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.
'Not desirable': Solo water delivery would stifle Rangitīkei council
'We will listen to the feedback from the population.'
River safety plan pushes 'behaviour change'
'It's not about bylaws, it's about educating people.'
Police shoot dogs that attacked person
Police were called to the Talbot St area on Monday morning.
Williams Domain comes alive for annual party
'The beautiful thing about this event is it’s actually funded by the community.'
Intimidation, assaults, litter, drugs: Council closes freedom camping site
It is unclear where homeless occupants will go.
Council boss hits back at 'top-heavy' accusations
The chief executive says it is in 'the sweet spot' with its manager-to-staff member ratio.
MP says seabed mining not a done deal
'I've engaged quite constructively with people across the spectrum of views.'
No rent relief for Community Arts Centre this year
Whanganui District Council has given the centre's trust two other options.
'Got to feel safe': Calls for more CCTV at shopping centre
'I’m here not just for myself. I’m here for other shop owners and residents.'
Lake Wiritoa off-limits to swimmers
Warning signs have been in place since December 6.
Arts centre appeals to council after $23,000 rent bill
Council officers' preferred option is to do nothing but councillors can still intervene.
'Cycle of broken trust' can end with abuse in care redress
'We want to contribute to the community positively, not be a burden.'
‘Head in the sand‘: Councillor unhappy with Pukenamu parking
There are currently no plans to build additional car parks in the park.
Finance Minister stunned by reopened Sarjeant
'People are seeing next year as brighter and better'
Insurance win for council
Insurance has been cut on a number of council assets this year.
Whanganui East Pool opening soon but not on Sundays
The pool was given a reprieve.
Port dredging paused following barge incident
'There is a lot going on behind the scenes.'
Desert Rd closure pushed back a week but concerns remain
'I think motorists will throw their hands up in horror.'
3 Bridges Marathon a success at new home
Organisers want to make it 'a little bit better' every year.
'This is a big deal': Public to have say on $300m social housing entity
'It’s really important our community comes along with us.'
'Really damn hard': Council staff stretched by LTP process
'The scale of the work was unlike any other LTP experienced before.'
Council mulls changing rating method
The 2022 district valuation resulted in a huge jump in land values.
Country's longest swing bridge one step closer
It is 'a critical bit of infrastructure'.
Whanganui's 6'5"-tall 14-year-old with NBA dreams
'He's really flourished and his love for the game is pretty inspirational.'
'Bread and butter budget': Quantity over quality for Whanganui road resealing
'We do our best but we are in extremely difficult times.'
Glassworks booming but cost to ratepayers remains
The facility has lost a gas sponsorship worth $40,000 in the past year.
'Outrageous': Illegal rubbish dumping on rise
'We’ve got our enforcement teams and where we can, we’ll track them down.'
Rail bridge upgrade in funding limbo
The current cost for the project is $4.5 million.
Funding shortfall for 'hugely popular' cycle programme
'There has been huge buy-in across the community, from new entrants to 85-year-olds.'
Desert Road shutting for nearly two months
'We need a minimum ground temperature of 13C to carry out pavement works.'
'A forever project:' Changing of guard at Tarapuruhi Bushy Park
Mandy Brooke says she has "got so much out of" her 10 years as manager.
'A lot of tears': Organisation helping single-parent families closes after 65 years
It is still making sure kids have Christmas presents this year.
Flame game: Kiwi firefighter one of world's best
Durie Hill Tower visitors may need to keep an eye out for a firefighter on the stairs.
Businesses 'not out of woods' but signs positive
'This whole recession has to end at some point.'
Family 'absolutely gutted' after theft of heirlooms
'They stole the whole get-up except the tie, which I buried with my dad.'
'We just want action': Abuse in care survivors unite for apology
Denise Caltaux says abuse in care is at the core of a lot of the country's social issues.
'Thrilled': Major upgrades on way at Rātana Pā
'Some of these buildings need urgent attention.'
Prolific band of brothers win another award
'Having a studio right at our fingertips opens up that creativity.'
'Profit-making territory': Positive signs for flight school
'We are not there yet but we’re cautiously optimistic.'
Whanganui friends and business owners create unique Rēwena Gin
'It’s more than a drink when there’s the connection of whānau.'
Sarjeant author lauds gallery's unsung heroes
Martin Edmond 'kept finding out more and more' as he researched the Sarjeant's history.
'World holding its breath': Americans in Whanganui brace for election
'It’s way too close for comfort.'
Benedict the duck back in business after being shot
'He needs time preening to make himself waterproof again.'
Collaboration key as social services face funding gaps
'There are enough resources in this world for everyone.'
'Fast paced, inclusive' cricket league launching
Two-hour LMS matches 'about levelling the playing field'.
Bus funding boost survives following council vote
'We’ve already voted with our feet and bums on the seats of The Tide bus. It works.'
'Putting the awa first': Port work slowed by contaminants
'You can’t take risks with this stuff.'
Council's $13.4m cost-saving plan on track
The council revealed the plan last December.
Homelessness issue 'only going to get worse'
'We actually don't have all the answers, otherwise we would have solved it.'
White Ferns' win perfect start to Whanganui cricket season
There are now three girls' representative teams in Whanganui.
Book a bus: On-demand public transport discussed for Whanganui
'Users often have to walk only a short distance to their nearest virtual stop.'
'Simple solution': Call for parking permit for CBD residents
'It should not be difficult to implement something like this.'
Will petrol ever return to Whanganui East Mobil?
The station's shop is currently closed after a vehicle drove into it.
Benedict the duck caught after five-day operation
He has been taken to Wildbase Hospital in Palmerston North.
Young footballers play in country's top league
The team has tasted success despite a short lead-in.
'Certainly a need': Marton without a taxi service
The local company reduced its operations in August.
Benedict the duck still on the loose after being shot
'If you bring out a net, he’s gone.'
Police investigating after car crashes through petrol station building
The incident happened early on Tuesday morning in Whanganui East.
'Nicest guy you’ll ever meet': Tributes flow for champion Kiwi jockey dead at 35
'His life deserves to be celebrated because he was one of the good guys.'
'We won’t give up': Volunteers try to catch shot duck
'They were obviously planning on shooting something.'
'Our last chance': $1m public transport boost in doubt
'There is a chance we will be stuck with the budget we have now for the next 10 years.'
Future of council grants up in air
'It’s very easy to say get back to basics but tell us what we can’t do.'
Sound of silence: Public buses to stay music free
A public survey revealed mixed opinions.
Time ticking for $6.35m Rātana wastewater project
The project received funding from the Government in 2017.
Hunterville hospo stalwarts ready to sell up
'We want someone with a real passion who wants to be part of a great community.'
$2m needed to finish Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail
Whanganui MP says council prioritisation of the work and community funding are options.
'We haven't given up': Cycle trail group plots future
A shellrock trail is 'the cheapest and simplest option'.
Couple’s stance on cabin opens door to possible district plan change
'You’ve got to think outside the box.'
'Huge undertaking': Funding on the way for Parapara resilience
'On the Parapara, I’d say the warranty is five years at best.'
'Beauty of a shot': Boxer's stunning knockout at nationals
'It was the talk of the tournament and the only knockout over the whole weekend.'
Splash Centre's main pool to close for up to 10 weeks
'Let's face it, we all need a bit of maintenance as we get older.'
It’s finally here! Riverside wine bar to open this month
'We’ve just had a nice, long build-up to get everybody interested.'
Council to drop insurance on raft of assets
Dozens of Whanganui assets could go uninsured - and more could follow.
This year's business awards the biggest ever
'There are many more entries than prizes, let’s put it that way.'
'Hospital pass': Councils to pay for set up of new water entity
'If you’re going to instigate change then you really ought to be prepared to fund it.'
Social housing provider could require council cash, land and properties
The council is spending $160,000 on a business case for the new entity.