Latest fromManawatu

How a race weekend became a dream come true for Norm Stewart
‘Dream burst into reality’ when La Dulcin’ee recorded an emotionally charged win.

Mother-daughter showdown set for NZ Manu championship final
Defending champion Fa’atupuinati Berking will compete against her mother, Honani.

Constable who admits making 'disgusting comment' about colleague takes police to ERA
The officer only found out he was being investigated after being declined a new job.

Pilot injured after plane makes forced landing inland from Manawatū coast
The pilot activated a personal locator beacon about 12.50pm.

‘It’s awful’: Auckland schools cut back on uneaten free lunches
Two Auckland schools cut lunch orders due to students not eating them.

'Desperate conditions': North Island farmers brace for drought
Farmers around the North Island are being warned to prepare for drought conditions.

Man with brain damage refused booze at Countdown supermarkets for looking drunk
Two Countdown stores refused Grant Pratt so he took them to the Human Rights Commission.

China’s Cook Islands deal could impact NZ security, expert warns
China and the Cook Islands signed a five-year deal for seabed exploration.

NZTA faces backlash over rubbish issues on Desert Rd detour
'It doesn't send a good message to tourists.'

‘Extreme fluctuations’: What recruiters say as region’s job ads drop 22%
'The job market has become more competitive.'

‘Helpless screams’: Puppies beaten by owner with a fence paling
Crimson Toto beat his two puppies with a fence paling. One never recovered.

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth: Why farming needs R&D investment
OPINION: Government investment in R&D is low in comparison with other countries.

Irish jockey dies 10 days after fall
He had been placed in an induced coma at Cork University Hospital.

‘I’m disgusted at myself’: Teacher admits trying to buy ADHD meds from student
"I’ve been trying to get some black-market Ritalin or Concerta but haven’t had much luck."

Driver who gave a gang member a lift was repaid with 18 punches, robbed of $1900
The victim was also kicked as he cowered on the ground and his car was damaged.

Listen: ‘Appalling on all levels’ – Experts slam ANZ for failing to prevent $250k scam
The victim says ANZ's failures directly contributed to her loss.

Soldiers found guilty of attacking colleague at military camp
One is set to lose their career, the other is set to lose their rank.

Manhunt continues for armed offender who pointed gun at cops, public
Police said he pointed a gun at a member of the public after pointing it at police.

The history behind Makotuku’s restored gates and their significance
The restored gates in Makotuku honor the history of the village's former church.

Police apologise as cordons lifted after Palmerston North operation
Officers return to suburb as hunt for suspect in firearms incident continues.