5 things to do this weekend

Welcome to Viva Local Life. Whether you’re a hot cross bun traditionalist or love to change it up, our food page this week has some bun suggestions you may never have thought of. Maybe even the bunhaters will be converted.

More women are choosing not to colour their grey hair. In our cover story, Catherine Sylvester talks to women who are embracing their natural colour.

In gardening, Gareth Carter has tips on growing berries at home plus we’ve got our usual travel, books, puzzles and more.

Have a great weekend.

1 RELAY: Head along to support the individuals and teams taking part in Whanganui Relay for Life 2024. The fundraiser for the Cancer Society Whanganui-rangitikeiwaimarino is at Cooks Gardens from 3pm today to 11am tomorrow, with plenty of entertainment on offer.

2 ART: It’s the second weekend of Artists Open Studios, with more than 90 Whanganui and Marton studios opening their doors to visitors. The Starting Point Exhibition at 19 Taupō Quay is a showcase of works from each studio, giving you a good place to plan your journey.

3 SHOW: Musical thriller Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is on at the Royal Whanganui Opera House. Promising comedy, tragedy and music and lyrics that are witty, sinister and moving, there are shows at 7.30pm today and 2pm tomorrow.

4 SPORT: It’s a big weekend for local cricket, with United playing Kā piti Old Boys in the final of the Coastal Challenge Cup at Victoria Park this afternoon. Play gets under way at midday. Cricket Whanganui’s Premier 2 and 3 finals are also on today.

5 WALK: The Rivercity Walking Group has a twilight walk around the bridges tomorrow. Meet at the Bearing sculpture near the Waimarie berth at 6.30pm. The walk will be in an anti-clockwise direction, going through Kowhai Park before crossing over the river and walking back alongside Somme Pde.