Liz Wylie is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle.
Journalism was a late-life career change for Liz after years of social service roles in disability support, community mental health, tenancy advocacy and adult literacy tuition. In 2011 her life was changed dramatically by a number of factors and after experiencing a magnitude 6.3 earthquake while walking down a city street in Christchurch on February 22, she decided it was time to throw off the bowlines and set sail for somewhere new while she still had time. Liz found her way to the Whitireia Journalism Programme in Wellington where she completed the certificate course before undertaking the national diploma. At the conclusion of the course, she was willing to go anywhere although she was most attracted by the prospect of working at a provincial paper. Liz started work at the Whanganui Chronicle in 2014 and envisaged that she might stay for a year or two. After 9 years she's still there because she soon discovered that this is, without a doubt, a glorious place to live and work. The climate is most agreeable and there is an endless supply of compelling stories to be found in the city and surrounding districts. The region is home to some of the most fascinating, innovative and engaging people she has ever met. Whether a child at primary school is describing her lunch menu, a centenarian is recalling her eventful childhood or a former royal footman is remembering his employment at Buckingham Palace, there is always a captivating quote or two. You can contact Liz at liz.wylie@nzme.co.nz.
Defunct milking shed becomes thriving nursery
The nursery produced 40,000 plants in its first season.
Submissions sought on historic place status for Mangaweka bridge
Mangaweka Bridge has a cantilever design rarely used in New Zealand.
'We help in any way we can': Rural calendar raising funds
'I was happy to be a calendar girl as long as I didn’t have to take my clothes off....'
Cynthia Collier grant supports rural community connections
The grant honours the late Cynthia Collier of Taihape.
Eric Dodd recieves Peter Nelson Award for pest control in Horizons region
Retired Horizons staff member acknowledged for expertise in vertebrate pest management.
'Never imagined in my wildest dreams'
Meet Ruapehu's colourful district councillor David "Rabbit" Nottage.
Ohakune brewers add mead to the mix of local beverages
Ruapehu brewers add modern sparkle to ancient beverages in Ohakune.
Sustaina Grow: Ruapehu wool products make garden wonderful
Natural wool has multiple benefits for plants and the environment.
Big Birthday Bash for Forest & Bird
Celebrating a hundred years of Forest & Bird at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi.
Shearers save the day as Taihape Show and Gumboot Day cancelled
Taihape celebrated shearers as its Gumboot Day and A&P Show each took a weather hit.
Taihape's famous Gumboot Day and A&P Show back in style for 2023
Dust off the gumboots for a day of friendly competition and family fun in Taihape
Whanganui Collegiate graduate promotes sexual health in rural communities
Former Whanganui Collegiate student Josh McCormack gets Amnesty International backing.
Whanganui show back in style for anniversary celebration
The Wanganui A&P Show has a new lease of life to mark its 150th anniversary.
Old timber bridges part of 'rural backbone'
Work has started to replace century-old bridges in the Ruapehu district.
Rapanui-Brunswick Playcentre celebrates 50 years
Multiple generations of families have been involved in the playcentre.
Ruapehu mayor opposed to council's coalition support
However, members of the C4LD coalition believe their plan will "rescue" water reforms.
Funding will not affect council positions on Three Waters reforms
Local mayors have welcomed the Three Waters compensation package.
Farming Friends of Hospice keeps building on strong foundation
More than 170 farmers in Whanganui, Ruapehu, South Taranaki take part in the initiative.
Forestry companies fund short-term fix for washed-out road
Forestry companies fund short-term fix for Kauarapaoa Rd in Whanganui.
Feelings for Life Tractor Trek brings good vibes to Whanganui
Project aims to provide free mental health support to school children.
Coalition asks Government for pause on Three waters reforms
Three Waters: Local Democracy Coalition delegation at Whanganui District Council meeting.
Federated Farmers president wants water investments protected
Mike Cranstone is particularly concerned about the implications for rural water schemes.
Mayors in Whanganui region won't sign mayoral letter
Three Waters: Local mayors want answers but won't be signing joint letter.
Reforms could be costly if Whanganui opts out of Three Waters proposal
Reforms could be costly if Whanganui opts out of Three Waters proposal.
Mayors raise questions and concerns about Three Waters
Government's Three Waters announcement raises questions in region.
Reduced speed limit proposals for Otamatea approved
Some submissions argued against 'urbanisation' of the roads.
Whanganui provides fun and education for rural visitors
Rural women were inspired at their conference in Whanganui.
Kiwi country music talents draw big crowd at Marton festival
Marton Country Music Festival attracted about 3000 people over its three days.
Firefighters kept busy as shed blaze threatens neighbouring properties
Firefighters battled early morning blaze in Marton.
Mosquito Point swing will not be replaced
Swing gets "no" vote at Whanganui District Council property meeting.
Trains, boats, planes and automobiles in Whanganui
Weekend of magnificent machines on show.
Best of 2019: Mellonsfolly realises Old West nostalgia in bushland setting
Luxurious accommodation in a remote bushland setting.
Best of 2019: Anti-1080 campaigners make noise, DoC hits back
Diverse protesters share common concerns, Doc says 1080 is current best option.
Best of 2019: Hundreds to protest 1080 in Whanganui
North Island protesters gather in Whanganui to oppose 1080 drops
The school with a roll of five celebrates 125 years
Mangamahu School celebrates century and a quarter.
Long tradition of attendance at rural Whanganui school
New entrant happy to follow family footsteps.
Book chronicles year harvesting in North America
Recalling the wheat fields of Saint Paul and other Midwestern towns
Hunting and wild foods focus of festival at Kawhaiki Marae this weekend
Hunters take to the hills to bring home the kai this weekend
Couple's 'freakish' garden produces mammoth kūmara, cricket ball-sized strawberries
Crops include 9-feet sunflowers and strawberries the size of cricket balls.
Gumboot capital Taihape hosts world throwing championships and pulls record crowds
Thousands turn out for Taihape's big day
Whanganui artist laments loss of forests and birdsong in Stratford show
Exhibition includes hope for regeneration of New Zealand forests.
Remains of slaughtered cows dumped at riverside
Dumping linked to recent reports of stock thefts.
Ferret kills pet duck on city outskirts
Three ferrets have been trapped by a pet owner in recent weeks.
Wellington activists lend support to animal kindness campaign
No animosity intended says protest group.
Hundreds gather for Ātihau Whanganui annual meeting
Ātihau Whanganui reported a net surplus of $3.1m for the year and $21.6m total revenue.
Top riders to compete at A&P show this weekend
Whanganui business getting behind the A & P Show
Rubbish dumping forces Koha Shed closure
Disheartening situation for Whanganui charity as mountain of household rubbish dumped.
We've got ourselves a convoy ... Classic truckers converge on Whanganui
Classic convoy lunches at Caroline's Boatshed.
The documentary that's making the Whanganui River famous in America
Filmmakers tell the world about Whanganui River.
Whanganui vet wins outstanding service award
Dr Verhoek was key in establishing the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.
Young country singers to strut their stuff
Young competitors prepare for annual competition.
Big treats for Whanganui bug fanciers
NZ Entomological Society conference comes to Whanganui this week.
Adventurous life led to tragedy and triumph for Whanganui man
Whanganui man Hori Morse lived a life less ordinary.
Firefighter off to battle Canada wildfires
Rural firefighter feels privileged to help out.