NewsBank (Whanganui Midweek)

In 2009 I took over the editorial side of Midweek when Kate Spencer left the job to go travelling. When I started, the masthead boasted 23 years of community news; now we’re celebrating 35 years.

Rep Talk What’s with the shorts on the line outside Repertory Theatre? Well, it’s about the “shorts”, ie the short plays that are soon to open at Rep. Shona Edwards has written and is directing two short plays about women who have a problem.

The end of the year is always a time for reflection, and after a packed year of delivery, there is plenty of achievement to reflect on.

Whanganui’s most-read community newspaper.

There’s been a rush of activity at council over the past month, including the long-awaited opening of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery; decisions and community meetings around Whanganui hapū and iwi impending Crown land settlement negotiations and Whanganui Council’s unique relationship as part of that settlement; our council voting on its preferred Local Water Done Well water services delivery...

Wanganui Surf Lifeguard Service has just had an early Christmas present – a portable lifeguard tower – delivered ready for summer.

In 1976, Nat Hentoff, the celebrated American columnist, historian, novelist and music critic wrote a book defining jazz by gathering quotes from a host of musicians who were famous for their contributions to this elusive art. The book is entitled Jazz Is and it is as good an attempt as you will find to describe the immense scope of the music.

■ 1. Name the prominent Whanganui disability rights activist who died in 2024.

New Zealand’s backcountry is littered with reminders of times past. These can be old fence posts in the country reverting to the bush, tram lines and machinery in areas that were logged or items like rain gauges in the ranges.

Whanganui’s 75th annual Carols by Candlelight event was spectacular, it was a beautiful evening with clear skies following on from typical spring weather, but the ground underfoot was dry, the sun shone and the wind died down for this year’s event on Saturday, December 7.

Durie Hill Elevator will offer special guided tours on selected dates this summer, including during Whanganui Vintage Weekend.

The Whanganui Camera Club is embarking on a year-long project to capture daily life in the city.

The highlight of the last month – and in fact this year – was the reopening of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. It was one of those great days.

The highlight of the last month – and in fact this year – was the reopening of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. It was one of those great days.

The closure of Midweek removes the last remnant of the Wanganui Herald (then Evening Herald) founded by John Ballance in 1867.

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Farmers are being urged to keep up to date with measures to control C. ovis — sheep measles — after the Ovis Management programme reported a spike in infection rates.

The grand opening of the long-awaited resurfacing of eight of the netball courts at Laird Park took place on Sunday, December 1.

UCOL lecturer Kate Sellar and recent graduate Wouna le Roux have been selected to exhibit their works in the highly regarded Time exhibition organised by the Surface Design Association (SDA).

Whanganui topdressing company Aerowork has celebrated 75 years of service to rural communities.

1. What is unique about the Duncan Pavilion at Castlecliff Beach?

Japanese education providers and students are booking Whanganui visits following successful international education engagements with local secondary schools.

Whanganui’s newest art gallery opened in style on Friday night packed with art lovers to view the inaugural collection Journeys adding to the authenticity of this Unesco City of Design.

Whanganui’s most-read community newspaper.

The 15th annual St John’s Club River City Tour Speed Skating event was held on November 23 and 24 in what was a well-supported contest, with more than 50 skaters attending from Auckland to Timaru.

The dress rehearsal for Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the world, (opened in 1952) appeared to be flawless recently in Whanganui.

On the evening of May 31, 11 songwriters gathered at the Whanganui Musicians Club, along with a cracking live band and a very supportive audience.

■ What is the precise date the building was blessed?

The Whanganui Musicians Club ends its 2024 season with an evening showcasing the talent in our city and the camaraderie of the community that supports live music.

Plans are under way for Whanganui’s iconic Vintage Weekend. At the event held over the Wellington Anniversary Weekend, visitors will be spoilt for choice with more than 30 vintage-themed events and attractions taking place in and around beautiful Whanganui.