Stories by Robin Martin
News
Taranaki composting business to appeal consents decision
A controversial composting and worm farming business in North Taranaki will appeal a hearing panel's decision not to renew its resource consents.
Students left shaken after school bus collides with van
A Taranaki high school principal says students are being monitored after suffering minor injuries when their school bus collided with a van on State Highway 3 near Ngaere this morning.
Taranaki food charity introduces lottery system to manage demand
People have been queuing for hours at two pop-up stores run by a New Plymouth charity that redistributes surplus food to those in need.
Police officer knows she failed detainee who died - lawyer
A defence lawyer representing one of three Taranaki police officers charged with manslaughter says her client is an excellent officer who simply made a mistake.
Police manslaughter trial: Ambulance could have saved life - specialist
A jury has heard a man who died in a police station would have likely survived if he had received the medical treatment he needed.
Taranaki composting business eyes appeal of consents decision
The boss of a composting and worm farming business in North Taranaki says he's very likely to appeal a decision which removes his right to operate.
Composting plant's application declined over effects of discharges
A controversial composting and worm farming operation in North Taranaki - which has been linked to health problems and environmental damage - has had its application to renew its resource consents…
Air quality review indicates link between compost site odour and illness
A review of air quality at a controversial composting and worm farming business has found there's likely a relationship between illness and odours emitting from the site.
CCTV footage played in court in police manslaughter case
The jury in the trial of three Taranaki police officers charged with manslaughter over the death of a man in custody has watched video of the moment when the officers realise their detainee has…
Police manslaughter trial: Hospital an option for intoxicated detainees - supervisor
The supervisor of three police facing manslaughter charges after a man died in custody says if people are heavily intoxicated they are sometimes taken straight to hospital.
Man in custody would have lived if helped, says Crown in officers' trial
A man who died in custody at the Hāwera Police Station last year would have survived if he had got medical attention sooner, the High Court at New Plymouth has been told today.
Flood warning system vandals put lives at risk - regional council
Vandals who attacked a flood monitoring station this week put people and livelihoods at risk, the Taranaki Regional Council says.
Velodrome dominates Whanganui hearing
A proposal to roof the Whanganui Velodrome has dominated the city's long-term plan hearings this week.
'Zombie town' now suffering growing pains
After the indignity of being labelled a 'zombie town' Whanganui is now experiencing a growth spurt that has seen it fall victim to that most metropolitan of scourges - traffic congestion.
Former police officer who stole $4000 will go unnamed
A former police officer who stole $4000 handed in by a member of the public has been granted permanent name suppression.
Teens steal 100 Mazdas in social media challenge, police believe
Police suspect a group of 30 teenagers are behind a spate of Mazda thefts in Taranaki, spurred on by social media challenges.
New Plymouth water meter unpopularity not surprising - councillor
Dinnie Moeahu, who has expressed reservations about the introduction of water meters, says he is not surprised they are the least popular proposal in the draft long-term plan.
Taranaki aquifer 'risk to human health'
An aquifer in coastal Taranaki cannot be used to boost water supplies at Okato because it has been contaminated with an agricultural chemical and could be considered a risk to human health.
HMNZS Aotearoa, huge new navy ship, arrives home for first time
The Royal New Zealand Navy's newest and largest-ever ship HMNZS Aotearoa has made its first visit to its ceremonial home port in New Plymouth today.
Frustration as NZTA delay fixing 'dangerous' SH3 intersections
New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom has joined the chorus of local-body politicians bemoaning Waka Kotahi's commitment to delivering road safety projects.
Kids poke fun at 'satisfying' craze popping up in classrooms
We've all been entranced by the peculiarly addictive pleasure of popping bubble wrap, right? Pop-Its are bringing it to the next level. Audio
'Tin shed' option a missed opportunity for Whanganui Velodrome - Olympian
A former Olympic cyclist says Whanganui will miss a huge opportunity if it chooses a 'tin-shed' option for roofing the city's velodrome.
Mayor unclear on why council didn't withdraw support before consent hearing
New Plymouth District Council is at a loss to explain the timing of its flip-flop over its support for a composting plant which has stockpiled 20,000 tonnes of contaminated waste.
Council no longer supporting controversial composter
New Plymouth District Council is ditching its support for a Remediation NZ, which has stockpiled 20,000 tonnes of contaminated waste at its Uruti site.
'A step along the way' as kiwi return to national park
Six kiwi have been released onto the Kaitake range in Te Papakura o Taranaki / Egmont National Park, where the call of our national bird has been absent for decades.