Eva De Jong is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Architects on rescue mission celebrate 50 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Architects on rescue mission celebrate 50 years
'We’re losing this wonderful, old architecture and I think it’s tragic.'
![Health system 'heaving from winter illnesses'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Health system 'heaving from winter illnesses'
Patients urged to consider options as winter illnesses flood accident and medical.
![Long-time Whanganui cafe owner shuts up shop after 16 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Long-time Whanganui cafe owner shuts up shop after 16 years
'I have always used real butter - never margarine, or substitutes.'
![Final stage of 200km cycle route under way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Final stage of 200km cycle route under way
'It will definitely be a big boost especially at the end of the trail.'
!['It’s only going to get worse': Whanganui pair join World Indigenous Suicide Prevention conference](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It’s only going to get worse': Whanganui pair join World Indigenous Suicide Prevention conference
'One way of talking about [suicide] is to get in the garden.' - Kiritahi Firmin.
![Whanganui weather: Plenty of sunshine with a touch of frost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui weather: Plenty of sunshine with a touch of frost
Frosty windscreens and clear skies lie ahead this week in the river city.
![Heart monitoring business coming to Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heart monitoring business coming to Whanganui
'We’re getting a faster access to treatment where it’s required.'
![Whanganui crowds join nationwide Budget Day protests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui crowds join nationwide Budget Day protests
'It’s all of us on the waka together.'
![Whanganui doctors strike for third time in a month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui doctors strike for third time in a month
'Junior doctors work 32 hours in a 48-hour period over the weekend.'
![Defence Force disposes of WWII-era mortar bomb](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Defence Force disposes of WWII-era mortar bomb
'A civilian wouldn’t be able to tell if it was a live or a drill round.'
!['It needs to be banned': Unclear future for greyhound racing in Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It needs to be banned': Unclear future for greyhound racing in Whanganui
'Whether or not it’s banned or reformed, I don’t know at this point.'
!['Sad and worried': Whanganui budget service faces funding strain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Sad and worried': Whanganui budget service faces funding strain
'We’ve got more work to do and yet you’re expecting us to survive on this?'
![Fire services called to control burn-off near Turakina](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fire services called to control burn-off near Turakina
Burn-offs are fires lit by landowners to clear scrub or vegetation.
![Suzuki NZ stalwart Simon Meade dies in crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Suzuki NZ stalwart Simon Meade dies in crash
'Always pushing himself and everyone around him to be the best they could be.'
!['No risk to the public': NZDF explosives team dispose of ordnance item](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'No risk to the public': NZDF explosives team dispose of ordnance item
The NZDF explosive ordnance disposal team said the item 'did not pose a threat'.
![Keen tourists boost Whanganui river journey numbers for past season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Keen tourists boost Whanganui river journey numbers for past season
'Just getting used to all the different accents again.'
![Person suffers smoke inhalation in house fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person suffers smoke inhalation in house fire
A kitchen fire spread to the roof of the Raetihi house.
!['Like a horrible movie scene': Severely injured cat survives after dragging itself home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Like a horrible movie scene': Severely injured cat survives after dragging itself home
Marley arrived through the cat door 'covered in blood' and severely injured.
![Four people treated by emergency services after car crash in Ruapehu district](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Four people treated by emergency services after car crash in Ruapehu district
'We sent two ambulances and we treated a total of four patients.'
![Truck and trailer crashes on SH1 in central North Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Truck and trailer crashes on SH1 in central North Island
The road is under stop/go traffic management and delays are expected.
![Concern over students flocking to fast food outlets after school](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Concern over students flocking to fast food outlets after school
'From 2.45pm onwards, it’ll be 45 minutes of chaos.'
![Rapid power cut hits over 10,000 Whanganui homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rapid power cut hits over 10,000 Whanganui homes
Powerco is investigating the cause of the fault.
![Iwi leaders meet with ministers over oil and gas exploration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Iwi leaders meet with ministers over oil and gas exploration
'We need to make sure our rights and interests are protected.'
![Whanganui's netball season takes a leap](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui's netball season takes a leap
There is a significant increase in player numbers, including males.
![New Suzuki NZ boss confident about Whanganui-based business](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Suzuki NZ boss confident about Whanganui-based business
'There is a bit of uncertainty.'
![Man busted for sawn-off shotgun and meth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man busted for sawn-off shotgun and meth
'The group was consuming what appeared to be meth.'
![State Highway 1 closed after fuel tanker crash at Ōhau](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
State Highway 1 closed after fuel tanker crash at Ōhau
'We are attempting to contain the spill.'
![Two people arrested after pedestrian struck by driver fleeing police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two people arrested after pedestrian struck by driver fleeing police
'Luckily, the pedestrian was not seriously injured.'
![Bride, groom and baby splashed with chicken blood at wedding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bride, groom and baby splashed with chicken blood at wedding
A wedding photographer pulled out because they thought the ceremony was 'too graphic'.
!['We aren't doing this lightly': Junior doctors strike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We aren't doing this lightly': Junior doctors strike
Doctors in Whanganui have joined nationwide strike action.
!['I've got blankets': Heating affordability concerns as winter chill bites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I've got blankets': Heating affordability concerns as winter chill bites
'How are they going to pay for their power bill and heating?'
![Mild winter could impact Mt Ruapehu ski season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mild winter could impact Mt Ruapehu ski season
'I would be surprised if this winter actually ended up being really cold.'
![Whanganui mini-golfer takes on world's best](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui mini-golfer takes on world's best
'I’ve heard it all before - there must be something wrong with you.'
![Person critically injured after incident in Rangitīkei district](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person critically injured after incident in Rangitīkei district
The patient was flown by helicopter to Whanganui Hospital.
![Log hauler fire being investigated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Log hauler fire being investigated
The log hauler fire was fully involved when crews arrived.
![Car crashes into building in Hāwera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Car crashes into building in Hāwera
'That might have been electrical damage done when the car hit the building.'
![A few beers later and four mates own a crayfish boat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A few beers later and four mates own a crayfish boat
'It’s all good, I just haven’t told my wife yet.'
![Person seriously injured in New Plymouth crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person seriously injured in New Plymouth crash
'There was one person trapped inside the vehicle.'
![‘Fantastic turnout’ for Anzac Day service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Fantastic turnout’ for Anzac Day service
'It is a reminder of the fragile nature of life.'
![Hoop Nation hits Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hoop Nation hits Whanganui
Teams have travelled from as far away as Nelson and Christchurch.
![Whanganui Weather: What to expect this weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui Weather: What to expect this weekend
'It might be wise to bring an extra layer if you’re out and about.'
![Out-of-control burn-off near Bulls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Out-of-control burn-off near Bulls
The fire was around 600 square metres in size at 10am on Thursday.
![Large crowd gathers for Whanganui's Anzac Day service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Large crowd gathers for Whanganui's Anzac Day service
The service was 'magnificent', says RNZAF veteran.
![Māori Battalion descendants lead Whanganui’s Anzac Day parade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māori Battalion descendants lead Whanganui’s Anzac Day parade
'A lot of the soldiers that left here were my granduncles and grandfathers.'
![Investigation into cause of Whanganui garage fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Investigation into cause of Whanganui garage fire
'They did locate a small fire which was quickly extinguished.'
![Person seriously injured after car crashes down bank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person seriously injured after car crashes down bank
'When we found them, the car had gone down a bank.'
![Whanganui's Anzac Day service won't be at dawn this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui's Anzac Day service won't be at dawn this year
'It’s a lot more comfortable for our veterans.'
![Two people injured in Levin kitchen fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two people injured in Levin kitchen fire
Emergency services were called to a kitchen fire in Puriri Pl on Sunday evening.
![Earthquake-prone buildings a continuing issue for councils](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Earthquake-prone buildings a continuing issue for councils
Changes to remediation deadlines will not solve issues for all councils.
![Lake Alice tower targeted in 'disturbing' vandalism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lake Alice tower targeted in 'disturbing' vandalism
'People are treating it like it’s some sort of joke.'
![Whanganui grower earns national award for his roses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui grower earns national award for his roses
The roses Bob Matthews creates have to possess the 'wow factor'.
![Truck driver cut out of vehicle after crash into river](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Truck driver cut out of vehicle after crash into river
The jaws of life were used to free the driver from the truck.
![Person transferred to Wellington Hospital after Whanganui crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person transferred to Wellington Hospital after Whanganui crash
Two people were taken to hospital with critical and serious injuries.
![Meterologist says bizarre Whanganui clouds are "quite unique"](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Meterologist says bizarre Whanganui clouds are "quite unique"
'They look pillowy and there’s a lot of these bobbly shapes.'
![No concerns about river level despite heavy rain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
No concerns about river level despite heavy rain
'We still aren’t out of the woods yet in terms of rainfall.'
![Open day honours Whanganui WWII pilot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Open day honours Whanganui WWII pilot
'She must have been a very determined person to do what she did.'
![Road works, potholes and speed bumps reality for emergency services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Road works, potholes and speed bumps reality for emergency services
'It adds a certain amount of pressure to our response time.'
![Whanganui Hospital names new chief medical officer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui Hospital names new chief medical officer
'I really want to make a difference for staff and patients.'
![Heavy rain to hit Whanganui midweek](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heavy rain to hit Whanganui midweek
A front headed for the west of New Zealand will sour the sunshine of the early week.
![Long-time owners move on from family shop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Long-time owners move on from family shop
'It was tough, you know, our kids have grown up in here.'
![Whanganui rowing coach Axel Dickinson on his Olympic heartbreak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui rowing coach Axel Dickinson on his Olympic heartbreak
'I was always on the outside looking in.'
![Plant theft sparks concerns for Castlecliff dune restoration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Plant theft sparks concerns for Castlecliff dune restoration
'It’s extremely disappointing.'
![Whanganui Hospital's about-turn on controversial speed bumps](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui Hospital's about-turn on controversial speed bumps
'I couldn’t believe, after everything they said, that they finally did it.'
![Minister discusses difficulties facing heritage buildings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Minister discusses difficulties facing heritage buildings
'Clearly that means something to an area like Whanganui.'
![Nasa astronomer to speak on life on other planets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nasa astronomer to speak on life on other planets
'Maybe someone, or something, is breathing out there too.'
![Parapara Rd repair work will stretch into 2026](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Parapara Rd repair work will stretch into 2026
'People think that there’s always work happening.'
![Whanganui closed for business on Easter Sunday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui closed for business on Easter Sunday
'The world’s not going to end if a shop or two isn’t open.'
![Variety show to keep the lights on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Variety show to keep the lights on
'It’s not going to be a big, scary thing where people have to be perfect.'
![More travelling Kiwis could mean tougher winter flu season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More travelling Kiwis could mean tougher winter flu season
“When you’re sitting in a plane for three hours or more it’s a great breeding ground.”
![Broken-down carriages in Taumarunui railyard will be scrapped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Broken-down carriages in Taumarunui railyard will be scrapped
'Obviously graffiti’s been a big issue; they’ve been damaged, smashed up.'
![Logging truck catches fire in Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Logging truck catches fire in Whanganui
The driver smelled smoke and pulled over on Anzac Parade.
![Police investigate cause of abandoned house fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police investigate cause of abandoned house fire
Crews from Ohakune and Raetihi were called to SH49 on Tuesday night.
![Multiple crews battle large scrub fire near Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Multiple crews battle large scrub fire near Whanganui
Two helicopters used monsoon buckets to help tame the large vegetation fire.