Manawatu
Shane Jones promises to spend every cent of $3b fund
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones was in Fielding today handing out more money to regional projects. And as Ben Strang reports, Mr Jones promises that come the next election, there… Audio
Horowhenua council CEO's blocking of emails condemned by Ombudsman
Between 2011 and 2017 Horowhenua District Council's chief executive David Clapperton was blocking people's emails to the council without them knowing. Ombudsman Peter Boshier told Phil Pennington that… Audio
Locals hoping to cash in on Ohakea development
A huge influx of new residents and spending is set to boost the communities near the Ohakea defence base. More than $2 billion is being spent on replacing the old Orion planes with four new P-8… Audio
Masters graduate mystified by ruling to leave country: 'I was so confident'
A woman denied a post-study work visa says she's baffled by the Immigration department's decision not to let her stay in the country.
6.2 earthquake felt throughout central NZ
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake was felt widely throughout the central New Zealand and as far south as Christchurch today. We spoke to people throughout the country, who described what impact the quake had… Video, Audio
Motorcyclist dies after crash on SH2
A motorcyclist has died from injuries suffered in a crash on State Highway 2 between Norsewood and Dannevirke this morning.
Feilding man David Lyttle denies murdering friend Brett Hall
The Crown says Feilding man David Lyttle deliberately shot his friend Brett Hall after a dispute over money, and had made a plan to get away with murder. But Mr Lyttle's lawyers are pointing the… Audio
Manawatu man on hunger strike over leaky home dispute
George Griffiths says his home wasn't built according to plans, and the Manawatu District Council incorrectly issued a code of compliance certificate. He has started a hunger strike as he can't afford… Video, Audio
Student exodus after bullying allegations at primary school
Almost two dozen students have withdrawn from a Whanganui primary school after allegations of bullying from a teacher.
Winning violinist and pianist team up for a Chamber Music New Zealand tour
Eva Radich talks with visiting Romanian violinist Ioana Cristina Goicea and pianist Andrey Gugnin. Goicea was the winner of the 2017 Michael Hill International Violin Competition. She’s back in New… Audio
More strife at Horowhenua District Council
A Horowhenua District Councillor says he's now wearing a body-cam over fears about his safety after a verbal exchange with another councillor. This on top of conflict between the district's mayor and… Audio
Residents alerted to toxic foam contamination
Farms and lifestyle blocks beside Palmerston North Airport are being alerted to firefighting foam contamination in waterways.
Foam contamination found in streams around Palmerston North airport
Contamination from banned chemicals in firefighting foam at levels above safe drinking water guidelines has been found in streams around Palmerston North airport.
Doing a writers' festival a little differently
The four-day Manawatu Writers' Festival is the only free event of its type in New Zealand. Organiser Rachel Doré joins us to talk about making literature accessible and which authors she's most… Audio
Southern discomfort: Media in free speech frenzy
Twice in two weeks high profile political speaking engagements have been scrubbed, sparking overlapping debates about free speech, hate speech, censorship and safety. As future free speech flashpoints… Video, Audio
Maria Berrett: one-stop GP and mental healthcare shop
A new scheme offering immediate access to a psychologist for patients at a GP clinic could be a game-changer for mental health care. The pilot scheme bases psychologists at Kauri Integrated Family… Audio
What do the students think of Massey University's decision?
Massey University Students' Association president Ben Schimdt says the student body is disappointed at the decision to rescind an invitation to Don Brash to speak about his time as National leader. Audio
Horowhenua Mayor's funding allocations questioned
The Horowhenua District Council is in the spotlight - again for all the wrong reasons - after documents appear to show misuse of the Mayor's Discretionary Fund.
Avalanche-damaged ski lift repairs could take months
A ski lift damaged in today's avalanche on the Turoa side of Mount Ruapehu could be out of action for months.
Insight: Water - Who Pays?
RNZs Local Government reporter Laura Dooney takes a closer look at the huge financial pressures facing local councils trying to keep our water safe and clean. Video, Audio