Latest fromTaumarunui

NZTA advises Auckland to Wellington motorists to avoid SH1
A detour of 23km or about 16mins will be in place.

Remote Ruapehu restaurant wins national award
'We knew it was a fairly crazy project but we ended up putting two and two together.'

‘Don’t be scared, mate’: Councillors defend Māori ward
Councillors are talking with the community about the future of Ruapehu's Māori ward.

'No cash, no housing’: Council calls on Government to act
Ruapehu District Council says it is bowing out from financing housing developments.

Long days and freezing nights in search of the perfect photo
The magic happens in the 'blue hour' just before dawn.

Water funding remains problem for councils
A rural mayor says there’s no incentive for councils to band together in new entities.

Schizophrenic arsonist wanted to 'burn down' DHB's mental health unit
Hoturoa Flanangan also set fire to a vehicle, garage and punched a police officer.

Waikato councils' Long-Term Plans come at a cost
Most councils have now adopted their 2024-34 LTPs.

Council calls public meetings on future of Māori ward
Ruapehu District Council will have meetings in Ohakune and Taumarunui.

Police seize cannabis in lolly packets
'It really shows you what length criminals will go to.'

Killer attacked in dock as he's jailed for partner's manslaughter
Corrections staff and court security were assaulted in the melee.

Council to fund freshwater projects
Applications for Horizons' Freshwater Community Grant are open.

Ruapehu civil defence controller calls for more resources
'Communities are the first level of response during emergencies'

Council, Ngāti Hāua uri build strategic partnership
'We acknowledge the importance of respect, understanding, and mutual support.'

'Third-world stuff': Energy minister praises chilly Kiwis' restraint amid grid crisis
The country’s grid operator issued a warning notice in advance.

Guns, drugs, cash seized after 'lengthy' investigation
A 53-year-old Taumarunui man has been arrested and is facing charges.

Three women take out top spots in Pureora Hunting Comp
Numbers for the annual competition are back to pre-Covid levels, DoC says.

Broken-down carriages in Taumarunui railyard will be scrapped
'Obviously graffiti’s been a big issue; they’ve been damaged, smashed up.'

'Dramatic' collision: Driver sentenced after farmer killed
Tamihana Curtis says he blacked out. A judge rejected the claim.

Woman was alive for 'at least 30 minutes' after partner's fatal attack
Richard Coburn admits killing his partner, but says it wasn't murder.

Pig and deer focus of DoC hunting competition
The annual Pureora Hunting Competition will kick off next week.