Whanganui lifestyle news

Opinion: Your guide to planting a productive winter garden
Broccoli planted now will be ready in August, cauliflowers in September.

Opinion: Why camellias are the star of your autumn garden
Comment: Early flowering camellias are popular for hedges and patio areas.

Gareth Carter: Bulbs are like buried treasure for your garden
Comment: Now is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs

Gareth Carter: How to bring your lawn back from the brink
Gareth Carter shares his tips for saving that lawn from the big dry

Gareth Carter: Growing plants in containers
Comment: You can grow almost any plant in a container

Gareth Carter: How to water your garden in summer
Comment: We are very lucky to have an ample supply of water in Whanganui.

Gareth Carter: Summer’s the time for heat-loving hibiscus
Comment: Summer's intermittent rain has been good for the garden

Gareth Carter: Why the pōhutukawa is perfect for NZ gardens
OPINION: Pōhutukawa trees offer vibrant displays with crimson flowers in summer.

NZ's Best Beach 2025: Which beaches will take on the reigning champ?
The search for New Zealand's best beach returns - vote now!

Gareth Carter: Team up your herbs for better gardening rewards
COMMENT: Companion planting can improve your herb and vegetable crops.

Gareth Carter’s holiday season gardening tips
Comment: There is always something to do in the garden.

Three top new residences which won 2024 architecture awards
Outstanding designs displayed in Whanganui, Ōtautahi and Wānaka residential buildings.

Gareth Carter: Avocado varities to consider for your garden
Comment: Planting a range of trees will give fruit at different times of the year.

Gareth Carter: Gift ideas for gardeners
Comment: There are many Christmas gift ideas for gardeners or those keen to start.

All Black's legacy lives on at Romney Lane Homestead
Celebrated all Black Sam Strahan called this farm home for much of his life.

Gareth Carter: Lots to do in vege garden in November
Opinion: It's time to plant cold-sensitive summer vegetables.

Ruapehu mayor seeks funding for 'vital' cycle trail
Weston Kirton says the completed cycle trail will boost economic growth and resilience.
Lifestyle news around NZ

'Charlie bit my finger' star shares glimpse into life as viral video turns 18
Charlie Davies-Carr is now 19, studies law and hasn't bitten any fingers 'in a long time'.

$20k triumph: How Taniwha Chasers captivated judges at portrait awards
An Ōpōtiki local's photograph Taniwha Chasers was chosen from 41 finalists.

McDonald's nugget claims scrutinised after viral marketing reveal
A viral TikTok highlights McDonald's '100% chicken' marketing tactics.

'King of fruits': How healthy are mangoes really?
New York Times: Why mangoes are more than a tropical treat.

NZ teens ditch smartphones for 'brick' phones
A 2025 survey found 95% of New Zealanders aged 15+ use social media.

Society Insider: Did Pitt stay at the Mowbray's? Huljich's new life; why rich hairstylist's moving on
Plus, chef Polly Markus announces her next life-changing project.
More local lifestyle news

Gareth Carter: Add hedges and edges to your garden
Comment: Low hedges can be used as accent plants.

Tractors and wagons and coaches, oh my! Take a horse-drawn trip back in time
Kem Ormond discovers the rich history behind The Coach House Museum in Feilding.

Gareth Carter: Grow an edible paradise
OPINION: Spring is a great time to add to or plant a home orchard.

Gareth Carter: Time to plant summer vegetable, flower seedlings
Comment: It's the most significant weekend in NZ's gardening calendar.

Are you in any of these iconic photos?
The family of Ans Westra are trying to track down the subjects of her work.

Legendary NZ band reunite for 2025 tour
'[The band] was only truly 'super' once the doors opened and the people came in.'