Stories by Robin Martin
News
Council to vote on whether to fund rough sleeper shelter
The YMCA has offered its central city building as a shelter location for the growing number of people who are homeless in New Plymouth.
Conservation Minister signals changes to Wildlife Act
Tama Potaka says he's 'not worried' updates might lead to a free pass for developers to kill protected species.
Despite resistance NPDC pushes on with dedicated cycle lanes
New Plymouth is pushing on with the installation of dedicated cycle lanes despite funding cuts and ongoing resistance from some businesses and residents. Video
Much-debated sports hub marks significant milestone
The Tūparikino Active Community Hub, the first phase of which was due to be complete in late 2027, would operate alongside New Plymouth Raceway.
Taranaki firm's 'can-do' approach wins over billion-dollar Australian miners
An engineering company is hoping an multi-million dollar contract is a sign of things to come.
Councillors vote down move to clear city of rough sleepers
It would've prohibited anyone occupying a space in the CBD for two hours or more after dark, unless permitted to do so.
Urgent surgery for woman forced to 'scrounge up' for private ultrasound
The New Plymouth woman was told she would have to wait six months under the public system. Audio
South Taranaki farmers say drought is worst in more than 40 years
MetService's Hāwera weather station has recorded just 123mm this summer - a little over half what it normally gets.
Taranaki radiology services nearing 'crisis' mode
An acute shortage of radiography staff at Taranaki Base Hospital means patients are waiting months longer than they should be for critical scans to diagnose cancer and other serious conditions.
'Rough sleepers' warned to remove belongings or risk confiscation
Their belongings are obstructing footpaths in the New Plymouth's CBD.
Womad visitors invited to try ancient Māori martial art
Hosted at Te Paepae - the cultural heartbeat of the festival - groups of about 20 at a time are being encouraged to connect with te ao Māori through games and drills.
Hospital staff to meet over shortages delaying appointments, scan results
The meeting follows an RNZ story about a New Plymouth woman who waited a month for the results of a semi-urgent pelvic ultrasound.
Mt Messenger bypass blows budget, gets funding boost
The controversial Mt Messenger Bypass project on State Highway 3 has received a funding boost after a $10 million budget blowout. Audio
Ultrasound delay leaves woman feeling like a 'ticking time bomb'
A New Plymouth woman says a month-long delay in getting the results of a "semi-urgent" ultrasound left her feeling like a "ticking time bomb". Audio
Permission to kill protected species ruled unlawful
Waka Kotahi was told it could kill protected species - including kiwi - at its Mt Messenger project. Audio
Evicted daycare centre in race against time
Land Information NZ has been called 'gutless' over no-show at a meeting about the daycare centre's fate.
Te Matatini: Opening a window into te ao Māori
Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga brought thousands of visitors to Taranaki, injecting millions of dollars into the province in the process, and opening a window into te ao Māori. Audio
Parents shellshocked as community childcare centre shuts
52 children who the Waitara centre have been left with nowhere to go and families left reeling .
Home renovation opens surprise window into the past
A Taranaki man's home renovation has opened up a window into the past, dating back more than a century.
Hāngī, paua fritters and Polynesian sweets: What's served up at Te Matatini
In Ngamotu this week you're more likely to see chop suey on the menuboards than burgers and fries. Audio
Tarsealing of country's last gravel highway marks end of an era
Contractors are this week putting the finishing touches to 12km of seal in the remote Tāngarākau Gorge. Audio
Te Matatini a shot in the arm for Taranaki economy
Te Matatini - the national kapa haka championships - kick off in New Plymouth tomorrow, the first time the event has been held in Taranaki for more than 30 years.
Speed limit changes outside schools 'ideologically-driven nonsense' - Mayor
The government is requiring streets outside schools with permanent 30kmh speed limits revert to variable speed limits by July 2026.
Whanganui's iconic paddle steamer celebrates double anniversary
Whanganui's iconic paddle steamer - the Waimarie - is celebrating a double anniversary this year.
Caps and lids recycling coming to Wellington
Eleven Foodstuffs supermarkets in the region are establishing collection points for plastic and metal caps and lids, joining Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch, in a programme which now has about 50…
