Latest news from Whanganui

'It can be heavy-handed': Police pull back from mental health callouts
'Really, there needs to be some involvement from everybody.'

Opinion: Why autumn is perfect for planting colourful gardens
OPINION: Pansies thrive in cooler seasons but dislike hot summer sun.

Community mourns loss of Waitotara Hotel after fire
The hotel's licensee was left with only the clothes on his back and his little kitten.

'Pretty much destroyed': Investigation opened into South Taranaki blaze
A fire investigator will return to the scene this morning

Folklore-inspired sculpture honours trust founder
The sculpture will be unveiled on Sunday at Rotokawau Virginia Lake.

'I love this community': Rangītikei Mayor to stand for fifth term
Andy Watson has 20-plus years of council experience and has been Mayor since 2013.

Australian company applies to mine Taranaki seabed under fast-track law
Opponents fear sediment discharge will harm sea life on Pātea Banks.

Land lease problems scupper plan for iwi-council centre
The parties will now pursue separate developments in Manāia.

'Extremely proud': Whanganui-raised Justine Smith's career milestone
Justine Smith has been appointed chief executive of the Office of Treaty Settlements.

Police respond to potential firearms sighting in Whanganui
Officers were active on Guyton St and Wicksteed St about 10.30am on Thursday.

‘They just don’t care’: Fit for Surgery patients gutted by funding cut
The programme has referred 116 people for surgery since 2018.

Councillor says Govt 'abdicating' housing responsibilities
'We are not seeing an improvement on the availability of stock in town.'

Kai Hub over halfway to donation goal
The Kai Hub is facing closure in May if it does not receive regular financial donations.

'Explosive': Chemical spill led to daycare evacuation, bomb squad call
A daycare centre next to Whanganui Hospital was evacuated.

'A difficult process': Bremworth cuts 15 staff from Whanganui plant
'There was a lot of anxiety and stress waiting for that confirmation.'

Muggy Easter weekend expected as subtropical system hits Whanganui
Taihape, Taumarunui and parts of Taranaki are under a strong wind watch.

House prices down in most regions in year to March
Prices either static or falling throughout NZ, only six areas had price rises lately.

Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review returns after two-year hiatus
The top prize is $7000 and a solo exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery.

Rugby: Kaierau hold off new-look Border in season-opener
Around 10 new players made their Premier debut for Border.

Kevin Page: Hospital gowns, undies and a thwarted car thief
OPINION: I scared off a car thief while standing on crutches in my new undies.

Club rugby: Taihape beat Marist to retain Challenge Shield
Rātana top the table after defeating Marton 108-12 in week one of the competition.

'It's surreal': Law firm's new partner ready for challenge
Jai Stephens was educated in Whanganui before studying in Canterbury for his law degree.

Police crack down on road safety
During the four-day operation, 7755 drivers were breath tested.

Gun-wielding man jumps into nurse's car, threatens her outside hospital
Police are still looking for a man who jumped into the hospital worker's back seat.

Minister directs Health NZ to revive stalled health centre
Minister Simeon Brown says work on the new Waimarino Wellness Centre will be accelerated.

Why a human rights researcher never gave up on Lake Alice victims
Victor Boyd was recognised at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.