A Legacy of Justice: How Modern Policing is Evolving Beyond the Badge The recent recognition of Inspector Ross Grantham with the Officer of the Order of Merit serves as a powerful reminder of how the face of law enforcement is changing. With nearly 48 years of service, Grantham’s career—spanning the 1981 Springbok tour, the Wellington … Read more
OHAKUNE — A traditional Māori star compass, known as whana tongitongi, has been unveiled at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Rangi in Ohakune, marking a significant step in reconnecting the next generation with ancient celestial knowledge. The compass, named Te Tatau o Rongonui, was opened at dawn on Thursday. It serves as a kāpehu … Read more
By Samantha Carter, Chief Editor The streets of Manawatū are becoming an increasingly volatile battleground as authorities struggle to contain a persistent wave of illegal street racing. Despite the implementation of targeted bylaws in Palmerston North, the anti-social road behavior has not vanished; it has simply migrated, leaving police to chase a mobile, social-media-driven subculture … Read more
The Rising Tide of Fuel Theft: How Small Businesses Are Fighting Back For independent fuel retailers, the forecourt is no longer just a place of commerce—it has become a high-stakes frontline. Recent incidents, such as the brazen triple-theft at a Manawatū family-owned garage, highlight a growing trend: organized fuel siphoning that targets vulnerable, small-scale operations. … Read more
By Samantha Carter, Chief Editor A coroner’s report released this Monday into the death of 26-year-old Wednesday Davis has highlighted the grave risks of alpine mountaineering when group dynamics and environmental conditions are misjudged. Davis, a novice mountaineer, died in June 2024 after sliding approximately 250 metres down an icy slope on Mount Ruapehu. Coroner … Read more
Police have dismantled an alleged shoplifting ring operating across the lower North Island, resulting in the arrest of four individuals following a traffic stop in Levin earlier this week. Paraparaumu Incident Leads to Arrests The police operation intensified at approximately 5.15pm on Thursday after officers in Paraparaumu received reports of a shoplifting in progress. Sergeant … Read more
A local state of emergency has been lifted for the remote King Country settlement of Ōhura, though residents face a grueling recovery process after devastating floodwaters swept through the town. While the official emergency declaration has ended, many locals remain displaced from their homes a week after the deluge. A Harrowing Escape The flooding struck … Read more
Severe weather has triggered two states of local emergency across the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Heavy rain has led to widespread flooding, landslides, and the closure of critical state highways overnight. Whanganui District Mayor Andrew Tripe declared a state of local emergency for the district at 6:57 am on Sunday. This followed a similar declaration made by … Read more
From Strawberries to Sustainable Power: How Māori Tribes are Pioneering a Latest Era of Economic and Environmental Resilience Just outside Whanganui, a transformation is underway. What was once unproductive land is now a thriving strawberry farm, Harakeke Berries, owned and operated by the Ngā Wairiki and Ngāti Apa iwi. But this isn’t just a story … Read more
Severe weather sweeping across the lower North Island and upper South Island has left thousands without power and prompted water conservation notices for residents in Horowhenua. The storm, which caused disruption across the upper North Island yesterday, brought heavy rain and strong winds to a wide swathe of the country. Widespread Disruptions Widespread power outages … Read more