Ilona Hanne
Ilona Hanne is a Taranaki-based journalist and news director who covers breaking and community news from across the lower North Island.
Rural women object to NZ Post's cutbacks: 'It's appalling'
RWNZ warns proposed postal cuts will harm rural communities, impacting access and costs.
Twilight Gala to support Lepperton School
Money raised at the gala will go towards funding activities and supplies for the school.
Two new vets come to Eltham for work
One of the vets says working with dairy farmers is a rewarding part of the job.
Crowds enjoy all the fun of the fair at Stratford's A&P Show
Organisers are thrilled with the large crowds who came to this years's Stratford A&P Show
Stratford A&P Show: Wellness a focus at this year's show
A focus is leptospirosis testing. The disease can cause long-term fatigue.
All the fun of the fair to be found at Sideshow Alley
A chance to win ride tickets thanks to Mahons Amusements
Review: Vet's stories are anything but lame
Sandra and Neil Chesterton's engaging style takes readers from Taranaki to the world.
Rural Women group celebrates ninety years
Members of the group met up to enjoy a Daffodil Day luncheon this year
Detour in place on SH3 near Stratford after rolled truck closes section of highway
The truck rolled near the intersection of SH3 and Rutland Rd
Taranaki Cancer Society desperately seeking daffodils
The brightly coloured blooms are a key part of fundraising efforts
Old farming machines set to impress all ages at extravaganza
They may be old but these machines can still pull their weight on the farm.
From sunshine to showers, A&P Show had it all
From sunshine to heavy rain, the weather put on a show at the 2022 Stratford A&P Show
Candidates grilled on range of topics at Young Farmers event
Four out of the five candidates attended the event hosted by Young Farmers.
Chance to meet Taranaki Regional Council candidates
The event will take place in Stratford this week
90 years young: Rural group marks milestone anniversary
The group met to celebrate an impressive anniversary
Walter Pease: A hard-working community member
He has been described as being the backbone of the Whangamomona community
Rural Women hold regional conference in Stratford
Guest speakers covered a range of topics on the day, including the future of education
Queen's Birthday Honours: Bryan Hocken - Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
He's the unofficial mayor of Tarata, and now he's officially an MNZM.
Spud keeps on trucking - 50 years and still going
Known as Spud to many, he's clocked up an impressive 50 years in the job
GP shortage in town a growing concern, says mayor
A few years ago, Stratford had four GP surgeries, now it has two.
Rates increase for forestry owners proposed
The roading targeted rate could cover the cost of repairing roads damaged by forestry work
Mother of all protests in Stratford
Cars and tractors drove along the highway as part of the protest
Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Stratford A&P Show postponed
Organisers say they hope to find a date in the new year
Three Waters reforms: Taranaki councils weigh consultation
The future of Three Waters is under discussion
Plea for help in identifying Stratford soldiers in old photo
Can you help identify any of the soldiers in this picture?
Beef + Lamb talks focus on human and animal health
Experts will speak on melanoma risks and tackling drench resistance at the social event.
Donation boosts audio book collection
The donation has helped grow the library's audio book collection.
Review: book serves up a delicious slice of country life
Philippa Cameron gives readers a tempting taste of life on an Otago high country station.
Stratford family celebrate farm centenary
The farm has been in the family for 100 years, and that isn't changing any time soon.
South Taranaki dairy farm features a pā as well as dairy sheds
Damian and Jane Roper add Ōhuarai pā i te kohu
Lodgings required for four-legged pest controllers
In return for bed, water and the occasional breakfast, the cats will keep rodents at bay.
Members of Lodge Hinemoa promote group's work
Members of Lodge Hinemoa were at the Stratford A&P show.
All the fun of the fair: Stratford A&P show a success
Town met country over the weekend at the annual Stratford A&P Show.
Appeal for sightings of Rodney / Robbie the cat
Rodney, now known as Robbie, is missing in the Taranaki area.
Family appeal for return of marble statue
She had watched over the family grave for over 100 years, but suddenly she has gone.
Tour helps Juno Gin celebrate milestone
Nothing is coincidental, from the details in the intricate logo to Lila's name.
Herd the news? The Royal Dairy Show is coming to town
It's an honour; it has never been held in Taranaki before.
Funding announced to turn sewage into fertiliser
It's good for the local engineering sector, the community and the environment.
First meeting for new council committee
The net profit for the farm for 2019/20 is expected to be $204,717
Rare white pīwakawaka makes home in Stratford
The bird first featured in the Stratford Press a few weeks ago.
Taranaki farmers organise bale run to Hawke's Bay
Farmers in drought-stricken Hawke's Bay are under pressure as they deal with bare paddocks
Animal welfare breach but no rodeo offence
MPI investigation finds no offence was committed - animal welfare advocates disagree.
National award for Margaret Vickers
Margaret has given many years of service to Rural Women, and her wider community.
Crowds flock to 110th Stratford A&P Show
More than 9000 adults came through the gates over the weekend.
Insurance won't cover beloved pet's surgery
Sonja has pet insurance for her pet, but it doesn't cover the needed surgery.
Have you seen Michael? Dad missing for 40 days
Family have tried everything, including using drones and consulting a psychic.
Japanese students visit Stratford
The group of students was in town to learn about agriculture.
Herlihy wins Whangamomona presidential election in tight race
Small township of Whangamomona celebrates 30 years of being a republic
Year in Review: M. bovis cull - Wretched day for young farmer
Looking back at one of the most popular stories on The Country in the past 12 months.
Canadian student researching oil extraction views in Taranaki
A Canadian student wants to know what you think about oil and gas extraction.
Fun in the rain at Stratford A&P Show
The Stratford A&P Show was a big success despite the rain.
Forgotten 43 craft brewery making new history
The art of brewing certainly has no risk of being forgotten in Stratford
M. bovis cull: Wretched day for young farmer
"It's been bloody hell for her. You can quote me on that."
Wayward pigs off on an adventure in Stratford
Two wandering kunekune pigs have been picked up in Stratford.
Stratford's Beledene Jersey Stud sale marks the end of era
One of New Zealand's most recognised purebred jersey studs is set to close this week.
Eltham residents 'just want to be heard'
Locals are upset by the potential closure of the Eltham Farm Source store.
Taranaki Vintage Machinery Club to host farm Working Weekend
Taranaki Vintage Machinery Club will hold a Vintage Machinery Working Weekend.
Stratford Trotting Club: Race day a big success for club
The 60th annual race day for Stratford Trotting Club was a great success.
Cyclone Gita: Student army pitches in to clean up Stratford
Student volunteers in Stratford have stepped up to clean up after Cyclone Gita.
Rare whio in new homes in Mt Taranaki
The number of whio in Taranaki increased last week after a successful release.
Anger at postal cost increase for rural residents
Standard, untracked parcels also subject to extra rural fee.
Fresh veges win at Prospero Farmers Market
The inaugural Prospero Farmers Markets got off to a great start with produce selling out.
Summer Nights success as Topp Twins take Stratford
The Topp Twins have brought their unique brand of humour to the Stratford District.
Swimmers told to avoid Patea river due to high E.coli readings
People are being advised to avoid the Patea River in King Edward Park.
Paddock to Plate butchery a family affair
Paddock to Plate focuses on freshness and affordability, says new butchery owner.
Rescue plan hatched for chicks
Two tiny ruru chicks had a lucky escape a couple of weeks ago after their tree was felled.
All of the fun at Stratford A&P Show
More than 14,000 people came through the gates at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds
A taste of farm life for Pembroke School students
The annual Pembroke School Pet Day took on new meaning this year
Topp Twins are coming to Stratford
The Topp Twins are coming to Stratford for one night only next year.
Shamika Hoeta wins awards at NZ country contest
Shamika's got talent - and the trophies and titles to prove it.
Clean sweep for brothers' woolly mates
Mary may have had a little lamb, but the Larsen brothers have the prize-winners.
Country kids thrive says principal
Children in rural communities have different life experiences to urban kids.
Tanker driver dies after crash
A milk tanker driver has died after crashing off a Taranaki road last Thursday morning.
Stratford's new Paw Minister is on the ball
Rosco, a friendly Boxer dog, was recently voted in as "Paw Minister"