Whanganui news

New Zealand news

Flagship fundraiser returns as homelessness crisis deepens in Auckland
Homelessness in Auckland has surged, with a 53% rise in rough sleepers since September.

Child ended up in Starship while living in damp Kāinga Ora home
The Tenancy Tribunal said the mother's complaints to Kāinga Ora fell on deaf ears.

Opinion: China not the US is undermining NZ's security
Nicholas Khoo and Reuben Steff say that the US balances China’s assertiveness.
Editor's Picks

'Whole life is going to be different': Toddler's shock diagnosis affects only 5 in NZ
'I’ve definitely hit the stage of ‘Why him? This isn’t fair'.'

‘Anger, integrity and passion’: Whanganui protest joins nationwide backlash
Demonstrators were opposing the pay equity legislation passed under urgency on Wednesday.

Weight of the worlds: Lifter shines on biggest stage
'No matter where you are, it's still just you and the bar.'

Animal neglect: Man sentenced after years of warnings over horse care
'Horses have complex needs and require consistent, knowledgeable care.'

Person killed in crash between truck and van near Levin
Police have confirmed the person died at the scene this morning.

Ruapehu council grappling $700,000 overspend
A review is under way and the mayor says it must be 'done in a fair and just way'.

New Māori ward seats in spotlight
Whanganui District Council will hold a candidate information evening on May 16.

'Outrageous' costs but recycling station to stay
The bins were intended for tourists but are now overwhelmed by local waste.

Police investigate Marton aggravated robbery
The alleged offender threatened an employee with a weapon before taking cash and fleeing.
Premium

Kevin Page: Surviving the chaos of kids' parties
OPINION: The two parties were an interesting study in what's the done thing these days.

Opinion: Why hospital staff deserve our gratitude
Comment: Life gets put in perspective when you spend time in hospital.

Opinion: Your guide to planting a productive winter garden
Broccoli planted now will be ready in August, cauliflowers in September.

Opinion: The cold snap revives winter traditions in our home
Mrs P likes to chase me with her cold hands late at night.

Opinion: Why camellias are the star of your autumn garden
Comment: Early flowering camellias are popular for hedges and patio areas.

'We remain hopeful': Whanganui Airport taxiway build under way but funding shortfall remains
Phase two of the project is expected to cost $3.6 million.

'Whole life is going to be different': Toddler's shock diagnosis affects only 5 in NZ
'I’ve definitely hit the stage of ‘Why him? This isn’t fair'.'

'Fresh ideas': Ruapehu candidates announce bids for mayoralty
Incumbent Mayor Weston Kirton is undecided about running for another term.

Opinion: Why hospital staff deserve our gratitude
Comment: Life gets put in perspective when you spend time in hospital.

'We haven't got anything': Club Metro sold but debts remain
The club's currently owes $1.2 million.

‘City man through and through‘: Club legend remembered
“Whanganui City Football Club became part of his DNA... He was a stalwart of the club."
Sport

Club rugby: Marist stun with win over Border
It was Marist's first win since 2019 over the five-time defending champions.

Rugby: Marist and Border chase first win of season
The Jake Alabaster Memorial Shield adds extra incentive for both sides.

Rugby: Top Whanganui women's teams set for clash
Marist hosts Rātana at Cooks Gardens at 6.30pm on May 8.

Whanganui teen rower to represent New Zealand in US
The 16-year-old considers the opportunity a step towards her Olympic dream.

Athletics: Youth tours offer benefits beyond competition
Jono Maples will compete in England and Belgium this month.

Rugby: Taihape snatch last-minute victory against Rātana
A penalty try clinched the win for Taihape.

ACC data shows improvement with sport-induced concussions
The Whanganui District's concussion claim costs were down nearly $238,900 from 2023.
Business news

'Past the first hurdle' - Fletcher Living on progress at $500m The Hill
Fletcher bought site in 2021, earthworks now advanced, first four homes nearly finished.

North Island tourism alliance formed to boost international visits
Fifteen North Island tourism groups have formed an alliance to attract key markets.

Company's switch to rail transport 'another positive forestry story'
Forest360's move takes 8 truck & trailer loads of logs off the road to New Plymouth daily.
Lifestyle news

Opinion: Your guide to planting a productive winter garden
Broccoli planted now will be ready in August, cauliflowers in September.

Opinion: Why camellias are the star of your autumn garden
Comment: Early flowering camellias are popular for hedges and patio areas.

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

Traitors NZ star selling her home to chase acting dream overseas
Former cop says letting go was a hard decision to make.

Couple bought 125-year-old church on a whim - put their bed next to the pulpit
“We would be driving past a church and Suzanne would go, ‘Stop, stop, stop.'"

Rich-listers sell their family home for just $1.2m - well below CV
And they've pulled their 10-bedroom mansion from the market.
Car news and advice


Audi S6 e-tron Avant first drive: left of centre
Left-hand drive S6 e-tron is doing the rounds in NZ. We drive it.

S-Class rocket turns 50: the mighty Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 still stuns
A half-century since the 450 SEL 6.9 first graced the autobahn. It still looks serious.

Nissan has created a retro 1990s-style driving game - and you can play it here
Formula E-inspired game is an 8-bit-style nostalgia blast.
Rural news

Crash in ATV on remote property kills 10-year-old boy and critically injures father
The boy’s brother and a friend also suffered serious and minor injuries.

Anzco Foods posts $8m profit amid 'another challenging year' for red meat
Profit was down from $44.4m last year.

Greytown teen named Dairy Trainee of the Year
'He has a broad knowledge and he’s a hard worker.'
Whanganui news

Opinion: Your guide to planting a productive winter garden
Broccoli planted now will be ready in August, cauliflowers in September.

‘Anger, integrity and passion’: Whanganui protest joins nationwide backlash
Demonstrators were opposing the pay equity legislation passed under urgency on Wednesday.

Caution urged over cryptic USBs planted in public spaces
Police confirmed the USB sticks contain religious messaging.

South Taranaki town to host National Basketball League
Mayor Phil Nixon hopes this will give a boost to hospitality and accommodation businesses

Sanctuary hunts funding for stretched education programme
Spots for 2025 were booked out by the start of March.

'Bittersweet': Coastguard receives award for missing diver search
In March 2024, Coastguard South Taranaki searched for over six days for the missing diver.

Cause of central Whanganui fire under investigation
Fire and Emergency NZ attended the scene around 3pm and extinguished the fire.

'Absolutely stunning': New $825m highway nears completion
The new highway will open in June, with the exact date not yet set.

Rugby: Marist and Border chase first win of season
The Jake Alabaster Memorial Shield adds extra incentive for both sides.

Rugby: Top Whanganui women's teams set for clash
Marist hosts Rātana at Cooks Gardens at 6.30pm on May 8.

Whanganui teen rower to represent New Zealand in US
The 16-year-old considers the opportunity a step towards her Olympic dream.

Patients treated for smoke inhalation after manufacturing business fire
The fire is believed to have started in an industrial oven.

Decision to shut overused recycling station under review after fiery backlash
The facility faces closure because of unsustainable costs and overflowing bins.

Weight of the worlds: Lifter shines on biggest stage
'No matter where you are, it's still just you and the bar.'

Athletics: Youth tours offer benefits beyond competition
Jono Maples will compete in England and Belgium this month.

Whanganui netball season opens with new courts and programmes
The David Jones Premier competition starts on Monday.

Council shields identity of chosen 40 citizens
Members are being paid $500 each to provide a recommendation to the council.

'The connector': Excitement over new highway
The current detour has resulted in 'a couple of near misses' for Whanganui truck drivers.