Published 11 times a year on the 1st of each month (except January) and is distributed free to residents and businesses in the wider Featherston area.
The Phoenix is a not-for-profit community news publication produced for the community by the Featherston Community Centre Charitable Trust.
We do not employ reporters or journalists; all stories are written by volunteers.
We use advertising revenue to pay for production costs. Please consider supporting us by placing an advertisement.
History
May 1996, in Featherston, one diligent local started printing the Phoenix newspaper.
Ray Weighell, farmer, advertising manager, rugby coach, golfer, serviceman, quizzer, family man, added another string to his bow. He was now a newspaper editor and what a newspaper!
It is a joy to read Volume 1, Issue 1 and learn how “The Phoenix Has Risen”. An opening editorial took pride of place on the cover –
“We have named our publication the Phoenix in the hope we can create something from nothing.” The paper’s first ad sat below. It was an open invitation to all townsfolk to visit the new Country Studio at 17 Fitzherbert Street, between Quilts Galore and Eric’s 2ndHand Shop. The Featherston Community Board was “proud to support this new initiative”.
Many years later, the new editor Annelise Schroeder acknowledged Ray’s contribution and the Phoenix’s stature in local life.
“Featherston deserves its own newspaper… a practical, informative vehicle for all Featherstonians to share their news and support their own clubs, schools, sports teams and businesses. That’s why Ray started the Phoenix.”
In April 2022, Annelise passed the publication to the care of Featherston Community Centre Charitable Trust.
Since Ray first put typewriter to paper, locals have pitched in to develop new landmarks and the Mini Fell railway is now in its third decade, guiding tourists and townsfolk alike to all corners of Clifford Square. Featherston’s Own Op shop brings in visitors from across the region. Our award-winning Adamson’s petrol station is one of New Zealand’s favourite stops, and our array of bookshops befits the home of the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival.
Over a quarter of a century on from Volume 1, Issue 1, our town and the Phoenix continue to rise.