Latest fromManawatu

Nine Hawke’s Bay players in Stags squad
Pacer and all-rounder Will Clark becomes a professional, at the age of 21.

Hokowhitu School prepares to celebrate centenary
Pupils will study the school's history ahead of the big weekend.

'Grave concerns': Have you seen Stephen Ryan?
Stephen Ryan was last seen on March 28, after being dropped off at an address in Feilding.

Big bang: Feilding’s morning mystery ‘explosion in the sky’
Some residents thought a car had hit their house the noise was so loud.

State Highway 4 to close for road works
State Highway 1 will be the alternate route on July 4-5 when SH4 closes.

Comment: Time for the next stage of democracy
Opinion: We’re in the century feeling the consequence of runaway global warming.

Local government review: Whanganui, Rangitīkei mayors react
The report was two years in the making.

Club rugby: Kaierau eye home semifinal in Ruapehu trip
It's the penultimate round of Tasman Tanning Premier club rugby.

Three areas where REINZ sees recovery: House price changes
Auckland is now at $995,000, the third month in a row its median is below $1m.

Housing becoming a struggle for older people, Age Concern says
'We have an ageing population but New Zealand has prepared poorly.'

Will wars: Brothers ‘descend into pettiness’ over $4.4m estate
Graeme Barnard is unhappy mother left him a smaller share of estate than his brothers.

Gang members arrested for ramming cop car
The men allegedly threw metallic objects at the police car during the pursuit.

'Hard pill to swallow': Double hit of landing charges hurts Air Chathams
'The worst case scenario is that Air Chathams withdraws from Whanganui.'

11 arrested in relation to major Manawatū crime ring
Three firearms, ammunition, a Taser, cash, methamphetamine and GHB found.

Award-winning chef to fork out $40k to worker he verbally abused, failed to pay
Manawatū Chef of the Year Grant Kitchen claimed there was no employment relationship.

Kitten rescuer encourages everyone to support Treat Week
The six-year-old found four dumped kittens at Victoria Esplanade.

Damning report into hospital after pregnant mum and baby die
Admission to intensive care was delayed before her death and her baby was stillborn.

‘An incredible privilege:’ Legend of Okatia told in new book and music
A local kaumātua played a part in the retelling of a local legend.

Young swimmer to represent NZ at world junior champs
Manawatū's Milan Glintmeyer will represent New Zealand at the world junior champs.

Weather impact continues around region
There's an increased risk of landslips as the ground dries out after heavy rain.

Watch: Brutal Mongrel Mob incident outside cafe as diners flee
One diner fled with a child in her arms as two people were punched, kicked and stomped on.

Hopes new intersection will minimise risk for Ōhakea Defence Force staff
A roundabout will be built at the entrance to the Ōhakea air force base.

New Black Fern hoping to put opponents on their knees
Layla Sae has an extra challenge to keep her going hard in top matches.

Marton 8-year-old killed in crash
Police have released the name of a young girl who died following a crash near Feilding.

Preschool teacher accused of smacking kids, abusing staff
A daycare centre owner has been accused of serious misconduct over 10 years.

Jono Naylor: 'What’s my excuse for being depressed?'
The former mayor and MP would not give himself permission to be unwell.

Manawatū District Council wants to officially add macron
It's a horizontal line that does and means a lot.

Power play: NZ wind energy gears up as investment builds
What's in the wind energy pipeline and who's behind the developments.

Work to begin on temporary access to Marainanga Gorge
Contractors are working on repairs to the road through Marainanga Gorge.