Manawatū

Injured Palmerston North rugby player Nathanael ''Nat'' Manville is breathing on his own after undergoing major surgery.

Students and staff from two secondary schools are praying for the recovery of rugby player Nathanael "Nat" Manville.

Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor is the sole nominee for the National Party candidacy for the Palmerston North electorate.

Palmerston North residents are being urged to call the Police if they are approached by someone purporting to be a Palmerston North City Council officer issuing a fine for placing rubbish in their recycling bins.

Scores of people apparently desperate for their legal high fix formed long queues outside a Palmerston North retailer late on Friday and last night, as the store reopened after the public holidays.

A plane passenger has serious injuries after a light plane collided with a digger on a truck and crashed over a rural road at an airport near Feilding this evening.

Light drizzle has not been enough to prevent a total outdoor fire ban in Palmerston North.

The widower of a cyclist killed in a crash with a milk tanker in Palmerston North has remembered her as a friendly, outgoing woman with incredible mental and physical strength.

Thirty-four Manawatū District Council staff face an uncertain future after being told their positions are to be disestablished.