Whanganui
When a tornado comes to town
Tongariro Crossing Lodge owner Louis Van Wyk describes what it's like when a tornado hits. He spoke to Zac Fleming. Video, Audio
Whanganui rental shortage puts squeeze on vulnerable
Emergency and social housing are full in Whanganui and people have resorted to sleeping in cars while landlords are being picky and ramping up rents. Video, Audio
Nurses censured after failure to treat woman's foot
An elderly woman died as a result of complications after her leg had to be amputated because health professionals had failed to treat her sore foot.
More than 100 trapped tourists rescued by helicopter
Backpackers on a bus tour, kayakers paddling the Whanganui river and cyclists doing the Tour Aotearoa were among those who got stuck for the night, and are relieved to be out. Audio
Flooding strands tourists, closes roads in central North Island
More than 100 tourists are trapped at a resort in Whanganui because of slips after heavy rain overnight, and flooding and slips have forced evacuations in Hawke's Bay. Video, Audio
Whanganui schools struggling for enrolments
Some Whanganui schools are less than half-full and the city's principals are on the cusp of calling for government intervention. Principals say there is already a problem because students are not… Audio
Lots of space, not enough students: Whanganui schools struggling for enrolments
Whanganui principals are worried enrolments at some of the city's schools have fallen as low as 50 or 60 children and they might need government intervention.
Falling rocks kill man on State Highway 4
A man has died after being hit by falling rocks on State Highway 4, near the Raukawa Falls, between Whanganui and the Tongariro National Park.
Music teacher jailed for historical sex crimes
A 72 year-old former music teacher at one of the country's most prestigious schools has been jailed for historic sex offending.
Whanganui Whanau
Bruce Hopkins spends five fabulous days on the Whanganui River. He finds some amazing friends and (not-so-amazingly) retains his reputation for losing stuff. Audio
New lease of life for the Sarjeant
Whanganui's Sarjeant Art Gallery has been emptied out ahead of a multi-million dollar earthquake strengthening and extension project. Costing a total of $34.9 million, it's a dream that's taken two… Audio
Checkpoint Cafe Chat: Big Mama's, Taumarunui talks heat wave
People having lunch at Big Mama's cafe in Taumarunui - one of the hottest places in the country today - pass the phone around to talk to John Campbell about how they're coping with the heat. Audio
Ratana marks beginning of political year
Politicians will arrive at Ratana Pa near Whanganui tomorrow to celebrate the birthday of T W Ratana, the faith leader and prophet. Mihingarangi Forbes talks to John Campbell from Ratana. Audio
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Bruce Hopkins beds down in a DOC Hut - in someone's backyard! Produced by Bruce Hopkins and Justin Gregory. Audio
$160k financial support announced for farmers affected by drought
The drought affecting farmers in Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui and Wellington has been classified as a medium-scale adverse affect by the government.
Freedom camping facility to be built in Whanganui
A new freedom camping facility is to be established on Whanganui's Anzac Parade as the city struggles with growing tourism.
Freedom Camping bylaw riles locals
In a surprise move, New Plymouth District Council has scrapped an existing ban on freedom camping in vehicles without toilets and tossed out proposed limits on the number of motorhomes at sensitive… Audio
Rural schools struggle to fill key high school teaching jobs
A school principal says potential applicants are put off by the isolation.
Proposal to sell half of New Plymouth golf course angers locals
New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom says selling half of his city's public golf course to develop upmarket housing could earn up to $50m, which could offset rates bills and pay for vital infrastructure. Video, Audio
$4.5m to quake strengthen Whanganui's War Memorial Centre
The Whanganui District Council is to spend more than $4.5 million earthquake strengthening the War Memorial Centre.
