Latest fromManawatu-Whanganui

'That's what you get for being white'
A woman who joined in an attack on strangers in the street and yelled “that’s what you get for being white” has been sentenced to community work.

Ohakune: Flying visit a mountain high
A view from above takes a Tongariro National Park experience to new heights.

Tongariro: Plot an alpine escape
Andrew Alderson falls hard for the romance of Chateau Tongariro's historic and literary atmosphere.

Kia ora: Shannon
There's much more to this small and unpretentious town than you might imagine, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Kia ora: Eketahuna
Hiking, fishing, rugby and a giant kiwi draw Elisabeth Easther to a small community that has big spirit.

Tongariro: Training for new mums
Andrew Alderson and Junior treat their queen to a Mother's Day break on the Northern Explorer to National Park.

Tararua farmer's runaway truck terror
80-year-old Tararua farmer Donald Robbie was driving his farm truck, with 4.5c metres of gravel down a steep hill when his brakes failed.

Icon towns: Ohakune
We look at spots made famous by some classic Kiwi landmarks. Today: Ohakune.

Tariana Turia: It's time to restore the 'h' in Whanganui
Last Friday, Whanganui District Health Board members voted 9-2 to spell the name of their hospital correctly as Whanganui with an "h".

Kia ora: Norsewood
Elisabeth Easther finds a town with Scandinavian heritage and real socks appeal.

Kia ora: Whangamomona
An unforgettable stop on the Forgotten Highway entrances Elisabeth Easther.

Tongariro National Park: Easy hike among giants
Tongariro National Park turns on a bright blue day for a ramble to its even bluer lakes, writes Josie Dale.

Kia ora: Whanganui
This diverse river city offers adventures, galleries, top cafes and more, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Road to family adventure
Even with three kids in tow, Rob Cox manages to have a ball in Rotorua and Ruapehu.

Ruapehu: Wake to a pristine world of white
Snowmen, snowball fights and skiing: Children won't forget their first experience of playing in fresh snow, writes Liam Dann.

Powderhorn Chateau, Ohakune
This inviting hotel, with a cosy alpine lodge feel, is the perfect place to retire to after a busy day exploring the Ruapehu District.
For further information see: powderhorn.co.nz.

Powderhorn Chateau, Ohakune
Tristram Clayton finds a warm welcome and cold craft beers at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

Central North Island: Snow in July - you can rely
Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

Arrest made in Hall homicide case
Police investigating the homicide of Wanganui man Brett Hall have arrested and charged a man with his murder.

Mum pleads guilty over toddler's death
A young woman wept as she admitted causing the death of her preschool-age child in a hearing at the Palmerston North High Court today.