Moana Ellis

A strong wind warning is in place in Tararua district for severe gales gusting to 120km per hour.

Horizons Regional Council will keep its two Māori constituencies after special votes pushed a paper-thin margin to a comfortable majority.

The clean-up after days of heavy rain and widespread flooding has begun as the Ruapehu district counts the cost of the damage.

Whanganui's first Māori ward councillors say their election marks both a milestone for local democracy and a call to strengthen Māori participation in local government.

Ruapehu District Council has condemned the abuse and harassment of candidates standing in the local elections.

Andrew Tripe says he knew little about the assassinated US activist's views when he spoke at the event.

The Māori ward is being contested for the first time in Whanganui, but turnout is low so far.

T he decision - confirmed at a full council meeting on Tuesday - ends more than a year of uncertainty.

A new research project will examine why Māori are less likely to access HIV prevention services.

A potential buyer has emerged for Whanganui's NZ International Commercial Pilot Academy after a turbulent four months.

A Whanganui District councillor is "elated" her council has been named a relevant authority in the fast-track application process for a seabed mining project off South Taranaki.

A long-serving local body councillor has called it quits, blaming government input and "contempt", and social media abuse.

Whanganui councillors have voted 8-5 to form a new entity with Ruapehu to manage the delivery of water services.

Whanganui's average rates increase of 2.2 percent for the year ahead is the lowest in the country.

The Whanganui council is expected to consider selling the flying school "in the next few weeks".

The commodore of the Wanganui-Manawatu Sea Fishing Club is raising the alarm over a seabed mining project he never believed would happen.

It's being hailed as a vital piece of the vision to complete a 320km journey from Ruapehu maunga to the Tasman Sea.

The council is holding firm on an increase of 2.2 percent.

The Ruapehu district mayor says it's a turning point for the central North Island town.

The initiative helped to re-engage more than 250 children with education last year.

Mountains, a lake and scenic reserves are some of the sites that have been renamed.

The Ngāti Hāua Claims Settlement Bill will be introduced to Parliament this week.

So far, two councillors have confirmed they will run for Ruapehu mayor.

David Seymour called on all mayors across the country to help with school attendance last week.

DOC has granted a 10-year concession allowing Whakapapa Holdings Ltd to run the ski field.