AWA FM

AWA FM is the sole Māori language radio station in the Whanganui area, offering listeners the opportunity to engage with and immerse themselves in the Whanganui language and culture.

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Minister directs Health NZ to revive stalled Waimarino Wellness Centre in Raetihi

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingThe Health Minister has directed Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to prioritise and accelerate work on a rural health centre in the central North Island, following a local mayor’s demand for action. Minister Simeon Brown said work on the new Waimarino Wellness Centre in Raetihi would be accelerated.
‘Left high and dry’: Ruapehu mayor demands answers over delays to rural health centre

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingA rural community is demanding answers and action from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora over delays in building a long-promised rural health centre. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says his community is being stonewalled as inquiries about the planned Waimarino Wellness Centre in Raetihi go unanswered. “One thing about rural New Zealand, it seems to be easy picking for the Government to put these things on hold,” Kirton said.
Rangitīkei and Ruapehu eye 9% rate hikes, Whanganui 2.2%

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingRangitīkei and Ruapehu ratepayers could face rate rises of around 9 percent in the year ahead while their Whanganui neighbours are contemplating a bump of just 2.2 percent. Rangitīkei is proposing an average rate rise of 9.1 percent – slightly less than expected – while Ruapehu is sticking with the 9 percent increase it signalled in its long-term plan for 2024-34 (LTP) – “the bare minimum required”.
‘If it gets here, it’s too late’: Warning against invasive clam

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingWhanganui River iwi are banding together with councils, the Department of Conservation and others to avert a potential bio-security disaster. They say only a coordinated, focused and urgent response can prevent the highly invasive freshwater gold clam, Corbicula fluminea, from entering the catchment. Scientists warn that without intervention, large-scale invasion could cause significant and irreversible economic, social, cultural and ecosystem losses.
Whanganui set to decide on future of water services

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingWhanganui District Council is keeping all options open for future delivery of water services. The council is investigating whether it can continue to go it alone while at the same time working on buddying up with neighbouring councils to provide the costly services.
Rural mayor warns regional economies fighting for future

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingA rural mayor says successful and resilient regions are the key to a wealthier New Zealand but urgently need government support to get through tough economic times. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says regional industries like agriculture, horticulture, forestry and tourism are the backbone of the export economy and are crucial to the nation’s prosperity. But he said communities in regional New Zealand are fighting for their future.
Whanganui, Taranaki diplomat appointed High Commissioner to Malaysia

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingA diplomat with iwi affiliations to the Whanganui River and Taranaki has been appointed High Commissioner to Malaysia. Michael (Mike) Walsh is currently New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran and accredited High Commissioner to Pakistan. He also has responsibilities for Afghanistan. Walsh, who also has iwi links to Ōtaki and Te Whanganui-a-Tara, joined the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1993.
New numbers for biggest iwi in Whanganui-Manawatū

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingTe Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi remains the biggest iwi in Whanganui-Manawatū, with 16,863 people affiliating to it in 2023. Ngāti Apa and Ngā Wairiki follow with a combined count of 5148. The Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi population increased by 44.2% in the 10 years between 2013 and 2023, according to last year’s census. Data iwi leaders group Te Kāhui Raraunga said all iwi affiliation population counts had increased between 2013 and 2023 by an average of 46.3 percent.
Whanganui prepares for dawn unveiling of $70m gallery redevelopment

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingThe $70 million redevelopment of one of New Zealand’s most significant regional galleries will be unveiled next month in a dawn ceremony led by iwi. Arrangements for the November 9 re-dedication of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery and the opening of its new wing, Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa, were released on Wednesday. The Sarjeant Gallery – owned by Whanganui District Council – is one of the country’s oldest purpose-built galleries.
Make-up of Whanganui council to be decided by Commission

2 weeks ago | awafm.co.nz | Moana Ellis

By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy ReportingThe Local Government Commission will make the final decision on Whanganui District Council’s representation arrangements after seven appeals were received. The council has completed its part of the representation review process and the appeal period for the representation review has closed. The seven appeals have been forwarded to the Local Government Commission.