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.

‘A high-wire trapeze’: Blues trio ready to launch
Brian Baker's move to Whanganui is paying dividends.

Life in the bus lane: Barriers being installed to keep trucks out
'I’m hoping that if you see a boom there, you won’t go through it'.

Stand-up and silliness: Comedy gala returns to Opera House
A lot of effort has gone into 'making sure there is something for everyone'.

‘Done our time’: Land Based Training changes hands after close to 30 years
Rob Gollan and Jeremy Higgie launched the institution in 1996.

‘We could lose experts’: Funding uncertainty for literacy teachers
Possible reinvestment of funds has been labelled 'a kneejerk reaction to finances'.

Let there be light: New era begins at Hockey Whanganui
'We are trying to be the best we can be as a small region'.

Three to tango: Council pitching multi-council water delivery
'Time is going to go fast. We need to hear from you.'

North Mole regeneration project may need extra funding
The project received $876,250 from MBIE's Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

User pays an option to fund Dublin St replacement
The bridge is regularly inspected for safety.

Scrapped: Food waste service bites the dust
Councillors voted 9-4 in favour of ending the service before it even began.

Abuse towards ‘vulnerable’ council staff not slowing down
Council boss David Langford is "happy to front up" to people angry with the council.

Whanganui Airport’s taxiway project set for year-end completion
The council is meeting Government officials in hope of funding the remaining work.

Out with the scraps? Council could ditch food scraps service
Councillors will decide its fate at an extraordinary meeting on Monday evening.

Obituary: Maritime guru Trevor Gibson a ‘driving force’
'With anything to do with water, he had your full attention.'

‘Prime location’: Plenty of suitors for sprawling CBD property
'We would hear out any offer that came our way but we want something fitting.'

Rural security cameras a ‘significant deterrent’
'We can’t solve the underlying issues but we have to protect our own patch.'

Ruapehu speed signs could cost council $132,000
Speed limits near Ruapehu urban schools will reduce to 30km/h by May 1.

Cabin fever returns: Family issued notice for building on front yard
'It’s a nice, aesthetically pleasing little unit and our garden is pretty immaculate too.'

Three becomes one: Multi-council water model likely
'At the moment, I think we're in good shape.'

Recycling park: Multimillion-dollar project being planned
Council delegates were 'blown away' by a visit to Toowoomba's 20ha centre last year.

‘A beautiful man’: Skating legend Gary Clark remembered
'Gary took care of everybody. You could rely on him.'

Kerbside food scraps service on its way
'Basically, we are doing what we said we were going to do.'

Sarjeant Gallery off to ‘flying start’ but redevelopment costs rising
The venue's cafe is running a surplus of almost $38,000.

‘Consideration of deprivation’: Booze policy proposed to change
High deprivation areas will see increased risk ratings for new off-licence applications.

Council assets could be discounted for housing entity
The public will soon have a say on a joint venture housing proposal.

‘A big night, every night’: Club Metro sale will lead to clean slate
'Maintaining the integrity of the club is the most important thing.'

Fight Club: New combat concept coming to town
'These guys are so dedicated but they’re not getting value for their trade.'

‘Blank slate’: Public transport network set for shake-up
Horizons Regional Council will begin public consultation at the end of March.

‘Interesting experiment’: Public pool panel signed off
'You want a good cross-section of the whole community.'

‘Russian roulette’: Mayor calls for Horopito speed limit reduction
'Residents feel it is only a matter of time before a turning vehicle is hit from behind'.

‘Polarised’ feedback received on council-iwi partnership
Councillors will vote on the adoption of Te Tomokanga ki Te Matapihi on January 13.

‘Best job of my life’: Music veteran back in the business
Ken Usmar started at Viking Records when he was 17.

‘Frustrating situation’: Restrictions for boaties at port
Boats have been entering the port's off-limits work area.

Public asked to bridge Whangaehu funding gap
Rangitīkei could soon boast the longest swing bridge in the country.

Beach rescues way down on last season
Lifeguards will patrol Whanganui beaches only on weekends from February 10.

Beetle mania: The critters tackling ‘very large’ plant problem
Tradescantia leaf beetles target the rapidly growing South American weed.

Another fuel retailer to enter Whanganui market
'Where there is competition, prices come down.'

Kai Iwi Beach reopens for swimming
High levels of bacteria were 'most likely weather related'.

‘Totally different’: Avenue Hotel restaurant rebuild begins
Work will be completed by the end of the year.

Kai Iwi Beach off-limits for swimmers
High levels of bacteria were detected by Horizons Regional Council.

'Very busy area': Speed limit increase on SH3 a concern
'I think the community needs to have a say.'

How a 15-year-old from Whanganui is making waves in NZ softball
'She’s what you call a triple threat.'

Revealed: The proposed iwi-council relationship agreement
Whanganui district councillors will vote on the agreement on February 13.

Signed off: Twelve councillors for this year’s election
Twelve councillors will serve Whanganui from two wards.

New Rangitīkei council boss preparing for ‘huge changes’
Carol Gordon says relationships with neighbouring councils are vital.

Ruffled feathers: Funky Duck owner wants answers as lease runs out
Dave Hill says eight people will lose their jobs if the cafe closes.

Rangatahi Rangers: New youth group embraces native ecosystem
'You’ll be with like-minded kids so you might make a few new friends along the way.'

Swimming ban: Lake Wiritoa treated to control invasive plant
Swimming and water use are banned for 24 hours after treatment.

Iwi-council partnership ‘nothing to be feared’
'We are not rushing this through by stealth and we are not trying to hide anything.'

Release the drones: New technology changes spraying game
'It buys farmers time, it helps local businesses, it’s a win-win for everyone.'

Rising confidence: Whanganui construction sector poised for busy 2025
'A lot of great things are happening in town.'

The Chipmunk: 71-year-old plane brings pilots together
'It is an absolute work of art.'

Building consent processing ‘a fine balance’
New building standards add layers, costs; local builders call for streamlined processes.

Boxing Day kings: Sidecar duo continue to reign supreme
'If you can keep well and keep your fitness up, why would you stop?'

Planes, trains and automobiles: Vintage Weekend returns
'We’re ready and we’re firing.'

Sellers market? Property prices rise higher than national average
Every Whanganui suburb had an average property price increase in 2024.

‘Insidious, slow creep’: Temperatures ticking up
Eight of New Zealand’s 10 warmest years have occurred since 2013.

Slow start to season at Whanganui East Pool
There were 459 admissions from December 18 to January 7.

Clone wars: The new age of online scamming
'There are a million and one different tricks compared to where we were a few years ago.'

'Armoured MMA': Hand-to-hand combat in suburban Whanganui
'The moment you go in there mad, you’re going to get eaten up.'

$300,000 Marton shared pathway gets green light
'Let’s buckle up, push on and get some work done.'

Slippery slopes: Whanganui slides ranked
Kōwhai Park features heavily, but which chute comes in at number one?

Come one, come all: Thousands visit reopened Sarjeant
'It’s not just exhibitions, it’s events, performances, talks and family workshops.'

Dame Tariana Turia ‘stood on her principles and she won’
'She always reminded us that our people deserved better'.

Laser focused: 3D mapping fast-tracked after funding boost
'It’s a great project to start the year off.'

Marton community offered free summer swimming
The town's main pool was shut following a partial roof collapse.

Gate success! Kiwi ingenuity saves Waimarie’s Ūpokongaro plans
'It’s a very safe but temporary measure.'

Building block: Lull in construction project leads to Lego venture
'This place can really lift your spirits.'

‘Getting dangerous’: Beaches awash with speeding vehicles
'Where we can, lifeguards have started taking photos and reporting them to the police.'

‘Incredible journey’: Sarjeant chairwoman steps down as new era dawns
'It has been challenging but it was important to see it through.'

‘Overwhelming’: Shoebox appeal provides hundreds of gifts
The past year has been 'really tough for people'.

'Absolutely ridiculous': New $3.6m taxiway sparks debate
The council cites safety concerns but some airport users are not convinced.

'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.