Whanganui news in brief: Study visas hailed, Crash closes road

Eels in two South Taranaki streams have been found to have elevated levels of PFAS

Study visas hailed
UCOL is welcoming stricter work visa rules for foreign students. Immigration changes come into force in November meaning foreign students who gain lower qualifications like certificates or diplomas will be able to get a one-year post-study visa instead of what was previously two years. Students who get qualifications outside of Auckland can get a two-year post-study visa, as long as their studies are completed by the end of December 2021.

Toxin in eels
Eels in two South Taranaki streams have been found to have elevated levels of PFAS, the substances contaminating water around Ōhakea Airforce Base. The streams are the Oaonui and Ngapirau.

Crash closes road
Detours were in place on State Highway 3 south of Turakina in the early hours yesterday after a truck and trailer went off the road about 4.20am near the Makirikiri Rd intersection. The driver was not injured and the road reopened by 8am.

Serious charges
A Whanganui man pleaded guilty to three charges of threatening to kill or do grievous bodily harm on Tuesday in Whanganui District Court. Michael James Hamilton will be sentenced in the court on October 31.