Olivia Reid is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

‘Above and beyond’: Caregiver honoured for exceptional foster work
Woven Whānau helps more than 50 grandparents raising grandchildren in Whanganui.

‘I hope to inspire other rangatahi’: Turning adversity into a new business
'I’m just trying to help as many people as I can, that’s my passion.'

‘Gift that keeps on giving’: Charity golf event aids surf lifesavers
Ticket sales alone have raised $12,500 for Wanganui Surf Life Guard Service.

What Whanganui can expect from the weekend’s ‘atmospheric river’
Showers, westerly winds and mild temperatures are forecast.

‘Bring together book lovers’: Crime writers head to Whanganui
Charity Norman, a 2023 Ngaio Marsh Award winner, will chair the panel.

Whanganui and Ruapehu partner to draw in film industry
Mt Ngauruhoe in Ruapehu features in the Lord of The Rings films.

‘Significant’ savings: Taihape Town Hall redesign confirmed
Costs and timelines for the redevelopment are yet to be confirmed.

‘You Can’t Just Sell Records’: Documentary captures journey of The Vinyl Room
'It turns out that we don’t just sell records - it’s about an experience and a community.'

‘All bikes are welcome’: Raetihi Gutbuster gears up for 2025
'It’s all about getting people out and enjoying life from a bike saddle.'

‘Must-attend event’: Marton’s Harvest Festival returns with fresh flavour
Matt Chisholm will host the festival on April 6 at Sir James Wilson Park.

Fire prohibition lifted in Whanganui as risk reduces
The region returned to a restricted fire season on March 26.

Artists Open Studios continues to thrive in Whanganui
'A lot of money went through this city over the last 10 days.'

Tohu Whenua programme to promote region’s landmarks
A travel itinerary based on history and culture will be created for the Horizons region

Art of popular children’s book illustrator highlighted in new exhibition
“He wanted to be an artist on his own terms”

Art for good: Artist paints volunteers at City Mission Whanganui
Eighteen portraits will be on display at Space Studio and Gallery from March 25.

From e-bikes to viaducts: What to expect on Whanganui’s new trail
Riders can see landmarks like the Taonui and Hāpuawhenua Viaducts.

‘Mild but variable’: Whanganui’s weather outlook for the weekend
Heavier rain and fresh winds are forecast for next week.

Catholic schools comp to bring hundreds to city
280 students plus supporters will flock to Whanganui for the speech and drama contest.

Teen Whanganui kayak sprinters headed for Japan
Zoe Anderson and Alexis Toy will compete internationally for the first time in May.

Whanganui weather: Autumnal change gives way to warmer weekend
'We return to slightly more summery conditions, although it’s looking to be a bit breezy.'

Triferno obstacle course set to fire up Blazing Hills event
The Triferno course combines three routes for a 20km, 90-obstacle challenge.

‘You are what you wear’: Museum explores history through fashion
The exhibition Past, Present, Pose showcases garments from the 19th century to the 1990s.

Whanganui netball stalwart honoured for 50 years of service
Di Tasker began umpiring in 1971 while still at primary school.

Tech detectives: How genealogy has changed in 50 years
New Zealand Society of Genealogists' Whanganui branch celebrates 50th anniversary

‘Spread kindness’: Good Bitches Baking bring skills to prisons
'If a ‘swear word’ in our name helps get people to think about our message, that's a win.'

Matthew Couper returns for first Whanganui solo show since 2007
Ann Parker Gallery will host Whanganui-trained artist's exhibition.

Council to seek funding to honour Lake Alice unmarked graves
The Royal Commission identified at least 4000 unmarked graves, including in Rangitīkei.

Dry, hot summer brings prohibited fire season
'We want to keep people, property and the environment safe while the fire risk is high.'

Whanganui weather: Clear, sunny weekend ahead
MetService says there'll be some relief from this week's humid weather.

‘Woeful’ rainfall: Water restrictions, fire risk for dry regions
Whanganui and surrounding districts are facing the consequences of a dry, hot summer.

Brigid Ursula Bisley brings ‘intimate’ concert to La Fiesta
'I think it will have a very wide appeal.'

Businesses band together for new Americarna feature
Hundreds of cars will line Hāwera's streets for the annual Americarna event.

Older and bolder: Miss Tui Whanganui 2009 returns to debut comedy show
“I wanna be with people and connect, and share joy and share ideas.”

What’s in store for Whanganui’s weekend weather
A low pressure system takes over bringing winds, rain and heat to the district.

‘Very strong symbols’: Urgent push to save historic Rātana temple
The aim is to complete the restoration by the Raetihi church's centennial in 2026.

Bayleys Whanganui expands into new territory
'The growth opportunity is significant'

La Fiesta brings a month of events to Whanganui
Workshops, social events, crafts, and a Wikipedia edit-a-thon feature at La Fiesta.

The Chronicle Q&A: Sculptor Anna Korver
Internationally recognised sculptor Anna Korver is headed to Whanganui for a talk.

Whanganui weather: What to expect this weekend
A 'pretty pleasant' weekend ahead for Whanganui

‘More businessmen than cricketers’: Masters Games team on staying mates
Sons of Pitches are 'the rowdier of our teams'.

Whanganui weather: What to expect for Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day looking nice but varied forecast ahead for Whanganui

Opinion: From run trails to real estate, Whanganui’s small-town appeal
Aucklander Olivia Reid shares 10 observations as a Whanganui newcomer.

‘It’s a growing problem’: Demand rises for school support programmes
'We want all children to get to school on day one, ready to participate and learn.'

‘Real survey of glass’: National exhibition marks conference’s return
International glass artists will give demonstrations at the Whanganui conference.

The Chronicle Q&A: Pip Brown talks cats, food and advice for the vegan-curious
Olivia Reid sits down with Pip Brown, vegan chef and new owner of SourBros.

'Spicy' kiwi released into wild after being hit by a car
Wildbase Hospital in Palmerston North treated Tairei for two months.

‘Not too much change’: Whanganui’s weather outlook for the week
Whanganui will stay warm and dry despite a storm over the North Island.

Whanganui tourism booms but faces accommodation crunch
Leaving bookings to the last minute is causing issues with accommodation 'jammed'.

South Taranaki imposes water restrictions amid dry start to summer
Residents can use hoses after 6pm based on an 'odds and evens' system.

Climate fund future uncertain as council review looms
Six projects share $50,050 as Whanganui's climate fund faces uncertain future.

Coastguard’s water safety drive heads to Whanganui
'We’re out there to make sure people come home safe – that’s our mission.'

Rooted in history: Family garden gains national recognition
A childhood home has been transformed into a nationally recognised garden of significance.

I’m new to this: Learning the art of making gin
Olivia Reid explores gin-making, blending spices and fruits at Papaiti Gin.

‘Collaboration rather than competition’ for new event
New summer event created by a 'Co-Lab' of local businesses hits Whanganui's riverside.

How to keep kids busy over Whanganui’s summer holidays
There's something for everyone in Whanganui this summer.

SPCA event aims to curb parvovirus spread
'If we can prevent them from getting sick, that’s the aim of the game.'

Chill in air remains for Whanganui
Southerly flows and temperatures in the low 20s continue this week.

Cycling passion driven by peace and freedom
Paul Chaplow of Whanganui & Partners chats bike-packing and bike-tourism.

Manawatu agriculture worker takes award for iPhone photo
A quick iPhone snap won one of five photography awards.

Taihape’s Les Clarke awarded King’s Service Medal
'If I saw a gap, if I saw something that needed to be done, I’d do my best to do it.'

Strong winds cause power outages, topple light tower
Thousands were temporarily without power and the Cobham Bridge temporarily closed.

Who has been nominated for the regional theatre awards
The Regional Theatre Awards see dozens of nominations for Whanganui and Feilding creatives

Whanganui's weather: What to expect for Christmas
Will Santa bring sunshine for Christmas?

Undergrand blends music, poetry and nature
A white baby grand piano will pop up in Whanganui’s Bason Botanic Gardens in January.

Century-old Waverley business for sale
The SH3 store stayed within the same family for 100 years.

Whanganui's weather forecast a mixed bag
A wet start and end to the week is expected for Whanganui.

Rotarians' funding boost for Tonga hospital
A surgical theatre upgrade is 'sorely needed' at Vaiola Hospital in Nuku'alofa.

Warm, settled weather for Whanganui weekend events
Stable weather and warm temperatures are expected for Whanganui this weekend

Art by the River offers ‘an eclectic mix’
A new addition to Whanganui's many art galleries highlights New Zealand artists.

'Overwhelming demand' for cat desexing assistance
Ruapehu District Council spent its allocated funding in just a few days.

Warning as Whanganui's fire risk increases
Whanganui could require fire permits before Christmas.

Whanganui couple committed to combating human-trafficking
'Even if in our lifetime we’re only impacting one survivor, I feel like it’s worth it.'

Works on SH4 Parapara to cause delays ‘up to an hour’
Upcoming SH4 delays a ‘double-edged sword’, says transport manager.

What the weather has in store for festive events
Will the weather play ball for Whanganui's weekend festivities?

Whanganui set for hot summer
'Unusually warm, even hot, will be a theme for the summer season.'

New lecture series to commemorate late Sarjeant director Bill Milbank
The new series will honour the late director and his 'wide-ranging' interests.

Whanganui weather: What to expect for the last week of spring
Warm weather with a chance of showers in Whanganui for the last week of spring.