Olivia Reid is a multimedia journalist 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.

New zone to simplify Manawatū-Whanganui tsunami evacuation
Funding will update tsunami evacuation maps to new 'blue zone' standards.

Winning arts review piece explores cultural complexities
Public voting for the Arts Review People’s Choice Award closes on July 31 at 5pm.

High winds cut power to 930 properties in Whanganui
By 8am on Thursday, 148 Whanganui customers remained without power.

Heavy rain, cold snap hit as 'warm winter' begins
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Tongariro National Park and Taranaki Maunga.

Man of many committees receives King's Birthday Honour
“You want a happy successful society and you have to contribute in your own small way.”

Former MP and Mayor recognised in 2025 King's Birthday Honours
Ian McKelvie was Mayor for nine years and an MP for 12.

'Humbling experience': Taihape's chief fire officer receives King's Service Medal
“It took me about a week to decide to accept it, I didn’t take it lightly.”

Whanganui woman honoured with KSM for dedication to community
"It was a really pleasant surprise once I got over the shock of it not being a joke."

‘Dream a bit more‘: Whanganui tea company partners with Air New Zealand
Kaputī Studio will receive a $20,000 cash grant and 12 weeks of mentoring.

Settled and sunny weekend ahead for Whanganui
'We’ve still got this ridge of high pressure affecting most of the country.'

Musical triumph: Whanganui band shines in regional music competition
They performed original songs at two Whanganui music contest finals.

Budget 2025: Urgent, after-hours healthcare boost for South Taranaki
The funding aims for 98% of Kiwis to access urgent care within an hour's drive.

Army exercise simulates post-war scenarios
The exercise in Whanganui involved peacekeeping scenarios after a hypothetical war.

'Community view': Former politician joins UCOL in new role
Ian McKelvie will communicate unique community needs from Wairarapa to Whanganui.

'A bit above average': Warmer weekend for Whanganui
Whanganui's weekend high is expected to be 21C, well above the mid-May average of 16C.

Taihape man wins $500k in Lotto first division draw
His winning ticket was sold at Quickstop Taihape

Pool progress: Marton Swim Centre to get key upgrades
The Swim Centre's 50m pool has been closed since a partial roof collapse in August.

'One death is one too many': Push to protect horse riders on roads
Between 2000 and 2019, 40 riders were killed on roads, Health NZ says.

‘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.

Weather conditions vary for Whanganui this week
Low temperatures are forecast to temporarily return to double digits this week.

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

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

Government extends aid for drought-hit farmers facing long recovery
Farmers have a new focus on minimising the impact of extreme weather events.

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.

'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.

Whanganui’s Youth MP focuses on culture, mental health, education
Whanganui’s 2025 Youth MP is Taiko Edwards-Haruru, a Year 13 student.

Folklore-inspired sculpture honours trust founder
The sculpture will be unveiled on Sunday at Rotokawau Virginia Lake.

Highway roadworks pause to ease holiday traffic
Roadworks will pause from 12pm Thursday until Tuesday morning over the next two weekends.

Govt commits up to $600m to upgrade Ōhākea base
The Ōhākea Infrastructure Programme is expected to be completed between 2025 and 2028.

Muggy Easter weekend expected as subtropical system hits Whanganui
Taihape, Taumarunui and parts of Taranaki are under a strong wind watch.

Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review returns after two-year hiatus
The top prize is $7000 and a solo exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery.

DIY crafts to ninja challenges: School holiday events for the family
South Taranaki, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and Whanganui are jam-packed with family-friendly fun.

‘Above and beyond’: Caregiver honoured for exceptional foster work
Woven Whānau helps more than 50 grandparents raising grandchildren in Whanganui.

‘I hope to inspire other rangatahi’: Turning adversity into a new business
'I’m just trying to help as many people as I can, that’s my passion.'

‘Gift that keeps on giving’: Charity golf event aids surf lifesavers
Ticket sales alone have raised $12,500 for Wanganui Surf Life Guard Service.

What Whanganui can expect from the weekend’s ‘atmospheric river’
Showers, westerly winds and mild temperatures are forecast.

‘Bring together book lovers’: Crime writers head to Whanganui
Charity Norman, a 2023 Ngaio Marsh Award winner, will chair the panel.

Whanganui and Ruapehu partner to draw in film industry
Mt Ngauruhoe in Ruapehu features in the Lord of The Rings films.

‘Significant’ savings: Taihape Town Hall redesign confirmed
Costs and timelines for the redevelopment are yet to be confirmed.

‘You Can’t Just Sell Records’: Documentary captures journey of The Vinyl Room
'It turns out that we don’t just sell records - it’s about an experience and a community.'

‘All bikes are welcome’: Raetihi Gutbuster gears up for 2025
'It’s all about getting people out and enjoying life from a bike saddle.'

‘Must-attend event’: Marton’s Harvest Festival returns with fresh flavour
Matt Chisholm will host the festival on April 6 at Sir James Wilson Park.

Fire prohibition lifted in Whanganui as risk reduces
The region returned to a restricted fire season on March 26.

Artists Open Studios continues to thrive in Whanganui
'A lot of money went through this city over the last 10 days.'

Tohu Whenua programme to promote region’s landmarks
A travel itinerary based on history and culture will be created for the Horizons region

Art of popular children’s book illustrator highlighted in new exhibition
“He wanted to be an artist on his own terms”

Art for good: Artist paints volunteers at City Mission Whanganui
Eighteen portraits will be on display at Space Studio and Gallery from March 25.

From e-bikes to viaducts: What to expect on Whanganui’s new trail
Riders can see landmarks like the Taonui and Hāpuawhenua Viaducts.

‘Mild but variable’: Whanganui’s weather outlook for the weekend
Heavier rain and fresh winds are forecast for next week.

Catholic schools comp to bring hundreds to city
280 students plus supporters will flock to Whanganui for the speech and drama contest.

Teen Whanganui kayak sprinters headed for Japan
Zoe Anderson and Alexis Toy will compete internationally for the first time in May.

Whanganui weather: Autumnal change gives way to warmer weekend
'We return to slightly more summery conditions, although it’s looking to be a bit breezy.'

Triferno obstacle course set to fire up Blazing Hills event
The Triferno course combines three routes for a 20km, 90-obstacle challenge.

‘You are what you wear’: Museum explores history through fashion
The exhibition Past, Present, Pose showcases garments from the 19th century to the 1990s.

Whanganui netball stalwart honoured for 50 years of service
Di Tasker began umpiring in 1971 while still at primary school.

Tech detectives: How genealogy has changed in 50 years
New Zealand Society of Genealogists' Whanganui branch celebrates 50th anniversary

‘Spread kindness’: Good Bitches Baking bring skills to prisons
'If a ‘swear word’ in our name helps get people to think about our message, that's a win.'

Matthew Couper returns for first Whanganui solo show since 2007
Ann Parker Gallery will host Whanganui-trained artist's exhibition.

Council to seek funding to honour Lake Alice unmarked graves
The Royal Commission identified at least 4000 unmarked graves, including in Rangitīkei.

Dry, hot summer brings prohibited fire season
'We want to keep people, property and the environment safe while the fire risk is high.'

Whanganui weather: Clear, sunny weekend ahead
MetService says there'll be some relief from this week's humid weather.

‘Woeful’ rainfall: Water restrictions, fire risk for dry regions
Whanganui and surrounding districts are facing the consequences of a dry, hot summer.

Brigid Ursula Bisley brings ‘intimate’ concert to La Fiesta
'I think it will have a very wide appeal.'

Businesses band together for new Americarna feature
Hundreds of cars will line Hāwera's streets for the annual Americarna event.

Older and bolder: Miss Tui Whanganui 2009 returns to debut comedy show
“I wanna be with people and connect, and share joy and share ideas.”

What’s in store for Whanganui’s weekend weather
A low pressure system takes over bringing winds, rain and heat to the district.

‘Very strong symbols’: Urgent push to save historic Rātana temple
The aim is to complete the restoration by the Raetihi church's centennial in 2026.

Bayleys Whanganui expands into new territory
'The growth opportunity is significant'

La Fiesta brings a month of events to Whanganui
Workshops, social events, crafts, and a Wikipedia edit-a-thon feature at La Fiesta.

The Chronicle Q&A: Sculptor Anna Korver
Internationally recognised sculptor Anna Korver is headed to Whanganui for a talk.

Whanganui weather: What to expect this weekend
A 'pretty pleasant' weekend ahead for Whanganui

‘More businessmen than cricketers’: Masters Games team on staying mates
Sons of Pitches are 'the rowdier of our teams'.

Whanganui weather: What to expect for Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day looking nice but varied forecast ahead for Whanganui

Opinion: From run trails to real estate, Whanganui’s small-town appeal
Aucklander Olivia Reid shares 10 observations as a Whanganui newcomer.

‘It’s a growing problem’: Demand rises for school support programmes
'We want all children to get to school on day one, ready to participate and learn.'

‘Real survey of glass’: National exhibition marks conference’s return
International glass artists will give demonstrations at the Whanganui conference.