Moana is a Local Democracy Reporter based in Whanganui
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![‘A strong focus on Māori for the first time in my career’: How Māori health providers are moving forward](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘A strong focus on Māori for the first time in my career’: How Māori health providers are moving forward
Māori health providers are in 'a state of abeyance'.
![Whitebait restoration site hits snag](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whitebait restoration site hits snag
An old dump site was discovered on the Whanganui River's edge in Aramoho.
!['Wrong time for a pay bump' says mayor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Wrong time for a pay bump' says mayor
Whanganui's mayor says he'd reject the pay rise if he could.
![Council CEO pay freeze may be extended](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council CEO pay freeze may be extended
David Langford is paid about $372,400 a year.
![The biggest cost driving Whanganui’s rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The biggest cost driving Whanganui’s rates rise
The rates increase is provisional until WDC adopts its Long-Term Plan in July.
![Last-gasp bid to save aviary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Last-gasp bid to save aviary
A community group wants to take over running Whanganui's aviary.
![Councillors face growing workload, pressure, abuse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors face growing workload, pressure, abuse
'I do worry about the salaries for elected members' - Rangitīkei mayor
![Pay hike for Whanganui mayor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pay hike for Whanganui mayor
The Remuneration Authority has released the 2024/25 local government salaries.
!['We took decisive action': Mayor hails 11.2% rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We took decisive action': Mayor hails 11.2% rates rise
Andrew Tripe says six-point plan to cut council costs has helped ratepayers.
![Rubber roundabout an attempt to slow traffic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rubber roundabout an attempt to slow traffic
The new central Whanganui roundabout has eight radiating splinter islands.
![‘Vile backlash’: Marae hails tough decision to fund upgrades](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Vile backlash’: Marae hails tough decision to fund upgrades
The district’s nearly 20 marae will be able to apply for marae development grants.
![‘More harm than good’: Call for rethink on Māori wards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘More harm than good’: Call for rethink on Māori wards
'We have previously decided that these are the best representation arrangements ...'
![Final plans for Whanganui Police Hub progress](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Final plans for Whanganui Police Hub progress
The Police Hub is expected to be operational in mid-2027.
![Ruapehu civil defence controller calls for more resources](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ruapehu civil defence controller calls for more resources
'Communities are the first level of response during emergencies'
![Iwi and council identify preferred site for Raetihi hub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Iwi and council identify preferred site for Raetihi hub
It could be the biggest build the Waimarino township has seen.
![New Whanganui courthouse to cost $100m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Whanganui courthouse to cost $100m
Work to clear the site and prepare for the new 'justice precinct' is well under way.
![‘KidsCan on steroids’: Revamped school lunches may be less healthy, principal says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘KidsCan on steroids’: Revamped school lunches may be less healthy, principal says
Cutbacks were likely to result in more pre-packaged and less healthy items.
![New school lunch model could cut out kaupapa Māori suppliers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New school lunch model could cut out kaupapa Māori suppliers
Whanganui contractor says revamp could disadvantage smaller-scale food businesses.
![Minister to decide on village name change proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Minister to decide on village name change proposal
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua wants National Park Village to be named Waimarino.
![Whanganui eyes $16m in asset sales to offset rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui eyes $16m in asset sales to offset rates
Land, buildings, and reserves could go on the market.
![Māori ward referendums: ‘A slap in the face of Māoridom’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māori ward referendums: ‘A slap in the face of Māoridom’
Whanganui District Mayor Andrew Tripe says decisions 'should be made at council level'.
![Trial dredging begins in bid to move more sediment faster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trial dredging begins in bid to move more sediment faster
Sediment had built up because regular dredging had not taken place for years.
![Port seeks long-term consent to dredge basin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Port seeks long-term consent to dredge basin
It would return the depth of the port basin to historical levels.
![Waimarino name proposal attracts more than 2500 submissions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waimarino name proposal attracts more than 2500 submissions
A further 489 submissions have been made on changing the railway station name.
![Council looks to new law to ease consenting pain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council looks to new law to ease consenting pain
Rangitīkei's mayor says resource management law is 'an incredible frustration'.
![Small councils at risk in water reforms, mayor says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Small councils at risk in water reforms, mayor says
New wastewater dispersal schemes on land to end discharging into streams and lakes.
![Water provision 'ticking time bomb'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Water provision 'ticking time bomb'
Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson is concerned about the repeal of water service reforms.
![Whanganui mayor reflects on iwi relations since occupation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui mayor reflects on iwi relations since occupation
'I’m here to celebrate what [the protesters] did. That’s the difference.'
![Whanganui & Partners' future in council spotlight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui & Partners' future in council spotlight
The council is meeting behind closed doors to review the organisation.
![Whanganui mayor 'very comfortable' about water reforms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui mayor 'very comfortable' about water reforms
He's happy with the broad direction of the Government's Local Water Done Well policy.
!['A very special experience' as iwi close parts of Whanganui River](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A very special experience' as iwi close parts of Whanganui River
"To be uninterrupted made it a different and very special experience."
![Century-long saga: The six moves to change this village’s name](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Century-long saga: The six moves to change this village’s name
The names National Park and Waimarino have been pondered multiple times.
![Government department adviser in firing line for ‘potential conflict of interest’ as Rātana speaker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government department adviser in firing line for ‘potential conflict of interest’ as Rātana speaker
The speaker is being investigated by the government department he works for.
![Huge turnout for Hui-ā-Motu 'no surprise'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Huge turnout for Hui-ā-Motu 'no surprise'
Whanganui iwi travelled to Tūrangawaewae just “to be there”.
![Mass protests ‘just the beginning’ as iwi prepare for unified response](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mass protests ‘just the beginning’ as iwi prepare for unified response
Iwi leaders will meet at Tūrangawaewae Marae this weekend.
![Submissions quadruple on bid to rename National Park village as Waimarino](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Submissions quadruple on bid to rename National Park village as Waimarino
Iwi calling for the North Island tourist village to revert to its historical name.
![The challenges of relocating ‘offensive’ monument](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The challenges of relocating ‘offensive’ monument
The statue will be moved somewhere else.
![River leaders take new strategy to the people](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
River leaders take new strategy to the people
It aims to establish strategy as the foundation for resource management in the catchment.
![Proposal to change name of village draws public submissions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Proposal to change name of village draws public submissions
Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board supports the proposal.
![Travel stress to reduce for hundreds of Whanganui cancer patients](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Travel stress to reduce for hundreds of Whanganui cancer patients
Te Whatu Ora Whanganui will open the $800,000 infusion facility on December 14.
![Whanganui Hospital chemo unit open by Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui Hospital chemo unit open by Christmas
Cancer patients able to access chemotherapy closer to home.
![How council adopts ‘values-based approach’ in work with Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How council adopts ‘values-based approach’ in work with Māori
Part of the $6m spend is for the council to work with iwi and hapū on a new vision.
![Iwi and council partner up to spend ‘better-off’ funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Iwi and council partner up to spend ‘better-off’ funding
Whanganui District Council says it 'jumped the gun' by initially not consulting iwi.
![Consultation opens on National Park name change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Consultation opens on National Park name change
There's also a proposal to change the name of National Park's railway station.
![Support for National Park to restore ‘most beautiful name’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Support for National Park to restore ‘most beautiful name’
A three-month public consultation on the name change proposal will open on Tuesday.
![Whanganui council edges closer to Māori wards decision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui council edges closer to Māori wards decision
Councillor Josh Chandulal-Mackay on how the debate is stacking up.
![Longest suspension bridge to be ‘missing link’ of Mountains to Sea trail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Longest suspension bridge to be ‘missing link’ of Mountains to Sea trail
Construction has begun on the missing connection between National Park and Horopito.
![How will Whanganui Hospital cope with its growing population?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How will Whanganui Hospital cope with its growing population?
What changes will be needed to keep pace with the district’s projected population growth?
![Overcrowding in Whanganui ED like 'a disaster movie'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Overcrowding in Whanganui ED like 'a disaster movie'
The hospital says over-occupancy of up to 147 per cent is the norm.
![Health, wellbeing strategy unveiled for Whanganui River](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Health, wellbeing strategy unveiled for Whanganui River
The strategy will reform resource management in the catchment.
![Strategy for wellbeing of Whanganui River to be unveiled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Strategy for wellbeing of Whanganui River to be unveiled
The launch is at Pūtiki Marae on Friday morning.
![Whanganui meeting calls for Māori wards and constitutional change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui meeting calls for Māori wards and constitutional change
Andrew Tripe: Local government needs reform. But we do not have the answers to everything.
![Historic riverboat returns to Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Historic riverboat returns to Whanganui
The Waireka was last seen in Whanganui 25 years ago.
![Whanganui mayor's new karakia opens council hui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui mayor's new karakia opens council hui
Mayor Andrew Tripe says it's the council’s way of acknowledging all the community.
![Surf club seeks backing to build new rescue centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Surf club seeks backing to build new rescue centre
The club wants to build a new lifeguard rescue centre and tower at Castlecliff Beach.
![Whanganui's alcohol policy review on hold](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui's alcohol policy review on hold
Whanganui's council sticks with a cap of 14 off-licensed premises though there are now 17.
![Treaty of Waitangi settlement 'just crumbs off the table. But the healing has to start'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Treaty of Waitangi settlement 'just crumbs off the table. But the healing has to start'
'This piece of justice will re-energise and boost all the peoples in this area.'
![$30m and apology for iwi who paid the price for the nation's development](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$30m and apology for iwi who paid the price for the nation's development
The tribes' areas of interest include the middle reaches of the Whanganui River.
![Why Whanganui council is opening up some discussion to the public domain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why Whanganui council is opening up some discussion to the public domain
But contentious or difficult matters may still be spoken about behind closed doors.
![Rates system 'fundamentally flawed'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rates system 'fundamentally flawed'
Whanganui's mayor is fighting to ease the rates burden.
![Central North Island tribes back $30m Treaty settlement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Central North Island tribes back $30m Treaty settlement
Tamahaki, Tamakana and Uenuku will formally sign the Deed of Settlement on July 29.
![Looted taonga to return to Whanganui River](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Looted taonga to return to Whanganui River
Te Kōanga o Rehua will arrive on Wednesday after a nearly 50-year battle for its return.
![Iwi set to reserve parts of Whanganui River for annual tribal journey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Iwi set to reserve parts of Whanganui River for annual tribal journey
Iwi want to use the river without interruption from jetboats.
![Wraparound community wellbeing services planned](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wraparound community wellbeing services planned
Information has been released about Te Puna Hapori, a new wellbeing hub.
![Call for radical rethink on public services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Call for radical rethink on public services
Whanganui's mayor is among those calling for central government changes.
![Whanganui River tribes celebrate 28th Pākaitore Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui River tribes celebrate 28th Pākaitore Day
The 28th Pākaitore Day will be celebrated on February 28.
![Mayor has no answers on flood report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mayor has no answers on flood report
A Pūtiki resident says flooding is a danger and urgent action is needed.
![Left to gather dust: Whanganui council report warned of ‘widespread flooding’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Left to gather dust: Whanganui council report warned of ‘widespread flooding’
A Pūtiki resident says flooding is a danger and urgent action is needed.
![Whanganui council setting up camp for homeless](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui council setting up camp for homeless
The facility is an effort to move homeless people from freedom camping sites.
![Plea to upgrade open drains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Plea to upgrade open drains
A Rangataua property owner says open drains are unsafe and should be upgraded.
![Whanganui River Māori support North American Indigenous leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui River Māori support North American Indigenous leaders
A delegation is travelling to crisis talks about the Colorado River.
![‘Facing a crisis’: Tourist town can’t wait three years for upgrade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Facing a crisis’: Tourist town can’t wait three years for upgrade
"Our tourism industry is on thin ice."
![Pākaraka: 'We should all move on'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pākaraka: 'We should all move on'
New signs will be installed after the first ones were bowled in less than eight hours.
![Māori agribusiness sets target to cut emissions by 10pc](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māori agribusiness sets target to cut emissions by 10pc
Shareholders were told the business was 'definitely' affected by climate change
![Ātihau-Whanganui reports first apiary business loss as honey markets slump](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ātihau-Whanganui reports first apiary business loss as honey markets slump
As economies responded to Covid-19, there was good demand for Ātihau products.
![Whanganui flight school ready to soar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui flight school ready to soar
The flight school is this month due to renew its contract with Indian airline IndiGo.
![Helen Craig named deputy mayor at swearing-in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Helen Craig named deputy mayor at swearing-in
For the first time, the swearing-in ceremony was held at Pūtiki Marae.