Latest fromManawatu-Whanganui

A church with just four regular worshippers has held its last service - so now what?
The church sits 'quite regally on top of the hill' but few venture inside it.

Iwi-owned research centre marks milestone
The centre is marking two decades of kaupapa Māori research.

'It wears everyone out': Drought taking its toll on farmers
'As farmers, we love our stock and want to keep them going.'

Chris Rattue: Highlights from four decades in sports journalism
Chris Rattue relfects on the interviews with sports legends who left a lasting impression.

‘Avoidable’: Coroner finds patient had the means and opportunity to end his life
Shaun Gray died in Palmerston North Hospital's Ward 21 which is 'not fit for purpose'.

Truck rolls on SH1 in North Island, one seriously injured
One person was airlifted in a serious condition.

'It's getting scary now': Drought-hit farmers face harsh winter
'At the end of the day, everyone takes their turn at a bad season - this is ours.'

Police crack down on boy racers, say supporters will face consequences
Police dished out fines and impounded a vehicle in Manawatū over the weekend.

Young Hunterville farmer wants to lower environmental footprint of family’s dairy farm
“I get most stressed when the cows aren’t performing well."

Doctor gave student erectile dysfunction meds, told him it was for jetlag
The doctor was discharged without conviction, avoided suspension and kept his name secret.

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

‘Best day ever’: Suzy Cato inspires music teacher’s journey from superfan to educator
Suzy Cato's photo throwback revealed Curtis Bunker as a devoted fan.

‘Escaping the hood’: He wanted to be a gangster - then he went to a comedy show
'You can come from humble beginnings and grow up poor - you can still make it out.'

‘Dreams come true’: Whanganui woman’s cochlear implant journey finally realised
Shona Beamsley cannot wait to hear her grandchildren say the words, 'I love you, Nana'.

In search of a new home: The creepy crawlies moving south from Auckland
Huntsman spiders are not the only insects establishing themselves in new parts of NZ.

Letters: NZ needs a long-term vision for infrastructure
OPINION: 'Why do we have to spend time and money cleaning up after the incompetents?'

Mary Holm: Don’t wait to claim your benefit
OPINION: A woman has finally claimed her Veteran Spouse pension 44 years late.

‘Up for the challenge’: Rangitīkei council’s new boss sets priorities for first months
Carol Gordon will prioritise central government reforms in her new role.

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

Digging for glory: Bay of Plenty’s finest compete in excavation showdown
The event features unique challenges like slam dunking a basketball with excavators.