Ilona Hanne is editor of the Stratford Press
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.
![Q&A with Penny Ashton who is bringing her one woman show to town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Q&A with Penny Ashton who is bringing her one woman show to town
Penny Ashton is bringing her Tempestuous show to Palmerston North this month.
![Spring forwards, fall backwards - time to move your clocks back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Spring forwards, fall backwards - time to move your clocks back
Thanks to a Kiwi and his love of bugs, we get a sleep-in this weekend.
![Les Femmes bringing high heels and fabulous vocals to Globe stage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Les Femmes bringing high heels and fabulous vocals to Globe stage
The talented trio of drag queens are back in Palmerston North this month.
![Maze on Medallion offers all the fun of the scare](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Maze on Medallion offers all the fun of the scare
Entry is free each year, and attracts large crowds eager to get a scare or two.
![Free cervical smears on offer this month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Free cervical smears on offer this month
Early detection is a key part of preventing cervical cancer
![Environmental projects get Horizons funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Environmental projects get Horizons funding
Rainwater tanks, cloth towels and garden netting are among the items being funded.
![Horizons considering water quality targets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horizons considering water quality targets
A roadshow is coming to Palmy for people to hear more about the targets
![Pawsome day out at the Dog Catwalk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Pawsome day out at the Dog Catwalk
It was a dogwalk rather than a catwalk on Sunday, when the pups took to the runway.
![Lotto First Division win for Palmerston North MyLotto player](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Lotto First Division win for Palmerston North MyLotto player
They were one of three ticket holders to win Lotto First Division
![Freyberg students and staff have the recipe for fundraising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Freyberg students and staff have the recipe for fundraising
A non-uniform day and a bake sale organised by the students raised much-needed funds.
![Palmerston North pupils join in on peace run fun](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Palmerston North pupils join in on peace run fun
The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is a global torch relay
![Dog show with a difference](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Dog show with a difference
Palmy will be going to the dogs on Saturday - at least sort of.
![Global tastes, sounds and sights set for WOMAD stage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Global tastes, sounds and sights set for WOMAD stage
Three weeks before Womad Aotearoa comes to Taranaki the final programme has been released.
![Royal visitor marks centenary event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Royal visitor marks centenary event
The RNZ Corps of Signals' colonel-in-Chief, Princess Anne, was in NZ for the centenary.
![Manawatū Bangalee Society celebrates language with special day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Manawatū Bangalee Society celebrates language with special day
The community event was a celebration of language and cultural identity.
![Opinion: It’s time to eat the elephant so grab a fork and dig in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Opinion: It’s time to eat the elephant so grab a fork and dig in
Big tasks or enormous asks are easy when you remember how to eat an elephant.
![Get the hats and flags ready - a royal visitor arrives next week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Get the hats and flags ready - a royal visitor arrives next week
The sister of King Charles III, Princess Anne, will visit Palmerston North this month.
![Drag queens to host murder mystery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Drag queens to host murder mystery
Is a killer queen in town? That's a mystery (or Miss-tery) for Les Femmes to solve.
![Lockdown boredom busters: Stay entertained in your bubble](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Lockdown boredom busters: Stay entertained in your bubble
Break your boredom without bursting your bubble with these ideas to stop lockdown blues.
![Keep boredom at bay with our great list of boredom busters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Keep boredom at bay with our great list of boredom busters
Try virtual volunteering or take a trip to Paris this lockdown.
![Boredom busters: Things to do at home for all ages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Boredom busters: Things to do at home for all ages
Editor Ilona Hanne has a list of things to help keep you occupied while staying at home.
![Lockdown fun to keep toddlers entertained](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Lockdown fun to keep toddlers entertained
Lots of links to help keep your toddlers engaged and active during lockdown.
![Don't forget to put your clocks back an hour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Don't forget to put your clocks back an hour
"Spring forwards, fall backwards." Time to put your clocks back an hour this weekend.
![The book I've borrowed: North Korea Journal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
The book I've borrowed: North Korea Journal
It's a country few get to visit, but this book makes me want to try to get there.