Mike Tweed is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle, covering arts and sports news to education, health and politics.
A career in journalism was always on the agenda in my teens, but I took a 15-year detour into music with a band I started while at Whanganui High School. We ended up in Berlin for the best part of a decade, and it was there I began writing for a friend’s PR company – bios, press releases, etc. I returned to Whanganui in 2017, finished a diploma of creative writing, and began interviewing artists for NZ Musician magazine. Fast forward four years and I applied for a job at the Chronicle whilst in Kelowna, Canada. I was invited for a Zoom interview and eventually offered the role of multimedia journalist. It’s been a steep learning curve ever since but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve covered a bit of everything over the last two and a half years - the arts, sport, politics, education, health as well as a brief stint as court reporter. Whether it’s the Prime Minister or the guy who insisted on presenting me with a dead octopus he found, telling people’s stories is what I enjoy the most.
!['Enormous': Illegal rural rubbish dumping rife](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Enormous': Illegal rural rubbish dumping rife
'We did witness a person attempting to drop off a couch.'
!['We can't wait': Official opening date for Sarjeant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We can't wait': Official opening date for Sarjeant
Gallery staff 'will take up residence' at the end of June.
![Council coming for castle murals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council coming for castle murals
'It was a grey, drab-looking place so I thought let’s tart it up.'
![Councillors vote to sell Repertory Theatre for $1](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors vote to sell Repertory Theatre for $1
'We are putting it in very capable hands.'
![Council cans Pākaitore crossing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council cans Pākaitore crossing
No funding has been included in the council's 10-year plan.
![Time runs out for Whanganui's aviary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Time runs out for Whanganui's aviary
'Birds have got wings to fly and they are not able to do that in the aviary.'
![New parking meters, higher charges signed off](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New parking meters, higher charges signed off
More than 600 public submissions were made on the council's new parking bylaw.
![‘A hill I’m prepared to die on’: Family face fine for front yard cabin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘A hill I’m prepared to die on’: Family face fine for front yard cabin
A Whanganui couple say they won't move the cabin on their property.
![Stage set for Whanganui East Pool debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stage set for Whanganui East Pool debate
The issue will be 'well and thoroughly debated' by councillors.
![Councillors cautious about Sarjeant entry fee](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors cautious about Sarjeant entry fee
Whanganui Deputy Mayor Helen Craig says 'making policy on the fly' is not a good idea.
![Who should pay for Whanganui's growth?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Who should pay for Whanganui's growth?
'We can’t try and clip the ticket every step of the way.'
![Maintenance cuts concern Sport Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Maintenance cuts concern Sport Whanganui
Chief executive Tania King also backs Whanganui East Pool remaining open.
![Library access makes way for Sarjeant landscaping work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Library access makes way for Sarjeant landscaping work
'We will have two construction sites working next door to each other.'
!['Prague without the gargoyles': Lifelong muso loves Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Prague without the gargoyles': Lifelong muso loves Whanganui
Brian Baker has wasted no time getting to work.
![Prudent or 'poppycock'? The Sarjeant entry fee proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Prudent or 'poppycock'? The Sarjeant entry fee proposal
Councillor Rob Vinsen says "the ratepayer pocket is empty".
![Community leader says Gonville Library more than just books](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Community leader says Gonville Library more than just books
'The social impact impact is astounding.'
!['Incredible pedigree': Bridges full of praise for Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Incredible pedigree': Bridges full of praise for Whanganui
'Some people might say the arts are a bit left-wing or something - no way.'
![Council using 'sledgehammer to crack a walnut' with aviary closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council using 'sledgehammer to crack a walnut' with aviary closure
'It’s an interesting contrast to our web-footed friends.'
![Duck thefts spark police investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Duck thefts spark police investigation
'If people are thieving wildfowl from a public place, they should throw the book at them.'
![Grounded planes, low student numbers hit pilot academy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grounded planes, low student numbers hit pilot academy
'The issue for council is: how long are you willing to support it while it’s loss-making?'
![Inner-city flower baskets hanging by a thread](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inner-city flower baskets hanging by a thread
'It would seem that we have lost pride in our appearance.'
![Drain from mid-19th century discovered in central city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Drain from mid-19th century discovered in central city
The find "represents a very early attempt at formal drainage".
![Airline boss brands parallel taxiway 'an unnecessary luxury'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Airline boss brands parallel taxiway 'an unnecessary luxury'
The project is in the council's draft LTP but contingent on central government.
!['For the benefit of football': New Wembley Park facility on track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'For the benefit of football': New Wembley Park facility on track
It is the first major capital project in the park since the 1970s.
![Sarjeant trust chair 'flabbergasted' by proposed funding cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sarjeant trust chair 'flabbergasted' by proposed funding cut
'There are going to be severe repercussions, quite frankly.'
![Aeronautical fees land with bump for Air Chathams](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Aeronautical fees land with bump for Air Chathams
Aeronautical fees are reviewed every five years.
![Rollout of crates for recycling service begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rollout of crates for recycling service begins
About 17,000 households will have crates delivered over the next five weeks.
![Expert questions value of $17.8m Opera House upgrade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Expert questions value of $17.8m Opera House upgrade
The community is content with the building and its limitations, he tells council hearings.
![New members to oversee council's commercial interests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New members to oversee council's commercial interests
The move follows the axing of Whanganui District Council Holdings in March.
![Culvert discovery provides glimpse into history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Culvert discovery provides glimpse into history
'When you’re doing construction work, there's always a risk that you’ll find something.'
![Block party to bring 'joy to our community'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Block party to bring 'joy to our community'
The new park on Guyton St will be used as a dance floor for the day.
![Museum's financial woes prompt emergency funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Museum's financial woes prompt emergency funding
The museum has a debt to the IRD for failing to pay PAYE and underpaying GST.
![Council buys CBD properties as hotel talk swirls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council buys CBD properties as hotel talk swirls
They will be added to the city endowment portfolio, which is valued at $45m.
!['Gone beyond a war': Council votes for Gaza ceasefire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Gone beyond a war': Council votes for Gaza ceasefire
'Without political pressure on a nationwide and international scale, nothing will stop.'
![Reggae legend sets up shop in Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Reggae legend sets up shop in Whanganui
As a 17-year-old, Brent Clough climbed a fence to secure an interview with Bob Marley.
![Unlikely hole-in-one hero nabs $10,000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Unlikely hole-in-one hero nabs $10,000
'At the clubhouse afterwards, a guy said it was better to be lucky than good.'
!['We don't even have kerbs': Petition against recycling service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We don't even have kerbs': Petition against recycling service
Bill Simmons says the only council resource residents in his area need is water supply.
!['Something to celebrate': Record number of LTP submissions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Something to celebrate': Record number of LTP submissions
It's almost triple the number of submissions for the 2021-2031 long-term plan.
!['Very unexpected': Transfer station changes hands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Very unexpected': Transfer station changes hands
'We just want to get the feet under the desk and make sure we’ve got the basics down.'
![New speed limit reductions signed off](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New speed limit reductions signed off
They will be phased in around the district by June 30, 2027.
!['A natural fit': Developer hatches hotel plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A natural fit': Developer hatches hotel plan
Dave Moore estimates the project would cost $35 million.
![PM says local councils should stop doing 'dumb stuff'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM says local councils should stop doing 'dumb stuff'
Christopher Luxon says councils should focus 'on the must-do, not the nice-to-do'.
![Weddings, lavender and pork: Councillors' pecuniary interests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Weddings, lavender and pork: Councillors' pecuniary interests
Elected members are busy in and out of chambers.
![Vintage Weekend generated record amount in 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Vintage Weekend generated record amount in 2024
Around 5000 out-of-towners came to Whanganui for the event.
![Calls for cycle trail to be fast-tracked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Calls for cycle trail to be fast-tracked
Construction of the $2.4m project isn’t scheduled until between 2032 and 2034.
!['Creeping costs' at Sarjeant redevelopment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Creeping costs' at Sarjeant redevelopment
It will be open to the public by the end of this year.
![District can 'go it alone' for Three Waters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
District can 'go it alone' for Three Waters
Regional or sub-regional approaches are also being investigated.
![Paige Conley reigns supreme at swimming nationals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Paige Conley reigns supreme at swimming nationals
“That’s Paige for you, she picks the hard stuff to do".
!['We have a responsibility': Petition for Gaza ceasefire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We have a responsibility': Petition for Gaza ceasefire
'A whole lot of quiet voices speaking at once makes a noise.'
![Risk v reward: New hotel could offset rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Risk v reward: New hotel could offset rates
'If it does stack up, we would be fools not to progress it.'
![Cafe owner in standoff with council over lease](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cafe owner in standoff with council over lease
'I’m going to walk out of here with absolutely nothing.'
![Council 'missing link' in reserve project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council 'missing link' in reserve project
'It's a beautiful area and it has historic significance.'
![No one left behind for kerbside recycling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
No one left behind for kerbside recycling
Carrying crates to the kerb could be a problem for some.
!['Visible reduction' in homelessness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Visible reduction' in homelessness
Regular Armourguard visits are 'keeping the anti-social behaviour under control'.
![Mind the gaps: Aramoho bridge project delayed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mind the gaps: Aramoho bridge project delayed
The main train bridge, owned by KiwiRail, was built in the 1870s.
![Grand public transport plan for Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grand public transport plan for Whanganui
'It’s enough to create a great network because we’ve built our city around tram routes.'
![“I just want kids to read': 50 years with the National Library](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
“I just want kids to read': 50 years with the National Library
'So many worlds open up for you if you‘re a reader.'
![Council unveils $300m housing initiative](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council unveils $300m housing initiative
'I think we have the opportunity to do some real good in our community...'
![Speed restrictions could give 'false sense of security'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Speed restrictions could give 'false sense of security'
The council is pressing on with a new speed management plan.
![Whanganui’s $830,000 raised crossing project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui’s $830,000 raised crossing project
“This is about re-establishing what Pākaitore was originally ..."
![Horizons apologises after removing protest signs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Horizons apologises after removing protest signs
The council said it was a mistake and reinstated the signs.
!['A bit stuffed': Repertory Theatre facing closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A bit stuffed': Repertory Theatre facing closure
Demolition requires resource consent and that is 'not straightforward'.
![Dismay at potential pool closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dismay at potential pool closure
'That pool has trained thousands of kids over the years and saved lives.'
![Council rejects funding calls for some community projects](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council rejects funding calls for some community projects
Whanganui District Council starts consultation on its long-term plan on April 2.
!['Not a good look': Councillor questions mayor's trip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Not a good look': Councillor questions mayor's trip
'It’s been eight years since we last went. Why would another year matter?'
![Council 'closer to the action' after shutting holdings company](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council 'closer to the action' after shutting holdings company
“You need people there with commercial expertise and knowledge of the industries."
!['Where's the low option?': Councillors' views on rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Where's the low option?': Councillors' views on rates rise
'Everyone has to take some pain here.'
![Whanganui's 'most important project' is at Kokohuia wetlands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui's 'most important project' is at Kokohuia wetlands
'The site had been fenced off from the community for decades.'
![Tough decisions needed to achieve 10.6 per cent rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tough decisions needed to achieve 10.6 per cent rates rise
'I've talked to fellow mayors around New Zealand and there is some very real concern.'
![Is the ratepayers association rising again?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is the ratepayers association rising again?
'People can attend meetings, gather information and pass it on to ratepayers.'
![From donuts to dunks: Big plans for Williams Domain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From donuts to dunks: Big plans for Williams Domain
'More use of the domain would potentially discourage antisocial behaviour.'
!['Over the moon': Soft plastic recycling arrives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Over the moon': Soft plastic recycling arrives
“It’s one of these areas that hasn’t really had a home".
![Stand off over school pool fees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stand off over school pool fees
'I want whoever comes and sits where I am today to know the history and the story...'