Whanganui news

New Zealand news

Watch: Major highway blocked by slip, Auckland flights delayed as intense storm strikes
Motorists are being warned to expect hazardous driving conditions.

Man's 11-day crime spree targets police by spitting and threatening to kill staff
'I will kill you and then I’ll kill your wife and then I’ll kill your kids,' the man said.

Auckland War Memorial Museum closed to public after asbestos discovery
Positive asbestos results in key areas have led to the closure of the Grand Foyer.
Editor's Picks

How this teacher aide is helping a small rural school thrive
Ashley Steedman has 'fallen in love with the job'.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'

Community mourns loss of Waitotara Hotel after fire
The hotel's licensee was left with only the clothes on his back and his little kitten.

'Bittersweet': Coastguard receives award for missing diver search
In March 2024, Coastguard South Taranaki searched for over six days for the missing diver.

Cause of central Whanganui fire under investigation
Fire and Emergency NZ attended the scene around 3pm and extinguished the fire.

'Absolutely stunning': New $825m highway nears completion
The new highway will open in June, with the exact date not yet set.

Rugby: Marist and Border chase first win of season
The Jake Alabaster Memorial Shield adds extra incentive for both sides.

Rugby: Top Whanganui women's teams set for clash
Marist hosts Rātana at Cooks Gardens at 6.30pm on May 8.

Whanganui teen rower to represent New Zealand in US
The 16-year-old considers the opportunity a step towards her Olympic dream.
Premium

Opinion: The cold snap revives winter traditions in our home
Mrs P likes to chase me with her cold hands late at night.

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

Nicky Rennie: Taking selfies with Pope's body crosses a line
OPINION: I'm horrified by the behaviour of some people paying respects to Pope Francis.

Gareth Carter: Choosing the best small hedges for your home garden
Buxus is a classic hedge, but buxus blight makes it challenging to grow.

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting colourful gardens
OPINION: Pansies thrive in cooler seasons but dislike hot summer sun.

Weight of the worlds: Lifter shines on biggest stage
'No matter where you are, it's still just you and the bar.'

Athletics: Youth tours offer benefits beyond competition
Jono Maples will compete in England and Belgium this month.

Whanganui netball season opens with new courts and programmes
The David Jones Premier competition starts on Monday.

6th birthday sale: special discounted rate for Herald Premium journalism
Every day we bring you expert reporting and commentary.

Council shields identity of chosen 40 citizens
Members are being paid $500 each to provide a recommendation to the council.

'The connector': Excitement over new highway
The current detour has resulted in 'a couple of near misses' for Whanganui truck drivers.
Sport

Rugby: Top Whanganui women's teams set for clash
Marist hosts Rātana at Cooks Gardens at 6.30pm on May 8.

Whanganui teen rower to represent New Zealand in US
The 16-year-old considers the opportunity a step towards her Olympic dream.

Athletics: Youth tours offer benefits beyond competition
Jono Maples will compete in England and Belgium this month.

Rugby: Taihape snatch last-minute victory against Rātana
A penalty try clinched the win for Taihape.

ACC data shows improvement with sport-induced concussions
The Whanganui District's concussion claim costs were down nearly $238,900 from 2023.

Whanganui club rugby: Horrocks boosts Whanganui Shield defence
A preview of this weekend's senior and women's club rugby.

Taihape face unbeaten Rātana in crucial club rugby clash
A preview of this weekend's premier competition.
Business news

North Island tourism alliance formed to boost international visits
Fifteen North Island tourism groups have formed an alliance to attract key markets.

Company's switch to rail transport 'another positive forestry story'
Forest360's move takes 8 truck & trailer loads of logs off the road to New Plymouth daily.
Lifestyle news

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

Gareth Carter: Choosing the best small hedges for your home garden
Buxus is a classic hedge, but buxus blight makes it challenging to grow.

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting colourful gardens
OPINION: Pansies thrive in cooler seasons but dislike hot summer sun.
OneRoof property news

'Sour taste': Elderly woman sells home for $1.01m after losing $1.65m in failed deal
Developer's failure to settle still haunts vendor.

Revealed: Kiwi neighbourhood ‘bans’ young first-home buyers
You'll need to be 45 years old or over to get through the door.

Tony Alexander: Home loans are cheaper, so why has the housing market stalled again?
The lag effect means we might not see a turnaround until later this year.
Car news and advice


Speeder dreams: jet-powered ‘Airbike’ takes flight with 200km/h hover thrills
Stabilisation setup promises hands-off hover and intuitive control.

No pressure, but do you know how to check and adjust your tyres?
It might seem a but technical (it's not really), but it's a must if you drive a car.

Volvo revives XC70 as long-range plug-in hybrid SUV
China gets first dibs, with the SUV set to go on sale there later this year.
Rural news

'Prime focus': Avocado industry targets global markets
NZ Avocado plans to diversify export markets, focusing on North America and Asia.

Watch: Deer's ill-fated dash to airport - 'I've hit the darn thing'
It ran across suburban streets and the runway – then authorities intervened.

Winston Peters' rugby days on The Country
Winston Peters, Kendall Langston, Chris Brandolino, Duncan Humm, and Jason Walls.
Whanganui news

Weather conditions vary for Whanganui this week
Low temperatures are forecast to temporarily return to double digits this week.

National introduces bill to ban social media for under-16s
'Right now, we aren’t managing the risks for our young people well.'

Iwi boss heads new board for Taranaki Maunga
Wharehoka Wano will lead Te Tōpuni Ngārahu, a body representing the region's eight iwi.

Opinion: The cold snap revives winter traditions in our home
Mrs P likes to chase me with her cold hands late at night.

Stanford lauds 'extraordinary' resource teachers but funding changes coming
The Minister says there are 'some big announcements at the Budget'.

Rugby: Taihape snatch last-minute victory against Rātana
A penalty try clinched the win for Taihape.

North Island tourism alliance formed to boost international visits
Fifteen North Island tourism groups have formed an alliance to attract key markets.

How Taranaki's dairy effluent debate reached rare consensus
Taranaki has 277 farms with consent to discharge effluent into waterways.

'You need to fix it': Lake Alice survivor taking Government to court over redress scheme
Survivor seeks judicial review of the redress scheme: 'You need to fix it'.

Fire at Bremworth’s Whanganui plant under investigation
Five fire trucks and two support vehicles attended at 5.15pm on Sunday.

Puanga to star at Matariki celebrations
The hautapu ceremony will be hosted by Ngāti Rangi at the base of Mt Ruapehu.

Rangitīkei MMA teen talents go international
The teens will travel to England and Italy in October to showcase their talent.

ACC data shows improvement with sport-induced concussions
The Whanganui District's concussion claim costs were down nearly $238,900 from 2023.

Why community support is vital for Whanganui's Sarjeant Gallery
New head of development Nicki Manthel firmly backs the endowment fund.

'Focus on the basics': Whanganui Mayor pushes back on truancy appeal
Andrew Tripe says there's a firm directive to councils to focus on the basics.

Company's switch to rail transport 'another positive forestry story'
Forest360's move takes 8 truck & trailer loads of logs off the road to New Plymouth daily.

Another councillor announces mayoralty bid
He joins Josh Chandulal-Mackay and incumbent Andrew Tripe in the race.