $20.4m in financial redress and the return of 64 sites.
Future of Raetihi recycling facility left in limbo
Residents must wait six weeks for a recycling station decision.
Council cautioned against Māori ward bias
A councillor wanted the Māori ward referendum labelled as discriminatory.
‘Peace’ for Ngāti Hāua negotiator ahead of signing Deed of Settlement
Ngāti Hāua will sign its Deed of Settlement at Ngāpūwaiwaha Marae in Taumarunui.
‘Benefit us all’: ‘Historic’ partnership deal signed
Ngāti Hāua Iwi Trust and Ruapehu District Council have signed a confidential agreement.
‘Huge task ahead’ for Ngāti Hāua trustees
One new and three returning trustees have been elected for the Treaty settlement entity.
Thumbs-up for central North Island village name change
National Park Village is being renamed Waimarino.
Ruapehu mayor seeks funding for 'vital' cycle trail
Weston Kirton says the completed cycle trail will boost economic growth and resilience.
Ngāti Rangi appoints new tribal rūnanga chair
Troy Brown will take on the role in December when Whetu Moataane stands down.
Sculptures to tell iwi history on Forgotten World Highway
Five works will bring focus to the cultural significance and tūpuna history of the area.
‘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.
‘Bombshell’: Devastation as mills announce permanent closure
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says he is deeply concerned for local communities.
Minister rejects call for exemption over Māori ward poll
Ruapehu and South Taranaki district councils will now be required to hold referendums.
‘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'.
'No cash, no housing’: Council calls on Government to act
Ruapehu District Council says it is bowing out from financing housing developments.
Water funding remains problem for councils
A rural mayor says there’s no incentive for councils to band together in new entities.
Lodge owner praised for spotting guests’ invasive clam collection
An Ōwhango business owner found a collection of freshwater gold clams left by guests.
Minister to decide on village name change proposal
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua wants National Park Village to be named Waimarino.
Century-long saga: The six moves to change this village’s name
The names National Park and Waimarino have been pondered multiple times.
Submissions quadruple on bid to rename National Park village as Waimarino
Iwi calling for the North Island tourist village to revert to its historical name.
Proposal to change name of village draws public submissions
Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board supports the proposal.
Consultation opens on National Park name change
There's also a proposal to change the name of National Park's railway station.
Support for National Park to restore ‘most beautiful name’
A three-month public consultation on the name change proposal will open on Tuesday.