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.
!['Tough, knuckle-down season' for farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Tough, knuckle-down season' for farmers
“Every time a lamb leaves the farm it takes dollars with it."
![30km long and 700m up: Otairi Station Race returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
30km long and 700m up: Otairi Station Race returns
"If you get to the finish line you’ll be pretty proud of yourself".
![Targeted forestry rates set to skyrocket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Targeted forestry rates set to skyrocket
"I’m going to be bold here and say there is no viable alternative.”
![‘Getting riskier': Safety plan on way for river](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
‘Getting riskier': Safety plan on way for river
"Those dangers have been identified and reported and nothing has happened."
![Council paying for 'reactive' riverbank approach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Council paying for 'reactive' riverbank approach
“Something needs to be done and we need to be informed."
![Targeted rates for Whanganui rural rubbish not recommended](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Targeted rates for Whanganui rural rubbish not recommended
Illegal dumping remains a problem in isolated areas.
![Targeted forestry rates 'a blunt instrument'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Targeted forestry rates 'a blunt instrument'
"It’s about looking for an equitable way of covering that cost.”
![Council concern over logging damage to Whanganui roads](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Council concern over logging damage to Whanganui roads
'This isn't concentrated to just one area, it's network-wide.'
![Funding needed for 'valuable resource' on river road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Funding needed for 'valuable resource' on river road
The area is now “a massive tourist destination”.
![Waitōtara farming icon remembered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Waitōtara farming icon remembered
'He was just so positive, especially in difficult times.'
!['Completely depleted': Pests invading Waitahinga reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Completely depleted': Pests invading Waitahinga reserve
'It’s really getting to be quite a concern at this stage.'
![Plans to prepare rural areas for massive weather events](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Plans to prepare rural areas for massive weather events
'Being able to tell people you're okay... that is hugely important.'
!['Contaminated, big time': Illegal dumping sparks council rethink](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Contaminated, big time': Illegal dumping sparks council rethink
'A lot of townies are going out there to drop off waste.'
![‘We’re going to miss him forever’: Superstar cat 'went out on his own terms'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
‘We’re going to miss him forever’: Superstar cat 'went out on his own terms'
Rodney the cat spent his last days "sun-puddling" in Otamatea.
![Concern over surface water in Castlecliff an eight-year battle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Concern over surface water in Castlecliff an eight-year battle
Is surface water getting worse in Castlecliff?
![Rangitīkei's Labour candidate says it's not just a 'farmer's electorate'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rangitīkei's Labour candidate says it's not just a 'farmer's electorate'
"... I’ll be on the road, on the streets, everywhere.”
![Say cheese! Rural cameras catch poaching and drug dealing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Say cheese! Rural cameras catch poaching and drug dealing
“That’s my biggest thing - using them for prevention rather than evidence."
!['No real appetite': Rural mayors not keen on amalgamations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'No real appetite': Rural mayors not keen on amalgamations
“Any potential merger will have a detrimental effect on that representation."
![Councils given more power in forestry sector](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Councils given more power in forestry sector
Forestr in the right place definitely has a role to play...."
![Fed Farmers hosting roadshow on 'waffley' RMA reform](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Fed Farmers hosting roadshow on 'waffley' RMA reform
There is concern about a loss of local control over decisions.
![Community invited to rural dinner and catchup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Community invited to rural dinner and catchup
“This is about getting off-farm, checking in with your mates and checking on yourself".
![Rates debate: Fed Farmers unhappy with proposed increase](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rates debate: Fed Farmers unhappy with proposed increase
“Unlike many other submitters, we are actually asking you to do less."
![Mayor fears impact of carbon farming on rural communities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Mayor fears impact of carbon farming on rural communities
"....it’s land that should never have been taken out of forestry in the first place".
![‘Billy would light up a room’: Fundraiser for family of dead forestry worker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
‘Billy would light up a room’: Fundraiser for family of dead forestry worker
“If you knew Billy you knew the laugh”
![Rural connectivity not happening ultra-fast but it is happening](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rural connectivity not happening ultra-fast but it is happening
Two new cellphone towers are planned for the Parapara highway.
![Perfect conditions for Easter fishing competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Perfect conditions for Easter fishing competition
“We look after the smallest boat as well as the biggest boat.”
!['Global challenge' of vet shortages affecting Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Global challenge' of vet shortages affecting Whanganui
Whanganui vet clinics are being affected by the vet shortage.
![Award-winner takes family farm into fifth generation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Award-winner takes family farm into fifth generation
“I just have to back myself. I know I’m capable and I know I can do it.”
![Texas doctor fills long-vacant role of GP for Waimarino](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Texas doctor fills long-vacant role of GP for Waimarino
'I’ve been really impressed with the amount of backup support we have here.'
![Anyone got 20 free hectares for the Whanganui A&P Show?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Anyone got 20 free hectares for the Whanganui A&P Show?
“I was gobsmacked by how many people turned up, and by how big that community is."
![Goodbye to bottlenecks: New expressway plans welcomed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Goodbye to bottlenecks: New expressway plans welcomed
'There are still a few bottlenecks but when they’re gone, it will get better and better.'
![‘Down to the deep dark depths’: The battle against hornwort](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
‘Down to the deep dark depths’: The battle against hornwort
The pest plant 'has the ability to massively dominate a lake', Horizons says.
![Big city mayors' Three Waters plan draws regional support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Big city mayors' Three Waters plan draws regional support
"If you're going to oppose something you have to seek alternatives".
![Bremworth Carpet plant going 'from strength to strength'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Bremworth Carpet plant going 'from strength to strength'
A new woolstore is being built at its Castlecliff site.
![What's it like hosting a cast of celebrities on a Fordell farm? Ask Spin and Joan Sutherland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What's it like hosting a cast of celebrities on a Fordell farm? Ask Spin and Joan Sutherland
Spin Sutherland's pavlova was a hit with the stars.
![Wood processor sets up Covid testing lab on site](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Wood processor sets up Covid testing lab on site
"You have to pour your heart and soul into it and try hard, and that's what we've done"
![Many hands make light work of region's RAT distribution](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Many hands make light work of region's RAT distribution
An average of 12,000 tests are being sent out every day.
![Debris from Eastown fire causing concern](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Debris from Eastown fire causing concern
"It's concerning because we don't know what it is."
![Unwanted visitors threaten wildlife at Ruatiti Domain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Unwanted visitors threaten wildlife at Ruatiti Domain
A year-round ban on dogs is being discussed
![Mystery beach blobs: We know what it is, but where is it from?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Mystery beach blobs: We know what it is, but where is it from?
A sample from Castlecliff Beach was analysed by an independent laboratory
![Rodney the cat to be immortalised in new book](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rodney the cat to be immortalised in new book
There have already been around 200 pre-sales to all parts of the world.
![Beach blob: Will lab test solve mystery of fat-like substance?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Beach blob: Will lab test solve mystery of fat-like substance?
A Horizons officer was back on the beach on Tuesday to "assess any ongoing affects".
![Chunks of mystery 'butter-like' substance wash up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Chunks of mystery 'butter-like' substance wash up
"I've never come across anything this size before, ever."
![Arts and agriculture collide with Rangitīkei residency](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Arts and agriculture collide with Rangitīkei residency
"It's a chance to live out here and have the time to work on your practice".
![Whanganui farmers well prepared for winter weather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Whanganui farmers well prepared for winter weather
A warm autumn has ensured farmers are well placed to handle winter.
![What a whopper! You won't believe how much this pumpkin weighs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What a whopper! You won't believe how much this pumpkin weighs
Crowds flocked to Sir James Wilson Park on Sunday.
![Land Rover Series 1 owners have serious fun in Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Land Rover Series 1 owners have serious fun in Whanganui
The star of the weekend was the 1955 Oxford Land Rover of "The First Overland" expedition.
![Poaching 'a real concern' for rural Whanganui property owners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Poaching 'a real concern' for rural Whanganui property owners
Unauthorised access to land a "real concern for all rural property owners".
![Rodney returns! Famous runaway cat finds next home after latest escapade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rodney returns! Famous runaway cat finds next home after latest escapade
Rodney had been on the run since last October.
![Fishers urged to clean up after themselves after 5yo gets hooked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Fishers urged to clean up after themselves after 5yo gets hooked
Trip to the hospital for 'little fella' after hooks embedded in his calf.
![Long-awaited prison stormwater hearing starts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Long-awaited prison stormwater hearing starts
The Department of Corrections is seeking resource consent until 2044.
![Graham Christensen's rural recollections on display in Mangaweka](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Graham Christensen's rural recollections on display in Mangaweka
Graham Christensen became "absolutely obsessed" with painting around eight years ago.
![Marton's water safe despite taste and odour issues - council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Marton's water safe despite taste and odour issues - council
"It has to meet all the standards [or] we get into a fair bit of hot water, so to speak."
![Virginia Lake turtle among world's 'most invasive species'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Virginia Lake turtle among world's 'most invasive species'
Red-eared slider turtles are regularly dumped as unwanted pets.
![Local dairy farmers moving from cows to kiwifruit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Local dairy farmers moving from cows to kiwifruit
Jarrod and Holly Murdoch are keen to diversify their farming ventures.
!['Unscientific': Winston Peters hits back on poor Northland poll result](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Unscientific': Winston Peters hits back on poor Northland poll result
NZ First leader Winston Peters says he can't believe the poll is gaining any currency.
![Junior Geros' weekly bonfires 'leave the light on' for lost loved ones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Junior Geros' weekly bonfires 'leave the light on' for lost loved ones
Junior Geros says you don't have to be a "tough guy" to deal with mental health issues.
![How farmers are raising money for Cancer Society](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
How farmers are raising money for Cancer Society
Farmers can donate hoggets from their sale stock to the Cancer Society next week.
![Cameras to combat rural 'fly tipping'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Cameras to combat rural 'fly tipping'
The Whanganui District Council is installing cameras at rural waste collection points.
![Catchment committee hoping to maintain clean water for future generations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Catchment committee hoping to maintain clean water for future generations
George Matthews is encouraged by people coming together for "the greater good".
![Local duck shooters kick off 2020 season with a bang](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Local duck shooters kick off 2020 season with a bang
The game bird hunting season runs for the next two months.
![Hydroponic Lettuce Supply keeps it in the family](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Hydroponic Lettuce Supply keeps it in the family
The family-operated business hopes to "grow and grow".
![Free range and barn eggs back on sale on Friday at Higgins Poultry Farm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Free range and barn eggs back on sale on Friday at Higgins Poultry Farm
Huggins Poultry Farm still "pretty flat out."
![Lightning lights up Whanganui's night sky as thunderstorm strikes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Lightning lights up Whanganui's night sky as thunderstorm strikes
Dry weather expected to return from Wednesday onwards.
![Lockdown chance to 'get back to basics'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Lockdown chance to 'get back to basics'
"We need to teach our kids about living off the land," Kiritahi Firmin says.
![Outrage at state of rural roadside dump](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Outrage at state of rural roadside dump
Farmers in area say the dump is disgusting and unnecessary.