Lucy Drake
Lucy Drake is a multimedia journalist at 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 Lucy’s latest content
Health professionals' take on End of Life Choice referendum
The End of Life Choice referendum will affect health professionals as well as patients.
Person receives moderate injuries after being hit by car
The person was hit by the car in Whanganui on Thursday afternoon.
Fire and Emergency crews race to big blaze in Taihape
The fire is under control but not fully extinguished.
Why there is no Covid-19 CBAC in Waimarino
Health officials encourage locals and tourists to use Raetihi testing if needed.
CBAC pop-up busy as virus-testing gets under way
Flu vaccinations were also offered and 23 people took up this option.
Debate-a-bull: Bulls could get new signage
Two final designs went out for public consultation through email, text and Facebook.
Whanganui company gets contract for new Mangaweka Bridge
Three tenders have been awarded the contract for almost $8 million.
Taihape Memorial Park amenities block build halted by council
Seven councillors have voted to have the project halted while council debates.
Pharmacies back to near normal with good supplies of masks
Local pharmacist says people need to keep shopping normally to manage supplies.
Anti P Ministry calls for hub in Marton
Member Hemi Blake said he can see the damage it is doing in Marton.
Big read: The best ways to stay active in Whanganui
Whanganui health and fitness gurus discuss ways in which you can stay active.
Project Marton head steps down after decade of service
Marton 'just needed a bit of an injection of love and that's what I hope I've achieved'.
New industrial zone gets approval
The change has been in discussion over the past three and a half years.
F45 Whanganui still plans to open doors
The new gym is set to open in September at 176a Glasgow St.
DHB asks visiting numbers to be limited during alert level 2
No surgeries are being deferred during alert level 2.
Rangitīkei rail hub to get $9.1 million
Rangitīkei District Council has estimated the hub could create up to 86 jobs.
Ruapehu tourism adapts to swift move into alert level 2
Owners and organisations hope skiers can see out the rest of the ski season.
Over 600 people tested in Whanganui region within last two days
The DHB encourages people to ring Healthline or GP before coming to CBAC.
Anxiety builds as Covid-19 put squeeze on hospitality sector
Owners of local bars and cafes encourage the community to dine out while they still can.
Whanganui's Tom Devine wins $100,000 Science and Innovation scholarship
He said the spirit of the scholarship is based on what we should try to achieve today.
Pedestrian in intensive care after being hit by car
The man in his 20s will be transported to Wellington Hospital today.
Post-lockdown services set to benefit older community
The new services include grocery deliveries and hospital visits.
Hammer involved in Whanganui jewellery robbery
Police say the offender appeared to have injured themself during the robbery.
Do you have flu-like symptoms? Go and get tested
The chief medical officer confirms the definition of Covid-19 symptoms has broadened.
Rangitīkei River project looks to make river more resilient to climate change
The project is still conceptual, but Horizons grateful to receive Govt funding.
Crash victim's skydive dream completed by sister
The two sisters were able to raise $2300-plus for the SPCA's annual Jump to the Rescue.
Opening date set for $8.2 million community centre
The internal construction of the building was completed by the end of July.
Jigsaw promotes social equity through free concert for community
Hundreds turned out for the event on Saturday afternoon at Majestic Square.
Toy library set to mark 40th anniversary
An event to celebrate their birthday will be held on August 8.
Monday Q & A: Whanganui DHB CEO Russell Simpson on climbing and influential figures
The DHB chief executive holds a strong passion for the outdoors in his downtime.
Paracetamol shortage forces pharmacies to ration
There has been a large shortage of paracetamol and oral contraceptives.
Big Read: The NZ euthanasia debate this election referendum
Voters will be asked to vote for or against two referendums in the election.
Waste Management stickers set to have 'no value' at Liffiton St Depot
Waste Management announced rubbish bags will not be collected from December 31 2020.
Push to save historic grandstand
Heritage group calls for building to be restored; mayor says it's not fit for purpose.
Lockdown idea grows new business
Little Gem Seeds is a monthly subscription box business offering five seasonal seeds.
Rangitikei's muddiest event returns for its sixth year
The event will be held on September 19 and tickets have almost sold out.
'Beautiful turnout' to Castlecliff Beach planting day
The group planted 900 pingao near the Duncan Pavilion to help keep the sand in place.
Monday Q&A: Vivek Bangia on importance of family - and cooking
He comes from a hospitality background and loves the life he has now built in Whanganui.
Hospice Whanganui's chief executive stepping down
Karen Anderson has loved working with patients, families and staff in roles at Hospice.
Fire crews from across region called to Ohakune house fire
There have been no reports of injuries related to Saturday's blaze.
The cannabis referendum: What our politicians and experts think
Voters will be asked if they support the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill.
Health officials welcome $242m for maternity services
The Government has invested $85 million to support midwives' wages.
Waste collection company to bin rubbish bags
The new scheme will start from December 31 this year to create less waste.
Hundreds of jobs up for grabs in Whanganui and Rangitīkei electorates
The Electoral Commission is looking for people who represent their community.
Let there be light! Newly refurbished Boer War Memorial proudly stands at Marton's Park
The monument is now restored to somewhat of its original shape.
Whanganui scholar heads to Glasgow to pursue international security degree
The ex-Whanganui High School student is not letting Covid-19 get in her way.
House severely damaged by fire in Taihape
There have been no reports of injuries and fatalities.
Multiple injuries in Hunterville crash
The road was closed around 6.40pm and was cleared and re-opened at 12.40am.
How Whanganui's crime profile has changed post-lockdown
Top cop believes people are now seeking the support they need for family harm incidents.
Locals give the gift of a fighting chance by fundraising for Pink Ribbon this July
A number of local businesses are hosting public events to fundraise for the charity.
Who will win this year's Rangitīkei Youth Awards?
Nominations for youth aged 12 to 24-years-old close on August 10.
Couple discharged from hospital after car crash
The car had rolled onto its roof and into the ditch, leaving the couple trapped inside.
Mamma Mia! The show will go on for Taihape Drama Club
After Covid-19 disruptions, the show is back on with three extra shows added.
Gas flare near Kaitoke
It is part of a procedure to make sure their systems are working.
Sound the Alarm! Locals give back to Marton's volunteer fire brigade by dining local
The brigade is fundraising for an operational support vehicle.
Person airlifted to hospital after crash
The person was transported to hospital by the rescue helicopter.
Covid-19 testing drops off across Whanganui
In the last week, 91 people have been tested for Covid-19.
Multiple motor vehicle crashes along icy Ruapehu roads
Emergency Services are still in attendance at two of the crashes.
System turns Mt Ruapehu skiing 'into a lottery'
The new system will come into play from July 22 for the 10 busiest weekends in the season.
Cheers to that! One woman's sober determination this Dry July
Germa Haapu-Stoepker is honouring loved ones she's lost to cancer through Dry July.
Police name 19-year-old killed on farm at Ranana
WorkSafe are currently carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Hundreds join hunt for Marton's beloved cat
It has been three weeks since Rodney was allegedly dumped 15km north of Marton.
Police name fatal Taihape crash victim
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
House fire in central Marton
There have been no reported injuries to the occupants of the house.
Two-time cancer survivor to host community 'breakfast'
Kristy Humphries has seen first-hand the positive effects of a Pink Ribbon Breakfast.
Steel sculpture to be erected on Thain's Building site
It has been almost one year since a large fire ravaged the heritage building.
Wild weather causes road closures, falling trees
As the weather rages on, many roads are expected to remain closed.
Two people rushed to hospital after house goes up in flames
Fire crews were called to a Whanganui house at 4.30am.
Marton community 'disgusted and shocked' by cat dumping
Rodney was dumped 15km north of Marton by a Marton ITM staff member.
Car rolls into ditch on Warrengate Rd near SH3
One person received serious injuries.
Blaze rips through ceiling and walls of Marton home
All occupants of the property were outside the house when fire crews arrived.
Rangitīkei council adopts annual plan without public consultation
Ratepayers can expect a 3.63 rates average increase for the 2020-2021 financial year.
The Monday Q&A with Cath Ash
The Marton local has spent many years giving back to her community.
'Doors Open Marton' pays tribute to essential workers
The day consisted of a parade, performances and a market.
Giving the gift of warmth at children's ward
Todd Sollitt has been donating pyjamas to sick children in need for years.
Front line Covid-19 essential workers reflect on positive experiences at WRHN event
The WRHN hosted the 'thank you' event at the Wanganui Racecourse.
Marton's James Cook statue to remain
The decision was made by consensus vote by the Rangitikei District Council.