Our last long weekend in almost half a year is approaching – and typically Queens Birthday Weekend in New Zealand looks a little unsettled – but by no means is it a write off. There are rain and shower risks – mostly in Northland and our western coastline. Here’s a look at the best forecasts out at the moment – and we’ll fine tune this again on Friday with the very latest for the long weekend.
Latest Video
One night out ended with the purchase of a crayfishing boat
Cruising into clear, crisp skies in the Whanganui port upon their arrival, the four men were “pretty chuffed” with the purchase from their night out.
Maggie's Shine Bright Day
Fordell School celebrates the end of Maggie's chemotherapy treatment with Shine Bright Day. Video from Fordell School.
Fire SH4: The Parapara
Fire in a large 20x20m bush block on State Highway 4 near Parikino north of Whanganui.
I am new to this: Bricklaying
Summer Series. I am new to this. Reporter Liz Wylie gets to do bricklaying with bricky Shane Dudley. Photo / Bevan Conley
I am new to this: Fire fighting
Summer Series. I am new to this. Reporter Eva de Jong spends a morning with the local fire brigade.
I am new to this: Singing
Summer Series. I am new to this. Reporter Michael Tweet has a go at learning to sing.
I am new to this: Pro Wrestling
Whanganui Chronicle reporter Finn Williams takes on River City Pro Wrestling
Te Pāti Māori mass protest in Whanganui
Te Pāti Māori mass protest: 250 protesters blocked traffic on Whanganui’s main highway closing down SH3 for about half an hour. Video / Bevan Conley
The Great NZ Road Trip: 'Doing good' a way of life for Taranaki entrepreneur
From a north Taranaki farm to Kenya to a New Plymouth brew pub, local entrepreneur Dan Radcliff says "things don’t have to be boring to do good.” Video / Ilona Hanne / IVHQ / NZ Herald
Local Focus: Taranaki Paramedic on the trauma of saving lives
Mark Belchamber wrote a book to help him deal with the dark side of the job.
Matariki celebration at Majestic Square, Whanganui
Whanganui’s town centre hosted a free community event marking Matariki and Puanga season, with live entertainment, fun activities and kai.
Watch: 'Jake the bus' Wild altercation on Whanganui bus goes viral
A Whanganui bus driver is threatened by an irate motorist. Video / Kajun Campbell Brooking
Raw chicken
Stuart McLeod made it through half of his burger and said it tasted “pretty yum” but noticed the chicken patty was missing its normal crispy crunch.
Kinder the chicken
Kinder has had a brace on her leg to mend a broken bone. Surgery done by Veterinarian Dr Hein Stoop, from Whanganui Veterinary Services, was done to remove the brace and pins. Kenda made a full recovery.
No Water No Future
A hīkoi [march] organised by water kaitiaki group No Water No Future marched through central Whanganui to the Whanganui District Council. By Te Kakenga Kawiti-Bishara
Local Focus: “It has no future here!” Colonial statue under fire again
Whanganui Iwi concerned about the "hurtful" message inscribed on Aotearoa's first war memorial.
Local Focus: 'The Tide' is changing how people get around town
Whanganui's new high-frequency bus service is changing habits.
Local Focus: Hobby horsing is not a joke
Inaugural 'Hooves on Drews' hobby horsing extravaganza was a surprise hit.
Local Focus: Is Whanganui ready for floods?
Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe and emergency manager Tim Crowe discuss emergency planning and climate change mitigation.
Road flooding
Flooding in around Parsons Street and Carlton Ave, Whanganui. Video / Bevan Conley
Local Focus: Is pay really the reason for hospo staffing shortages?
Differing opinions on hospo pay rates and whether training is needed to wait tables.
'I'm new to this' - Cricket at 150kmh
'I'm new to this' - Fast-paced bowling. Reporter Mike Tweed takes on the chance of batting against a cricket bowling machine at 150 kmh with help of Cricket Whanganui and it's General Manager Pete Bowman.
'I'm New To This' - Drum Lessons
'I'm New To This' Drum Lessons. Reporter Liz Wylie gets some drum lessons from Chester Nevil.
'I'm new to this' - Roller Hockey
'I'm New To This' - Roller Hockey. Mike Tweet takes on a lesson in roller hockey with NZ rep Dean Fitness.
Local Focus: Jars Local Cafe is open and serving not just planespotters
The Airport Cafe is back and Loulou Krebs hopes to make it a reason to go to the airport.
Local Focus: SPCA Masterton is having kittens
It's kitten season and SPCA Masterton needs your help.
Local Focus: Bikes, hikes, and silent nights - three weeks at That Place
Follow the Oskam family's journey as they prepare to reopen "That Place" for the summer mountain biking season.
World Blokart Championships
World Blokart Championships on the first day at the Sanson Domain. Manawatū Blokart Club publicity officer Richard Gower. Video / Bevan Conley
Local Focus: Aisha Beazley on Candidate Camera
Meet Aisha Beazley, running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Dave Hill on Candidate Camera
Meet Dave Hill, the Whanganui District Council candidate saying 99 per cent of scientists are wrong on climate change.
Local Focus: Jenny Duncan on Candidate Camera
Meet Jenny Duncan, running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Phillip Reweti (Bear) on Candidate Camera
Meet Phillip Reweti (Bear), running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Glenda Brown on Candidate Camera
Meet Glenda Brown, running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Scott Phillips on Candidate Camera
Meet Scott Phillips, running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Ross Fallen on Candidate Camera
Meet Ross Fallen, running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Rory Smith on Candidate Camera
Meet Rory Smith, running for Whanganui District Council.
Local Focus: Rod Trott on Candidate Camera
Meet Rod Trott, running for Whanganui District Council.