Latest fromManawatu-Whanganui

‘Proud and stoked’: Prisoners transform old mattresses into dog beds for SPCA
'They are really proud and stoked.'

Nervous for survival: Māori ward councillors prepare for critical elections
Forty-two councils will hold a poll for Māori wards in 2025 elections.

NZTA cleans up large diesel spill from truck
About 200 litres of diesel spilled on State Highway 1 at Sanson.

Whanganui Corrections staff member critically injured in assault
'This sort of violence against our staff is unacceptable.'

One critical after truck and van crash at Bunnythorpe
The crash occurred about 10.10am at the Newbury Line and Te Ngaio Rd intersection.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'

‘Once in a generation’ teen gets White Sox call-up
'Her raw talent across all aspects of the game is truly exciting.'

Winter arrives early as thick snow falls in the South
The first snowfall of the year makes landfall following a day of wild weather.

Concept for new $20m regional park in Hawke's Bay revealed after 'challenges'
The park would be developed on Lagoon Farm, under an airport flight path.

‘You’ve got to get out’: Lawyer describes court evacuation after bomb threat
Police would only refer to the incident as 'threats'.

Car crashes into power pole in Bulls, one seriously injured
Police said the road was closed until about 9pm.

On The Up: He sold pine cones at 7 - now entrepreneur eyes $1b turnover
Sam Bridgewater co-founded The Pure Food Co.

On The Up: Airline survived Covid and a recession - now for the future
'We would be lost without them in Whanganui.'

Courthouses reopened following alleged bomb threats
The first court was evacuated about 10.45am.

NZDF quietly remove some entry requirements for NCEA levels 1 and 2
Applications surged to 9702 in 2024 after the academic changes were made.

‘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.'

Ten things that might be a waste of money
Most people spend money on things they think they probably shouldn’t.

Settled weather for most after late-week deluge and rescue dramas
Some places received almost half a metre of rain in the late-week drencher.

One dead, another critically injured after vehicle crashes into building
Three ambulances and a helicopter responded to the Woodville crash.

‘Intimidated, threatened’: Rogue arborists cause alarm
Police advise residents being targeted to 'close the door and not engage with the person'.

‘Borderline inappropriate’: The Whanganui comedian breaking barriers
'I was always the class clown, the funny guy, even through my gang life.'