Laurel Stowell
Reporter
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
Whanganui: stink at meatworks came from helping hand
Affco says an odour problem was due to taking on extra rendering.
Region's RSA presidents make hard Anzac Day decisions
Many Anzac Day commemorations have been scaled back across the region.
'A hack into hauora': Music workshop aims to build connections at Rātana Pā
A free workshop to make and play traditional Māori musical instruments is on April 22.
'Peace' buns sold to fund bakery in Ukraine
Funds raised from Easter buns are sent to a Kyiv bakery providing free food
Support for beach area at port
There used to be a swimming beach at the proposed spot.
'Fabulous' event as artists open studios to public
Numbers were down but the artists were still pleased with the connections they made.
First funds from Waipipi Wind Farm distributed
'I believe they are all worthy causes.'
Environmentalist lauds new fund for climate change projects
The projects need to aim to make a community more resilient to climate change.
Horizons fields 19 odour complaints from Gonville residents
" ... it's like the smell coats your mouth. You can almost taste it in the air."
New Whanganui food waste compost hits the shelves
Easy Earth compost is getting high ratings in trials.
Recycling plan finds favour
However, local recyclers say the devil may be in the detail
'House prices can't go down'
The developers are targeting first home buyers - but haven't found many.
Cargo of safety helmets sent to help in Ukraine conflict
The Czech distributor of Whanganui's Pacific Helmets requests spares for the war effort.
'Phenomenal' pile of rubbish cleared from Castlecliff Beach
Food and a dance performance rewarded participants in the beach clean-up.
Whanganui region has 137 new Covid cases, four in hospital
The uptake of RATs slows at local distribution points - but is still steady.
Housing comes out top in survey of region needs
New fund aims to be flexible and fill gaps in housing provision.
Someone in our region is suddenly $37,026 richer
A second division Lotto winner adds to 2022 luck in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
Unplugged fridges and freezers spoil donated food
Collective makes third complaint of interference to Whanganui Police.
Swim jobs available to competent reliable swimmers
Training will be given to those applying for swim jobs at Whanganui's Splash Centre.
Elevator open for visitor experience, free shuttle for commuters
It's good to have public transport from Durie Hill functioning again, the contractor says.
Course aims to help fill entry-level dairying jobs
A recruiter has been employed to find more dairy students for AGC Training
National body to fund rebuild of unsafe track
Greyhound racing track to be rebuilt - surprising animal welfare spokesman.
Iwi to lead Jobs for Nature project in Whanganui catchment
The project includes 290km of fencing, 630,000 plants and 100ha of pest and weed control.
Relocated statue a symbol love and tragedy
Statue of Tainui moved to a place its sculptor Joan Morrell preferred
Slip near entrance closes Durie Hill Elevator
Operator unsure when elevator will re-open
'We may never know the cause'
CCTV footage could show at which end of the building the Eastown Timber fire started.
Summer of extremes breaks some records
Whanganui's 2021-22 summer has been one of extremes, meteorologists say.
Frocks on Bikes: 'Women being active in a fun way'
Ride around central Whanganui aims to open eyes to heritage and provide a bit of fun.
'It was very good, quick work' - senior firefighter
Potentially contaminated water diverted away from Whanganui River.
More use expected for revamped Marton hall
Marton's main hall is likely to get even more use after its upgrade, a councillor says.
'We want to connect': Pop-up Race Unity Day planned
Whanganui's third Race Unity Day is a pop-up one due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Green space, food forests in plan for Aramoho subdivision
The possibility of a new housing development hangs on stormwater clearance and finance.
'It's time to act' on climate change
The Climate Action Joint Committee has heard about the work of hapū and councils.
Plan change still needed for Marton Rail Hub project
But an economic report on the development forecasts at least 220 new jobs.
'Dire consequences' if farming emissions go into ETS
Farmers are weighing up options for paying for greenhouse gas emissions.
Buyers snap up Marton sections
Developers are planning more than 650 new sections for Marton and Bulls.
Pākaitore Day 2022 turns focus to Covid
Iwi health services were handing out products and information at Pākaitore Day.
'She's very special': Te Ara a Maria visits Whanganui
"She's like an icon really. She's very special."
'Missing an opportunity': What is Horizons' role in economic development?
Some councillors have reservations about the council's role in local economic advancement.
Catholic parish floats social housing complex
Proposed housing development to be done in partnership with diocese and developer
The 'playful' and political on show at Zinefest
Zine making group holds second event, plans to expand its activities.
Groups work together for better Māori employment outcomes
Māori employment plan works alongside advances in education, health - Katarina Hina.
'Labour of love': Owner reveals plans for city heritage building upgrade
Rejuvenation of heritage building will show what's possible - engineer owner says.
Councils seek Government funding for rail business case
The push is on to resume a service between Auckland and Wellington.
'We aren't cowboys'
The operators have addressed a school's concerns about sprays at a new kiwifruit orchard.
'It's just unbelievably quiet'
Fewer people are in downtown Whanganui and some shops are suffering as a result.
Floating tub surprises beach photographer
The spa tub has been moved to higher ground to prevent danger to surfers and boats.
Pilot academy survives on borrowed money
Fifty students from India are expected to arrive in Whanganui in April.
Critical services prepare for exemption scheme
Some businesses have already implemented rapid antigen testing (RAT) as Omicron spreads.
Passenger train services effectively 'gone' - campaigner
A petition seeks the reinstatement of the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific services.
The Monday Q&A with Des Bovey
After an adventurous life in France and Africa, Des Bovey is back in Whanganui.
Nursing, tramping, travelling - there's no stopping Peg
Peg Walsh has accumulated enough experiences for two lifetimes during her 100 years.
Heavy rain watch: 'Fair amount of weather' on the way
Rain - sometimes heavy - is expected to fall right through this weekend.
'Together we will be stronger' - hospice shares services
People who are near death have physical, emotional and spiritual needs, a specialist says.
'Devastating' dog attack kills at least 80 lambs, many more injured
Cost of shearing and burying adds to financial loss from dog attack on lambs.
Churches start outdoor services at Pākaitore
Services at Pākaitore bring forward beliefs and principles of forebears, kaumātua says
'No one left until the last dog was sold' - club secretary
People come from all over the lower North Island to buy reputable working dogs
'Neither hasten nor postpone death' - Hospice Whanganui
Hospice Whanganui sticks to its guiding principle under the End of Life Choice Act.
Volunteers aim to keep children and families fed
Group has been giving away enough food to feed 250 to 300 people each weekend.
'Last gasp' for Whanganui Literary Festival
"We almost owe it to people to try our utmost."
How water quality at Whanganui's swim spots stacks up
Sea swimming generally good this year - Dudding Lake and some rivers variable to poor.
'It's something different': Summer Programme draws to close with Hipango Park trip
Trip on MV Wairua to Hipango Park is one of the last in this year's summer programme.
Golfers tee off to raise cash for mental health
People enjoy fundraising golf game played with vintage clubs.
Five suffer minor injuries in central Whanganui crash
There were no serious injuries in two-car collision, say police.
'You want good thoughts': The art of tukutuku weaving
Weaving is an experiential way into the richness of Māori culture.
'Not for police to tell families what they need': Top cops take knowledge to Wellington
An 'integrated community response' to home violence is making a difference.
Green light for Whanganui Literary Festival
But Covid restrictions may affect Pride Week events.
Whanganui benefit numbers fall in 2021 driven by industry growth
Extra effort put into getting long-term beneficiaries into work, minister says.
Plan to reinstate reserve access after bridge destroyed
Rangitīkei branch of Forest & Bird maintains 100ha of reserves in its district.
Coastguard, public help in rescue after Wanganui River capsize
'Quick and calm rescue' for boat that capsized near Whanganui Port.
'Get on with it': Hospitality sector ready to tackle red light
Return to red light with Omicron is "business as usual" for one restaurant owner.
Council adviser predicts big benefits to climate change action
A council emissions audit is the first priority for its new climate change officer.
No whiskey shot for Elly
Elly Arnst didn't finish the Revenant Ultra Adventure Run - and neither did anyone else.
'Pretty tough conditions for beekeepers'
Honey exports are up but prices are down in a time of oversupply.
Summer gardens open to raise funds for arthritis
The Anniversary Amble is on Monday, January 24.
Taihape volunteer fire crew 'excited' by new station
New fit-for-purpose fire station in Taihape will attract new volunteers, chief hopes.
Horizons 'allows river to lead' protocols for navigation
The regional council is working with Iwi and Coastguard on river protocols.
Whanganui Kiwibank moves to shorter opening hours
The changes take effect from January 24.
Cyclone Cody: Will Whanganui be impacted?
Weather will continue warm and summery - despite cyclone on East Coast.