Stories by Robin Martin
News
Iwi to take lead role in $3m upgrade of Taranaki visitor centre
Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa said the project was close to its heart and was an opportunity to "reconnect our people with our tipuna".
Helicopters rescue hundreds from rooftops in flood-stricken Hawke's Bay
A Hastings helicopter pilot has described the mad dash to rescue people trapped on roofs across the Hawke's Bay as Cyclone Gabrielle caused rivers to burst, completely submerging some homes.
Have a Go surf day: 'It's about letting our kids experience new things'
About 20 young people with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities will be chasing the 'stoke' at a special surfing event at Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth today.
Mystery surrounds weka discovered in Taranaki, a bird not seen in region since 1930s
The Department of Conservation is worried the voracious forager's reappearance could threaten recovering ecosystems in the province.
Council told remediation of chemical plant site will take years
Iwi are insisting they be involved every step of the way in the clean-up of a controversial chemical plant in New Plymouth.
Warkworth residents say communication, preparation inadequate during flood alert
Some residents locals in the northern Auckland town of Warkworth say they were caught completely unprepared by last Friday's floods and communication was insufficient from local government.
St Mary's Bay residents blame blocked drains, poorly designed stormwater for huge slips
St Mary's Bay residents are blaming the council for massive slips that left some homes hanging precariously over the northern motorway approach to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
'Everything was floating down the road' - Te Kuiti cleans up after intense rain
Several inundated homes were evacuated after an intense burst of rain on Saturday.
Pākaraka signs ripped out of the ground hours after being installed
Signs re-instating the name - Pākaraka - at a settlement on the outskirts of Whanganui have been ripped out of the ground just hours after being installed.
Surfer in his 80s chases 'the stoke' on electric board
An octogenarian Taranaki surfer isn't about to let his advancing years get between him and the "stoke" of riding waves.
New $1m suspension bridge on Mt Taranaki to improve access, safety
A 100-metre-long bridge across Manganui Gorge will protect trampers and skiers from potential rockfalls and avalanches, DOC says.
Rare species of skink discovered after cat brings it to owner's attention
In a case of look what the cat dragged in, a rare native skink has been discovered in Taranaki for the first time and may even be a completely new species.
Hefty fines for collecting Taranaki shellfish
The Ministry for Primary Industries is warning visitors to Taranaki this summer they could face hefty fines if they collect kaimoana - except crayfish - along the New Plymouth to Ōpunakē coastline.
Second rare bird killed in six months on Taranaki roads
The large stocky herons - one of the rarest wetland birds in the world - are notoriously secretive and deemed nationally critical in New Zealand.
Kāinga Ora admits mistakes over 'neighbours from hell'
A West Auckland resident who went 'through hell' for months has received an early Christmas present.
Project cost blowout to hit New Plymouth ratepayers for years
Ratepayers are to pay a hefty price for a planned thermal dryer project that's price has more than doubled.
Hundreds gather 'all out of love for te reo Māori'
About 1000 rangatahi have descended on Taranaki and Whanganui for Te Wiki Hākinakina o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori, a celebration of sport and te reo Māori.
'It's about longevity as a human' - Boxer's safety message packs a punch
Champion boxer Sam Rapira has revealed for the first time publicly he is living with dementia pugilistica - a variant of chronic traumatic encephalopathy brought on by repeated concussions.
'We rely on this': Foodbank ensures season of giving can include needy
There was a festive vibe at the New Plymouth Community Foodbank's Christmas Drive, despite the struggles of many to make ends meet.
EPA staying quiet on operator's possible breaches in Kupe gas field operations
It has emerged that Beach Energy Resources is the subject of an ongoing investigation into its operation at the Kupe gas field off the coast of Taranaki.
Angry scenes at court as man pleads guilty to murder
There were angry scenes and a heavy police presence at the High Court at New Plymouth today where two men and a teenager involved in a gang-related murder made appearances.
'Life was hell ... it drove us crazy': Living in motorhomes to avoid unruly neighbours
Private property owners are leaving their homes and moving into campervans to get away from unruly Kāinga Ora neighbours.
Whanganui Men's Shed looking for new home to set up shop
The Men's Shed has to be out of its current site by January to make way for Whanganui's new justice precinct. Audio
Pākaraka signs to consign Maxwell to history
A settlement on the outskirts of Whanganui will soon have signs reflecting its traditional Māori name rather than one honouring a militiaman associated with the killing of local rangatahi.
Don't DIY your vape charging - electricians
Master Electricians is warning that young people using a DIY method to recharge disposable vaping devices risk them exploding in their hands.