Stories by Robin Martin
News
New Zealand's largest ever wind turbines appear in Taranaki
The largest wind turbines ever erected in New Zealand are beginning to appear on the South Taranaki landscape between Waverley and Patea.
Plans to close controversial Taranaki chemical plant
Agrochemical company Corteva is considering closing its controversial Paritutu manufacturing plant in New Plymouth at the cost of 35 jobs, a move welcomed by some locals.
Dedicated nurses for managed isolation 'ideal' - infection control expert
An infection prevention and control expert says in a perfect world a dedicated team of nurses would be caring for people in Covid-19 managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
Ardern launches new energy centre: 'Its time has come'
Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern has swept through Taranaki today to launch the new energy centre and announce $48m for infrastructure.
Yarrow Stadium upgrade gets $20m in government infrastructure spend
A $20 million contribution to the earthquake strengthening and upgrade of Yarrow Stadium is the big-ticket item in a $48 million government infrastructure spend in Taranaki.
New Plymouth councillor prepared to fight against Māori ward proposal
A controversial New Plymouth councillor says he will spearhead a citizens-initiated referendum against the formation of a Māori ward in the city if no one else steps up to the plate.
Racecourse's future hangs in balance
More than 50 percent of people who responded to a survey on the future of the New Plymouth Raceway want Taranaki Racing's existing rent and rates free lease terminated.
Farmers dig deep at Regenerative Agriculture workshops
Taranaki farmers - among them a former All Black - have been taking a crash course in Regenerative Agriculture at workshops around the province.
Councillor challenges horse racing club's 'sweetheart' lease deal
A name change more than 20 years ago is putting the 120-year history of horse racing in New Plymouth in doubt.
DOC defends fisher who caught protected great white shark
A fisherman has faced a barrage of criticism for causing the death of the protected species, but the Department of Conservation says he did the right thing by reporting it.
Taranaki sanctuary begins mass translocations of kiwi
A wildlife sanctuary in Taranaki has begun relocating kiwi outside of its predator-proof fence - en masse - in a move described as a game changer in efforts to save the country's national bird. Audio
Delays to new Taranaki energy centre rile critics
Questions are being asked about why a government initiative promised last year for Taranaki has yet to materialise with critics saying it's become bogged down in bureaucratic red tape.
Government doubles investment in Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment
The strengthening and redevelopment of the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui is to get another $12 million from the government.
Hundreds of jobs promised from $27m spend-up at Whanganui port
The Provincial Growth Fund is to invest almost $27 million in five port-related projects in Whanganui.
Website launches in Taranaki for casual work jobseekers
People searching for work in Taranaki have been offered a new platform to help find employment.
Juniper hunt seedlings could grow NZs first gin berry plantation
New Zealand is one step closer to establishing the country's first plantation of Juniperus communis - whose berries are the key ingredient of gin - following a nationwide search for the elusive…
Domestic tourists boost Whanganui businesses hit by Covid-19 restrictions
Whanganui is banking on domestic tourism to help it ride out the worst of the economic downturn caused by Covid-19.
Shane Jones blames iwi sensitivities and DOC regulations for Taranaki Crossing delays
The Regional Economic Development Minister has blamed iwi sensitivities and Department of Conservation red tape for the lack of progress on the $13.3 million Taranaki Crossing project.
Cost of Sarjeant Gallery upgrade soars by $15m
The budget for the Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment and strengthening project in Whanganui will cost almost $15 million more than estimated in 2016.
Lay-offs spreading through Taranaki: 'It was really hard to split'
Māori and people under 30 are those worst hit by job losses in Taranaki because of Covid-19, according to the region's Chamber of Commerce.
Iwi walks away from Taranaki Crossing project
A Taranaki iwi has walked away from the project, saying it had to battle to find out how millions of taxpayer dollars were being spent - and that it still wasn't clear.
OMV signals commitment to Taranaki with $15m refurbishment
OMV New Zealand is to spend $15 million refurbishing its new headquarters in New Plymouth, a move the oil and gas company says underscores its long-term commitment to Taranaki.
Work begins on Taranaki Cathedral redevelopment project
New Zealand's oldest stone church - the 173-year-old cathedral which played a pivotal role in the 1860s land wars - has been closed since 2016 due to earthquake risk.
Whio enjoy population boom in Egmont National Park
A five-yearly census has revealed Egmont National Park is experiencing a whio population boom.
Hero truckie reunited with kiwi he rescued from a stoat
A truckie who jumped down from his cab to rescue a kiwi from the jaws of a stoat last year has taken the encounter full circle.