Whanganui news

New Zealand news

'The pain is beyond anything': Family mourn son lost to dengue fever
Misiafa Lene, 12, died after contracting dengue fever in Samoa this month.

City to Sea bridge lobby group claim council's demolition decision flawed
The Wellington Civic Trust is challenging the council's demolition plan in the High Court.

'Extraordinary experience': Auckland art gallery director steps down
Lacy finishes up on June 15 to recharge the batteries.
Editor's Picks

How this teacher aide is helping a small rural school thrive
Ashley Steedman has 'fallen in love with the job'.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'

‘Once in a generation’ teen gets White Sox call-up
'Her raw talent across all aspects of the game is truly exciting.'

Mixed signals: Unemployment down but jobs decline in Whanganui
Consumer spending in Whanganui rose 5.3% over the year to December 2024.

Stock car driver critically injured after smash at Whanganui speedway
A car crash at Oceanview Speedway led to a person being cut from a vehicle.

Man who killed his father and brother found with torture videos at time of murders
The charges were laid four years after Nathan Frost murdered his family members.

Q&A: Helen Watson talks musicals, fantasy novels and Amdram’s latest play
Helen Watson will direct Amdram’s first 2025 show, Ladies’ Day.

Filling a gap: Anglican Church building homes on unused land
Each house costs about $300,000, funded by the diocese.

Spike in odour complaints at wastewater plant
'Potentially, there is room for those calls to keep increasing.'
Premium

Nicky Rennie: Taking selfies with Pope's body crosses a line
OPINION: I'm horrified by the behaviour of some people paying respects to Pope Francis.

Gareth Carter: Choosing the best small hedges for your home garden
Buxus is a classic hedge, but buxus blight makes it challenging to grow.

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting colourful gardens
OPINION: Pansies thrive in cooler seasons but dislike hot summer sun.

Kevin Page: Hospital gowns, undies and a thwarted car thief
OPINION: I scared off a car thief while standing on crutches in my new undies.

Nicky Rennie: Navigating the ups and downs of modern dating
OPINION: The unanimous chorus from friends has been to give dating another try.

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting citrus in your garden
Opinion: Gareth Carter's top tips for growing citrus.

How a childhood injury led Jacob Booth to rugby refereeing success
Booth is the only Whanganui-based referee in the programme.

Thousands gather for Whanganui Anzac Day services
Speeches were made by the RSA president, Mayor Andrew Tripe and Captain John Granville.

Watch: Thousands gather for Anzac Day Commemorations around NZ
The national day of remembrance for fallen servicemen and women begins with dawn services.

'Can't beat it': Mud, motors and manoeuvres in 4X4 Challenge
Easy-viewing and accessibility two reasons for event's sustained success, says organiser.

Speedway: Warriors ready for battle
The event celebrates 50 years of the Warriors with a big meeting at Oceanview.

Anzac Day showdown: Taihape vs Marist in top women's rugby clash
Taihape hosts Marist at Memorial Park in a rematch of last year’s final.
Sport

Speedway: Warriors ready for battle
The event celebrates 50 years of the Warriors with a big meeting at Oceanview.

Athletics: Record turnout for parkrun
A record 202 participants joined the weekly Whanganui Riverbank parkrun last Saturday.

Gold rush: Swimmer Paige Conley cleans up at national champs
'Butterfly is my strongest stroke, so I always get out pretty fast.'

Whanganui athletes shine at inaugural Manawatū/Whanganui awards
George Beamish won the Molly Dorne Cup as MWA athlete of the year.

Club rugby: Taihape beat Marist to retain Challenge Shield
Rātana top the table after defeating Marton 108-12 in week one of the competition.

Rugby: Kaierau hold off new-look Border in season-opener
Around 10 new players made their Premier debut for Border.

Rugby: Whanganui senior competition kicks off this weekend
This year's competition features 10 teams, down from 12 last year.

Rugby: Border, Kaierau kick off Premier season opener
Border face Kaierau in a rematch of last season's grand final.
Business news

Australian company applies to mine Taranaki seabed under fast-track law
Opponents fear sediment discharge will harm sea life on Pātea Banks.

House prices down in most regions in year to March
Prices either static or falling throughout NZ, only six areas had price rises lately.

‘Intimidated, threatened’: Rogue arborists cause alarm
Police advise residents being targeted to 'close the door and not engage with the person'.
Lifestyle news

Gareth Carter: Choosing the best small hedges for your home garden
Buxus is a classic hedge, but buxus blight makes it challenging to grow.

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting colourful gardens
OPINION: Pansies thrive in cooler seasons but dislike hot summer sun.

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting citrus in your garden
Opinion: Gareth Carter's top tips for growing citrus.
OneRoof property news

$1.7m state home sells for undisclosed sum after devastating fire
Demolition likely for "as is where is" property with $1.7m CV.

First-time buyer snaps up miner's dome home for $365,000
Market is picking up in one of New Zealand's cheapest towns.

How much will house prices rise by Dec 2025? Here's what the latest figures suggest
The five things you need to know about the housing market this week.
Car news and advice


Can Nissan’s new Frontier Pro PHEV ute take on the BYD Shark 6?
Nissan has unveiled a surprise plug-in hybrid ute for sale in global markets.

GMC Yukon Denali SUV for NZ: tow rating in ‘a class of its own’
How much do you really need to tow with your family SUV? A lot, says GMC.

BYD takes the fight to Porsche’s 911 with all-electric Denza Z
It's roughly 911-sized, but the Denza Z doesn’t mimic the Porsche too closely.
Rural news

Opinion: Why healthy animals mean healthier communities
OPINION: This year's World Veterinary Day theme was Animal Health Takes a Team.

Simmental cattle breeder Tony Thompson's life of legacy
At 80 years old, Tony Thompson shows no sign of slowing down.

The Country: Is NZ heading for more dairy conversions?
Phil Duncan, David Seymour, Riley Kennedy, Adam Thomson, Craig Hickman, Bryce McKenzie.
Whanganui news

'Big bodies': Coach's faith in veteran forwards to lift Marist
Marist narrowly missed the 2024 semifinals, beaten in the last minutes by Rātana.

Stabbing prompts security review for Department of Corrections
A staff member was critically injured in the April 9 attack.

'Quite fortunate': Whanganui rugby club's strong start to milestone year
Celtic's 50th celebrations will be on June 21, featuring an Over 35s game.

State Highway 1 north of Waiōuru: Five injured in two car crash
Motorists were warned to expect delays.

Whanganui's SH3 retains lower speed limit with public support
Another section of SH3 is now open for public consultation on its 50km/h speed limit.

Anzac Day: Commemorations in Whanganui region
'There are a few milestones that need to be recognised.'

Athletics: Record turnout for parkrun
A record 202 participants joined the weekly Whanganui Riverbank parkrun last Saturday.

'Break out those woollen jumpers': Low temperatures for dawn service
Despite the cool start, Friday's high is expected to reach 20C in Whanganui.

'Government needs to wake up': Ucol proposes to cut 74 roles
Ucol proposes to cut 17% of staff, affecting Whanganui, Palmerston North and Masterton.

Plunket scheme vaccinates fewer than 100 babies in five months
Plunket vaccinated fewer than 100 babies since its December soft launch.

Brothers in arms: 75-year-old song sees light of day
Walter Loveridge originally recorded Southern Paradise for the Tanza label.

Gareth Carter: Choosing the best small hedges for your home garden
Buxus is a classic hedge, but buxus blight makes it challenging to grow.

Gold rush: Swimmer Paige Conley cleans up at national champs
'Butterfly is my strongest stroke, so I always get out pretty fast.'

Pope Francis defied doctors' orders to rest, spent final days working
The Pope died on Monday, aged 88.

On The Up: New Whanganui pharmacy owner’s journey from Nigeria to the river city
In 2015, pharmacy owner Shope Olawoyin began thinking about leaving Nigeria.

Pest trap library to span across Rangitīkei rivers
The collective received $15,400 as part of the Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant

'Total write-off': Fire guts Whanganui home
'I've just got to get up, keep functioning and roll with these punches.'