The town of Ashhurst, northeast of Palmerston North, is using its own currency as a way of stimulating discussion about the local economy. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

Motorists should expect delays for the next two hours after two-truck crash injures two.

A man and woman who lost their way spent a chilly night on Mt Ruapehu before being rescued this morning "cold and hungry".

The roar of motorcycles echoed through Woodville's streets as the 24th annual Lions Ride to Survive Coast 2 Coast once again joined the town's Christmas parade. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The roar of motorcycles echoed through Woodville’s streets as the 24th annual Lions Ride to Survive Coast 2 Coast once again joined the town’s Christmas parade. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

15 year old Palmerston North girl, Sarah Ridsdale wins her first film award. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

15 year old Palmerston North girl, Sarah Ridsdale wins her first film award. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui's second annual Santa Run raised funds for charity Kidscan. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

This year's annual Tough Kids competition was the biggest yet, attracting schools from around the Whanganui region. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

This year's annual Tough Kids competition was the biggest yet, attracting schools from around the region. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Community spirit is alive and well in Whanganui with parents and bike enthusiasts working together to build a huge new bike park for the kids. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Community spirit is alive and well in Whanganui with parents and bike enthusiasts working together to build a huge new bike park for the kids. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Up to 50 Palmerston North Boys' High School pupils and teachers were sent home on Friday.

There's plenty to see in Whanganui, where Pam Wade gets an elevated view.

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron is back at work following the assault on him and his wife in Raetihi on Tuesday night.

The trampers who died in the Tararua Forest Park were found within 1km of the hut they were heading to, police say. The 39-year-old

Around 200 homes and businesses are without power in Whanganui after an early morning smash.

Cordons remain in place in Foxton this morning following reports of gunshots in the small Manawatu town last night.

Police will remain in Foxton overnight following reports of gunshots in the small Manawatu town.

The Waverley A&P Show has been going for 86 years. People come from around the region to experience what is one of the last old style farming events around.

It's one of the most stunning walks in the world, so you can't expect to park right outside the very beginning of the track on a busy weekend.

Plans for a ferry between Whanganui and Port Motueka have been revisited. And pending a feasibility study by the council, could have the Mayor's support. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Plans for a ferry between Whanganui and Port Motueka have been revisited. And pending a feasibility study by the council, could have the Mayor’s support. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui locals went a little quackers on Saturday, in the name of charity. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui locals went a little quackers on Saturday, in the name of charity. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Concerns that students who could potentially be quality vets are being turned away has prompted Massey Uni to give the qualification a major overhaul.

A holiday jaunt to Palmerston North and beyond surprises Helen Van Berkel.

A man is dead after an incident in Whanganui.

A 96-year-old woman may be left to vacuum, change her sheets and do her own washing if her home support is ripped away from her.