Whanganui

The Methodist minister who became a Cabinet minister is being remembered as a "principled voice".

An iwi partnership is being considered by Whanganui District Council, which could encompass management of reserves, and a trust to foster social well-being - and could be legally binding.

Willie Jackson was among politicians past and present paying respect to Dame Tariana - and made the call for an apology.

Two people died in a two-vehicle crash north of Mangaweka, bringing the holiday road toll to nine deaths.

"This is the best Christmas present Horowhenua could have," mayor Bernie Wanden said.

A group of homeless people the council evicted from a freedom camping spot are settled into a new location - but it is not a permanent solution, the mayor warns. Audio

Whanganui's biggest encampment of homeless people is being turfed out.

Local councillors have opposed seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight and applauded an impassioned first-term councillor for bringing the issue to the table.

A descendant of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi born and raised in Auckland is the new tumu whakarae to lead the board of the iwi agency Te Kaahui o Rauru.

A rural council's options for banding together with other councils to deliver water services are becoming clearer.

The potential for a "world-first indigenous-council partnership" between the WDC and Māori will be on the table next week.

Whanganui council is going public with aspects of the Treaty settlement being negotiated by iwi before it considers signing up to a binding "world-first indigenous-council partnership".

The community expects the council to be an efficient organisation, its chief executive says.

The upper Whanganui River iwi has initialled its Deed of Settlement for historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.

Upgrades are planned to two culturally significant sites, Rātana Pa and the Treaty Grounds, with just over $20 million being contributed from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

"We've had a rough time over the last 12 months. At a time like this, the opening of Te Ara Mangawhero is much needed," the district's mayor says.

Hauora providers say the free clinics revealed the severity of dental health issues among Māori and the extreme need for access to treatment.

Tracey Collis says there is little public support for a toll on the replacement Manawatū Tararua highway.