Dr Rāwiri Tinirau speaks from the paepae as the tekoteko Hāmama is returned to Rānana Marae.

Historic homecoming for tekoteko after more than a century

Hāmama, representing a Ngāti Hine tūpuna, was acquired by the Dominion Museum in 1912.

Thursday 5:43pm

Flames tear across the Central Plateau as the Tongariro wildfire burns out of control, forcing evacuations of trampers and residents.

'It felt bloody awful': Hope rises from Tongariro’s wildfire ashes

A devastating wildfire scorched 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park but conservation leaders say the blackened landscape could offer a rare chance for large-scale native regeneration.

Thu, Nov 20

2:22

Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe (left) and Horizons Regional Council chair Nikki Riley

What's happening with local council pay in Whanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitīkei

The new rates reflect updated size indices for each council and revised governance remuneration pools that account for workload increases in some areas.

Mon, Nov 10

1:31

A screenshot of the video posted to social media shows the fire on Dorie Beach near Rakaia, Canterbury.

Rubbish dumped and set alight on Canterbury beach

Ashburton District Council confirmed a person had been fined $400 after the incident.

Fri, Nov 7

Rangatahi learn about safe river crossing, rescue swimming with recovery ropes, CPR, first aid and spinal injuries in the water in last year's 360 Rangatahi Life Skills initiative, funded through Whiria Ngā Hua.

Iwi-led investment helps whānau thrive across Ruapehu

Ngāti Rangi has funded 34 new whānau initiatives in its fourth round of Whiria Ngā Hua, a programme aimed at creating local solutions to help whānau and hapori (communities) thrive.

Fri, Nov 7

The Moutoa Floodgates during a flood event in August last year.

Public offered first-hand look at massive Moutoa floodgates

A tour of the floodgates would allow people to see how the gates protect properties and farmland along the lower Manawatū River.

Fri, Nov 7

1:30

A photo released by Whanganui District Council to illustrate the work of its inaugural citizens' assembly.

Whanganui council admits blunder over citizens' assembly secrecy

The admission follows an Ombudsman investigation into the council's refusal to name 39 people appointed to the citizens' assembly on outdoor pools in mid-2025.

Wed, Nov 5

October 2025
Health risk warnings as Ruapehu's multi-million dollar clean-up begins

Health risk warnings as Ruapehu's multi-million dollar clean-up begins

Key state highways remain closed after the rain left roads damaged and small settlements cut off.

Fri, Oct 17

0:52

Flooding from the Ongarue River across SH4 by the Ongarue rail overbridge.

Ruapehu moves to road network recovery after heavy rain cuts key routes

Widespread road closures and slips will take days to clear.

Tue, Oct 14

0:21

Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe (pictured speaking at Rātana at an unrelated earlier event) says speaking at a vigil for Charlie Kirk was a mistake: ‘I should have done my due diligence.’ (Source: Aka Creative)

Whanganui mayor regrets speaking at Charlie Kirk vigil after backlash

Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe said he knew little about the assassinated activist’s views when he spoke at the vigil.

Wed, Oct 1

September 2025
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton presents the petition to Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne on the steps of Parliament.

Petition to save Chateau Tongariro to be presented at Parliament

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton will present the petition – signed by 15,469 people – to Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne at midday, before it is lodged with the House.

Tue, Sep 16

6:53

Election blunder: Māori ward candidate profiles left out of voting packs

Election blunder: Māori ward candidate profiles left out of voting packs

One candidate has called for the Māori ward referendum running alongside the election to be scrapped.

Wed, Sep 10

August 2025
Whanganui's district library was one of the last six public libraries in New Zealand to still impose overdue fines.

Library ditches fines, wipes $17,000 debt for 2800 borrowers

The libraries manager said no more overdue fees would break down barriers to library use.

Fri, Aug 1

July 2025
Departing councillor: 'Social media abuse has got out of hand'

Departing councillor: 'Social media abuse has got out of hand'

"When the negativity outweighs the reward, it’s time to go," a Whanganui District councillor said.

Fri, Jul 18

At 2.2%, Whanganui's is the lowest average rates rise in the country

How Whanganui achieved lowest rates in the country

“[It] didn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of a deliberate strategy to keep costs under control,” Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe said.

Mon, Jul 14

Jamie Newell, diving off South Taranaki, says large areas of one of New Zealand’s most important fisheries could be wiped out by seabed mining.

'I didn't think seabed mining bid would get this far' — dive leader

The Whanganui diver, fisherman and business owner said areas of one of New Zealand’s most important fisheries could be wiped out.

Mon, Jul 7

May 2025
Key section in Mountains to Sea ride opens in June

Key section in Mountains to Sea ride opens in June

The 29.4km Te Hangāruru Cycle Trail will deliver an infamous "missing link" in a multi-day adventure ride.

Fri, May 30

Two point two percent: Is this the lowest rates rise in the country?

Two point two percent: Is this the lowest rates rise in the country?

Mayor Andrew Tripe said the council has focused on investing in core infrastructure and involving the community in decision-making.

Thu, May 29

Shoreline at sunset in Taranaki, New Zealand.

Fast-track fury: United front urged against Taranaki seabed mining

TTR's application passed the first hurdle last week when the Environmental Protection Authority marked it as complete.

Wed, May 21

A large scenic reserve extending from west of Waimarino south to Horopito has been named Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve.

Treaty settlement renames sites in central North Island

Eleven name changes to mountains, a lake, scenic reserves and other places have been made.

Mon, May 19

Ngāti Hāua's deed of settlement, Te Pua o te Riri Kore, was signed at Ngāpūwaiwaha Marae in Taumarunui on March 29 this year.

Ngāti Hāua treaty settlement begins journey through Parliament

A delegation of tribal members will travel to Wellington to attend the first reading of the Bill on Thursday.

Tue, May 13

Waimarino-Waiouru Community Board is revisiting its controversial decision to close a well-used recycling facility in Raetihi.

Decision to shut overused recycling station under review after backlash

A community board’s decision to close a heavily-used recycling facility in Raetihi is back on the table after a public outcry.

Thu, May 8

April 2025
Joey Allen of Ngāti Hāua plants extremely rare native Manawa Kawa in the Tāngarākau Gorge.

Rare native plant thriving after road works discovery

The Manawa Kawa was found in native forest in the Tāngarākau Gorge during work by NZTA Waka Kotahi to seal the road.

Fri, Apr 11

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said the new partnership with Film Whanganui recognises the enormous potential of the district’s landscapes and unique locations to attract national and international filmmakers

Ruapehu eyes film opportunities under new development deal

The collaboration with Ruapehu District Council would bring more effective economic development initiatives and new and exciting opportunities for Ruapehu businesses.

Thu, Apr 3

Ngāti Hāua lead negotiator Graham "Tinka" Bell: "Grow the asset."

Ngāti Hāua sets sights on new era of self-determination and change

Agreements negotiated as part of the settlement in a bid to re-set the Ngāti Hāua and Crown relationship.

Tue, Apr 1