River City Press Whanganui

20/12/2025

Overtone Events launches in Whanganui with a sold-out fundraiser for Palestine

A new events company has arrived in Whanganui — and it’s already making an impact.

Overtone Events, a collaboration between Fergus Reid of Whanganui Tech Services and Nikki Moore, who has a background in event and destination marketing, has launched with the simple goal of “making cool things happen in Whanganui.” Their vision is to grow a vibrant, high-quality events scene in the River City, starting with something that gives back.

Inspired by the idea that “when you fish, you always throw your first one back,” the pair decided their inaugural event should be a fundraiser. They reached out to the Whanganui Palestinian Solidarity Group, who were immediately enthusiastic, and A Night for Palestine was born.

The event brought together a full lineup of local talent — Shady Lady, Naram, Castlecliff Lights, Spacetrash and Alphabethead — with everyone involved either donating their time or providing services at heavily reduced rates. Their collective generosity helped raise $6,000, which will be split between Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.

Performers said they were moved by the purpose behind the night. Ellen Young of Castlecliff Lights noted that while people sometimes feel powerless in the face of global crises, events like this remind communities that their actions matter. “We live in a globalised world where we see everything happening in real time,” she said. “People in Palestine really do hear that communities thousands of miles away are standing with them, and I hope it gives them strength. If we choose to act, even in small, local, deeply human ways, we help bring a better world into being. This night is a community choosing to act — and that matters.”

Whanganui Palestinian Solidarity Group spokesperson Sophi Reinholt echoed this, expressing deep gratitude to those who attended. She thanked the audience “for showing up, for recognising our shared humanity, and for raising funds for the Palestinian people, who are in such dire need of support.” Reinholt added that standing up for human rights shouldn’t be seen as contentious: “It is not controversial to affirm that genocide and violations of international law must be prevented and punished, or to insist that human rights protect us all equally.”
For Overtone Events, the success of their first event is just a beginning. With several creative projects already in development, they’re excited to continue building a high-quality events calendar for Whanganui.

To stay updated on upcoming events, follow Overtone Events on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/overtoneevents
https://www.instagram.com/overtoneevents

• turning event dreams into reality •

20/12/2025

Festive Spirit on Display at Kowhainui Christmas Parade

Kowhainui Rest Home was alive with colour, laughter, and Christmas cheer yesterday as it hosted its fifth annual Christmas parade around the home.
The annual event is held to bring the joy of Christmas directly to residents, many of whom are unable to attend community parades, ensuring they can still experience the excitement, fun, and togetherness of the festive season. The parade also provides an opportunity to connect residents with families, staff, children, and the wider community in a meaningful and inclusive way.
Residents were joined by staff, family members, children, and community supporters, with special guests including Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe and Josh Chandulal-Mackay, who took part in the celebrations and spent time with residents along the route.
Participants embraced the festive spirit, dressing up in a wide range of creative and humorous costumes. Highlights included flight attendants, Sesame Street characters, the Cat in the Hat, and many other colourful and imaginative outfits, along with decorated trolleys and floats that travelled throughout the home.
The involvement of children added extra excitement, while the enthusiasm of staff and families helped create a lively and joyful atmosphere. Laughter, smiles, and applause followed the parade as it made its way around the facility.
Now in its fifth year, the Kowhainui Christmas parade has become a much-anticipated tradition, reflecting the home’s strong sense of community and its commitment to creating memorable experiences for residents during the festive season.

20/12/2025

Incredibly tight at the top in Suzuki Series heading into Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit
by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

It is incredibly tight at the top after the second round of three in the 2025 Suzuki International Series in the Manawatu, December 13-14.

And now the popular motorcycling competition is headed for a much-anticipated finale on the public streets of Whanganui’s world-renowned Cemetery Circuit, on December 26, with racing sure to go right down to the final chequered flag in several of the bike categories.

The tightest of all is the formula one sidecars class where Tokomaru’s Barry Smith, with Whanganui co-pilot Louise Blythe, and Panmure’s Adam Unsworth, with Whanganui co-pilot Bryce Rose, are level on points after the weekend’s two days of racing at Manfeild, on the outskirts of Feilding.

Two of the leading riders in the formula one/superbike class each suffered crashes in separate incidents at Manfeild, Bay of Plenty’s defending champion and class leader Mitch Rees sliding from his bike while leading the F1 race on Saturday, while his father, multi-time former champion Tony Rees, crashed out of race three on Sunday afternoon and, with an ankle injury, he opted not to line up for the re-start.
Consistency from the fast-improving Rogan Chandler, from Upper Hutt, earned him the No.2 position in the F1 standings and he is now just three points adrift of Whakatane man Mitch Rees. As for 58-year-old ‘elder statesman’ Tony Rees, he has slipped to third in the rankings, although he is only 11 points behind Chandler.
One of the most impressive riders in the series so far has been Silverdale teenager Tyler King.

The 19-year-old holds the lead in two of the competition’s 13 bike categories – he is on top in both the formula three and supersport 300 classes – and his current form and momentum will likely see him remain there.

Whanganui’s Richie Dibben has been untouchable this season, the national supermoto champion taking his lightly-modified Suzuki RM-Z450 motocross bike to qualify fastest at both Taupo’s round one and at round two in Feilding and then winning all six races contested, one of them a from-last-to-first masterclass performance.

Started in 2008, this year’s 17th annual Suzuki International Series – it skipped a year in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – climaxes as usual with the post-Christmas public street race event on Whanganui’s famous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day.

The Suzuki International Series is supported by Suzuki New Zealand, Mondiale VGL, Auto Super Shoppe Tawa, Givi, I-Tools, Bridgestone tyres, Metzeler tyres, Sharp As Linehaul Ltd Whanganui, TSS Motorcycles, Ipone, Inferno Design & Digital, Kiwibike Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Shark, Barred Up Scaffolding, The Dentists.

Christchurch’s Harriet Grace (left) and Silverdale’s Tyler King share the supersport 300 podium after race three at Manfeild on Sunday.
Photo credit: Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

There’s no room for mistakes when the racing is this close. Silverdale’s Tyler King (No.128) leads Wellington’s Nixon Frost (No.99) early on in this supersport 300 class race at Manfeild at the weekend.
Photo credit: Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

20/12/2025

Good cheer and gifting at Grey Power Christmas function

Christmas is a time of good cheer and generosity, and Grey Power Wanganui delivered just that at the organisation’s end of year Christmas function – Whanganui Air Ambulance Trust and Whanganui St John Hato Hone each received a substantial gift of $3000.

Grey Power Wanganui is a lobby organisation whose focus is on promoting the well-being of members of the community aged over 50 years. These donations will have a positive impact on everyone in our community. Good medical care is for everyone.

Nerrily Frith, president of Grey Power Wanganui, says, “This is our first donation like this, and if we have the funds available, we would like to continue this gifting to community organisations. The Wanganui Air Ambulance Trust and St John Hato Hone Whanganui are vital services for everyone in our community, and our members are really pleased to contribute to such worthy causes.”

Wanganui Air Ambulance has been operating since 1996, and Chair Rex McKinnon has been involved since its inception, so is well versed in the history and purpose of the charity, saying to the Grey Power members gathered, “We do appreciate the donation you guys have made and as an organisation, you do great work for the older generation, of which I am one. We are totally dependent on donations to keep our services going - what we primarily do is buy medical equipment to equip the aircraft that fly out of Whanganui.

“Over the years, the number of patients being transferred from here to other centres averages about 60 per year. The whole purpose of our trust is to ensure that the people of Whanganui can get access to the best possible medical care.”
Whanganui Air Ambulance Trust work in together with Air Whanganui, who supply the aircraft and personnel and Whanganui Hospital, to provide this vital service.
Next year will be the 120th St John Hato Hone has been supporting the Whanganui community. Pip Grant, chairperson of St John Hato Hone Whanganui, is also truly grateful for the donation, which will go towards protecting ambulance officers who work tirelessly to help the unwell.

Pip says,” Increasingly, we have people coming round who are under the influence of things they shouldn’t be, and they will wait in the car park to abuse our paramedics and our ambulance staff. So now they’re going to have big electronic gates that these people are not able to get near them. It’s a sign of the times, and this donation is gratefully received.”

Nerrily Frith, on behalf of Grey Power Whanganui members, wishes everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and looks forward to welcoming new members to the Grey Power fold in 2026.

Photo: While Pip Grant, Rex McKinnon receive funding gifts from Nerrily Frith, president of Grey Power, they link hands to demonstrate the interconnectedness that keeps our vital services delivering.

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

The music never stops - IJD Sessions

The monthly IJD Jam Sessions at Porridge Watson are unique examples of how music can be an ongoing adventure that defies convention, while seeking to create harmony. With great respect for the jazz tradition, the participating musicians focus on free expression and group improvisation. The sessions promote the importance of the International Jazz Day initiative here in Whanganui, that aligns with the worldwide celebration taking place on 30 April every year.

Whanganui Jazz for UNESCO has championed this important project since 2018, and 2026 will mark our eighth consecutive event, with 2020 having been cancelled due to covid restrictions. The importance of this global initiative continues to capture the imagination of our community. This annual event is regularly supported by our District Council through both the Creative Communities Scheme and the mayor’s office. This year the Whanganui Community Foundation has recognised the importance of the event’s kaupapa by awarding a grant. Whanganui Collegiate School will host the afternoon student workshop and the evening concert will once again be performed in their Prince Edward Auditorium.

This month sees the return of the ‘usual suspects’ to the scene with maestro Chris Dann on keys and ‘stuff’, Michael Franklin-Browne on drums and Dave Griffiths on bass. These three make up the house band, with musicians from around town (and as far away as Taihape) coming along to add to the mix. We never know who will turn up. You are invited. Everyone is welcome. And thanks to the patronage of club owner Tony Sundman, there is no charge. Come and be part of a relaxed and vibrant evening of improvised music.

Sunday 21 December from 6pm to 8pm @ Porridge Watson, 30 Drews Ave

19/12/2025

Local art group display their talent in calendar

River City Artists was started over nine years ago by Val Donkervoort, who, having moved to Whanganui, wanted to meet with other artists to absorb themselves in their craft for a day once a week. It started small, but now boasts 30 members. This year, as well as planning for their annual exhibition at Vintage Weekend in January, the talented artists have created a 2026 calendar.

It is way to raise some funds for the group, and a chance for artists who wanted to, to display their work. Val and Sue Cleeve, secretary of the club, curated the works to be included, to ensure, as Val says, “There’s something for everybody.”

The 13-month calendar displays an impressive array of local talent, a picture for each month, including abstract, nature and portraiture art, and places in our city and region, in a variety of mediums. It’s a great gift idea and a perfect thank-you gift that reinforces Whanganui’s artsy reputation.

The calendar ticks the boxes of shopping local and supporting an art group that has great value for its members.

To purchase this unique calendar, printed in Whanganui, too, at H&A Print, contact Sue Cleeve on 021-048-4035. The price is $20.00.

River City Artists meet every Thursday from 9.15am to 3.15pm at Whanganui Anglicans Lower Hall at Christ Church on Wicksteed Street.

Val says, “It’s a lovely group; we have a good laugh! It’s more than just the artwork; we’re very social as well.”

The group welcomes beginners, as well as experienced artists, across an array of mediums. Val says, “Artists love to share their knowledge. We have artists who create in watercolour, pastels, oils acrylics, mixed media. There’s a bit of everything.”

The calendars will also be available for purchase in January at the Whanganui Arts Centre on Taupō Quay, during the group’s annual Vintage Weekend exhibition: 16-19 January.

By Louise Follett

Photo: Sue Cleeve and Val Donkervoort with calendar.

19/12/2025

New tech hub Hive HQ - a vision for a bright future

In just five weeks, deputy mayor and tech business owner, Michael Law, and consultant David Alexander, and other founders, with toolbelts on and paint brushes at hand, have transformed a 1100 square metre downtown building into Hive HQ, the next phase of The Backhouse. It’s a nursery for business start-ups in the technology sector with big ambitions, big ideas, driven by Whanganui’s own tech sector, with the potential to transform Whanganui’s economy.
Hive HQ had it’s opening last Friday.

Michael announced his plan to the guests, saying, “One thousand new businesses, with a one million turnover, equals one billion GDP, that is the mission of Hive HQ for Whanganui. In a small-to-medium enterprise market, it all flows on, every tradie does better, every hospitality business does better, everybody does better. Your kids will have opportunities here in 10 years’ time, if we’re successful.”
Michael wants to realise this plan in six years.

The Hive HQ building has nine premium offices, 12 private offices, and 11 dedicated desks. There are large training and meeting rooms, a 28-person design lab for product and strategy creation, and the Hive lounge, a 50-person event venue.
Sixty percent of Hive HQ is shared space, as Michael says, “Because when you create a 1 +1 = 3 environment you have to give them space to come together and talk; the lounge, the seminar room, multimedia rooms, kitchens that are designed for talking, hot desking, shared spaces, then you’ve got your offices, good for when you need your own space. Lots of shared space allows for creativity and innovation.”

Michael and David are focusing this venture on opportunities for youth and those with big ideas, as a way for them to change their futures.

Michael says, “Our kids don’t need to leave Whanganui, go to university, to make a great income.

“They can start here from a hot desk, work their way up to an office of three or four people, and then leave and go to their own space.

“There are many cases of businesses already at Hive HQ turning over $500,000 to $1 million annually, employing two to three people, that go unnoticed in Whanganui.”

It might sound like a brave new world, reaching for the stars, but the idea is to get Whanganui well and truly on the technology train, to compete globally, from right here at home, and boost our economy for everyone.

It’s not about profit for Hive HQ, but for its members. The idea is to turn all those great ideas into commercially viable products.

“No one’s getting paid for business mentorship here, but it’s very costly on time to set up a meeting. But if you’re here having a coffee, then it’s easy,” Michael adds.
Tim Easton, Economic Strategic Lead Whanganui & Partners, who first approached Michael Law about The Backhouse concept a couple of years ago, sharing his vision over a beer, explains, “Now from the Backhouse it’s morphed into its next phase, the Hive HQ.

“It’s no longer Whanganui and Partners and UCOL holding it quite closely and trying to run it. Tech partners own it and run it. I’m super proud to see it in its new form. And that’s how it should be, it should be run by the sector.”

What had been built at The Backhouse, though, still has value: it’s all about relationships. David Alexander announced on opening night that “Everyone from The Backhouse has made the move to Hive HQ”, including Whanganui Tech Network, Te Manu Atatū, Bustle, WDETT, Michael Law’s various small businesses, with the support of Whanganui District Council, Whanganui & Partners, local Iwi, and MP Carl Bates.

David extended a huge thanks to “Gail Deighton, former W&P CEO, and Katarina Hina UCOL External Relations Business Lead, who kept The Backhouse going. We have just lifted and shifted.” With more coming on board to Hive HQ, it’s a case of watch this space to see great things happen.

Mayor Andrew Tripe was at the opening alongside several other councillors; he shared his thoughts about his deputy mayor, “Michael is daring to dream. People can be scared to do that these days, falling short of going beyond where we think we can go; we play it safe. I hope that this is the birthplace of a technology sector that is leading New Zealand.”

To learn more about opportunities at Hive HQ, visit https://hivehq.nz/

Photos:
Hive HQ opening - 12 December

David Alexander, Whetū Fala, Michael Law appreciating speaker Gail Deighton's sense of humour at the opening in night.

The team are flanking the Backhouse 'oilskin', a well regarded NZ product made at The Backhouse in the 1990s. The previous tech hub had been located at The Backhouse, and this oilskin is an emblem that will have it's place at the Hive HQ, symbolising excellence in Whanganui business and manufacturing.

19/12/2025

Pilot academy transition picks up momentum

As New Zealand’s largest pilot training school, the New Zealand Airline Academy Limited (NZAAL), prepares to establish its Whanganui base, the team and students at the New Zealand International Pilot Academy (NZICPA) are making arranging to relocate to alternative premises.

NZICPA chief executive, Scott McKenzie says students who had returned to India temporarily have now returned to complete their training. “We are focused on getting all the remaining students through their training, so we’ve put a transition plan in place to ensure that can continue, once NZAAL arrives.”

NZICPA students will move to the Hato Hōhepa Crew Rest Facility where simulator training will also take place. “We are pleased to have the support of other airport users to help us get our students trained up,” says McKenzie. “We’ve arranged to run aircraft training out of the Wanganui Aeroclub and for our engineers to work out of Air Whanganui’s facilities.”

He says the academy is running efficiently. “We did 1160 flying hours in November and since the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) formally lifted its suspension of the academy’s Part 141 Certificate in July, 19 of our students have completed their training and graduated.”

The chair of Whanganui District Council Holdings (Holdings), Carolyn van Leuven, says the NZICPA board has reduced further in size ahead of the company transitioning out of service over the coming months.

Matthew Doyle has stepped down as a director, with Craig Compain remaining as sole director. Van Leuven says, “Matt has been a director of the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy since the company was established in 2015, and Holdings and the council are very grateful for his service.”

Doyle’s involvement with NZICPA will continue in an advisory capacity through his firm PKF Doyle & Associates and he also remains a director of GasNet, which is owned by Holdings on behalf of Whanganui District Council.

NZAAL will be welcomed to Whanganui in January 2026.

18/12/2025

Here's a unique and fun way to tour Whanganui's Light Up Your Christmas 2025!

18/12/2025

From my family to yours...
By Carl Bates, Member of Parliament for Whanganui

As this issue of the River City Press reaches your letterbox it is hard to believe that Christmas is just a week away, and that in two weeks, it will be 2026.

The highlight of the year for the Bates family was the arrival of Bonnie-Ann in mid-July. She has brought joy to our home, and her brothers dote over her.

Looking ahead, there is an election coming sometime in 2026. I have been reselected as National’s candidate for Whanganui and will campaign with vigour to retain the seat, which now includes most of the Ruapehu district too.

We know things are still tough for a lot of families and that is why we are focused on growing the economy to help Kiwis get ahead. The National-led Government is is getting on with the job of fixing the basics and building the future.

Over the summer, Whanganui will be a hive of activity. There is a host of events for locals and domestic tourists alike, I hope to see many of you at some of these events.

From my family - Candice, Angus, Logan and Bonnie-Ann – to yours, our very best wishes for a blessed Christmas, and a fantastic New Year. May you be touched by the miracle of Christmas.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous 2026.