Latest from Manawatu-Whanganui

‘Explosions’ ring out over Palmerston North as multiple cars burn
Fire crews were called to Tremaine Ave at 4am to tackle the blaze.

What Bremworth’s $2m Kāinga Ora contract means for Whanganui
'Inclusion of wool is a win for New Zealand’s farmers.'

League player's preventable death prompts coroner's warning of 'run it straight' trend
Tere Livingstone died in 2023 after receiving two head knocks while playing league.

Family's plea for answers four months after man's death at beach
Police do not consider Mikey's death suspicious; it's with the coroner now.

Numbers revealed for tonight's $25m Powerball jackpot
It's time to check your ticket for the winning numbers.

Platinum Diamond leads strong contender trio in Ōtaki feature
Lisa Latta's top pick for Ōtaki is Platinum Diamond.

Branciforti targets Cambridge race ahead of Polytrack Championship defence
She'll compete in the Kylie Little Racing 1300 and be ridden by Michael McNab.

'Perfect chance': Homeowner's Matariki lightshow a new tradition for Napier
'It gets dark at 5pm. It’s a perfect chance for parents to bring their kids.'

New Zealand braces for potential arrival of deadly H5N1 bird flu
In October 2024, H5N1 was found in king penguins on Crozet and Kerguelen islands.

'Inappropriate restraint': Disabled woman found with socks taped to hands
Her carers said the socks were to stop the woman from chewing on her hands.

Mother questions why we don't have tougher boy racers laws, 12 years after daughter's death in street race
'As soon as I opened the door and I saw the police... I fell to the floor. I screamed'

'Abhorrent': Manawatū iwi outraged over secret radioactive waste facility
The waste includes depleted uranium from redundant radiation devices used to treat cancer.

'Horrific tragedy': Two dead after boat capsizes off Pātea coast
One survivor was plucked from the water as rescue crews recovered two bodies.

War Machine wins in emotional tribute to late NZ racing figures
The 4-year-old won the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

'Weather won't help': Challenges face Mercurial at Te Rapa
Rainy conditions could challenge Mercurial, who struggles on heavy tracks.

Editorial: Residents have every right to be upset over cell towers
OPINION: Who wants a giant, ugly, industrial-looking pole near their home?

Upokongaro: Where herons roost and gin wins gold
“Orchard Gin” is crafted with pear, kawakawa, and a hint of nutmeg.

Indian aviation’s close connection with NZ and student pilots
Hundreds of student pilots will need support after the crash, aviation leader says.

Watch: Discover top talent at this year's Smokefreerockquest and Showquest
Behind the scenes action and talented performers captured in this week's webisodes.

'Be like John': Businessman's five years with a brain tumour and what it's taught him
O'Sullivan was told only 10% of people with his brain tumour live longer than nine months.

Dr Lesley Rameka honoured for 30-year service to Māori
“They were sharing a real taonga with us, and it was important that their words be heard."