Latest fromOhakune
Ruapehu mayor seeks funding for 'vital' cycle trail
Weston Kirton says the completed cycle trail will boost economic growth and resilience.
'Extremely sad situation': Dog euthanised after attacking 5-year-old at school
The dog was surrendered to the council by its owners and euthanised.
'Mind-boggling': Free iwi-led dental service transforms mouths
'As adults they’re using fishing line or pliers.'
Fears mill closures could create ‘ghost towns’
Raetihi residents say the negative flow-on effect is already being felt.
Ruapehu mayor: Chateau Tongariro issues not insurmountable
Ruapehu's mayor says there are 'credible developers' interested in restoring it.
'Bleak future' fears after mill closures
Community leaders say the impact will be widespread across Ruapehu and surrounding region.
‘Just stunned silence’: Mill closure shocks rural community
'Our local towns... it’s probably going to wreck them.'
Truck carrying 'dangerous goods' catches fire
Fire crews returned to the scene to make sure the fire wasn’t going to reignite.
Mt Ruapehu life pass holders 'devastated' at losing their $4k passes after liquidation
'The majority of life pass holders have had a very sour taste left in their mouth.'
#RescueRuapehu campaign launched
A petition urges the Government to intervene to save hundreds of jobs.
'No one is going to want to live here': Proposed mill closure threatens town
The proposed closure of two large North Island mills is already hurting the local economy.
'Outdated' rural copper landlines on way out
'There is no need for anybody to be using it.'
‘Keep the lights on’: Community rallies over mills threat
'I believe this can be fixed – there needs to be an intervention.'
Mayors 'cautiously optimistic' about keeping mills from closing
The Government has invited the mayors to work with WPI on possible solutions.
‘We pulled out all the stops’: Rampant power costs crush hope for Ruapehu mills
Chief executive Mike Ryan said rapidly increasing energy prices were unsustainable.
‘Don’t be scared, mate’: Councillors defend Māori ward
Councillors are talking with the community about the future of Ruapehu's Māori ward.
‘Backward move’: Councillor slams mandate to undo Māori wards
Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase says it is an attempt to 'diminish Māori representation'.
Whanganui ambulance officers under pressure
Patients may have to self-transport to hospital or a medical clinic during planned strike.
'No cash, no housing’: Council calls on Government to act
Ruapehu District Council says it is bowing out from financing housing developments.
Water funding remains problem for councils
A rural mayor says there’s no incentive for councils to band together in new entities.
‘It will be ugly’: Council warns on cost of water
Ruapehu's council hit its debt ceiling while expecting relief from Three Waters cash.
'Mountain keeps getting higher': Operational pause at Ruapehu mills
WPI chief executive Mike Ryan says 'some sort of government intervention' may be required.
Council calls public meetings on future of Māori ward
Ruapehu District Council will have meetings in Ohakune and Taumarunui.
'The community had its say'
Ruapehu District Council wants an exemption from new legislation on Māori wards.
Funding for marae emergency response training
Twenty-five Ruapehu marae are involved in the programme.
New facility for Central Plateau emergency operations
It will provide a central point for search and rescue operations and emergency management.
Police seize cannabis in lolly packets
'It really shows you what length criminals will go to.'