The Bush Telegraph Comes Home

Since the Pahiatua Star began printing in 1886 Pahiatua has had its own newspaper, so the news that the NZME was closing down the Bush Telegraph at the end of last year was a blow to not just Pahiatua, but all the communities of the Tararua region. For some who do not have access to or use social media or online services, it was their only source of news and information about the community.

However, this familiar story of cutbacks has a happy ending. The paper was rescued by Steve and Heide Carle who purchased it along with the Stratford Press which was another of the 14 community papers NZME shut down.

The Bush Telegraph has come home to its roots. Though over the decades it changed names and expanded to other towns in the region, it started life as the Pahiatua Star, right here in Pahiatua. The paper (then named the North Wairarapa News) was sold in 1960 to Cyril Carle. Yes, that’s the same Carle – as in Steve Carle’s father.

Steve grew up in the newspaper business and first started working at the paper from the age of ten doing odd jobs and ultimately moving on to be the paper’s editor where he remained until 2023 before moving on to take up the role of as editor at the Whanganui Midweek. When he saw the news that the Bush Telegraph was to be closed, it was an easy decision for him to buy it back.

While Steve and his family now live in Whanganui, home of the Stratford Press, the Bush Telegraph will remain based in Pahiatua, run by the same staff. Leanne Warr continues as editor and Nikki O’Leary heads advertising. Their office is located in the old bank building on the corner of Mangahao Road (currently Colliers), 120 Main Street.

They can be contacted by email at:
leanne.warr@delessepsmedia.nz
nikki.oleary@delessepsmedia.nz