Stories by Robin Martin
News
Waverley Sawmill's new owner may build $30 million plant
The new owner of the Waverley Sawmill in Taranaki says a $30 million state-of-the-art plant could be built to replace it in a few years.
New technology backs up 1080 conservation efforts
A conservation group is trialling the use of drones, battery-powered self-priming traps and infrared cameras ahead of a 1080 drop in Egmont National Park.
Woman with rare condition takes on half marathon challenge
Taranaki woman Erica Perry, who lives with a rare genetic condition, is ready to take on a half marathon tomorrow. "You can do anything you put your mind to," she says. Video
$55m repair job recommended for quake-prone stadium
The owner of the quake-prone Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth is recommending it be repaired for $55 million -- while retaining an option to enhance its facilities for a further $14 million.
Experts: Hydrogen vehicles next big thing in energy
International experts have told a forum in Rotorua if the government is serious about achieving a low-emissions economy, hydrogen must be considered.
New ranger role to focus on historically significant Taranaki sites
Taranaki iwi and DOC have created a unique Kaitiaki Whenua Ranger role to help support the management of 30 cultural redress sites transferred to the iwi as part of its Treaty settlement.
Taranaki transition: 'There will be new forms of energy'
Oil and gas executives rubbed shoulders with environmental activists in New Plymouth yesterday at a workshop designed to help create a roadmap for Taranaki's transition to a low-emissions economy by…
Taranaki councillor unrepentant over no-show for te reo apology
A controversial New Plymouth councillor who said he was "ashamed" to sing the national anthem in te reo Māori is refusing to make a face-to-face apology to his council colleagues.
Maintenance at Taranaki gas field to increase productivity
Austrian-based oil and gas company, OMV, says a maintenance project at the Pohokura Platform off the coast of Taranaki will breathe new life into the gas field.
OMV begins first major offshore project since buying Shell NZ
Austrian-based oil and gas company OMV has begun its first major offshore project since buying Shell's New Zealand assets for US$578 million in December.
Refugee resettlement: 'There is a real desire to welcome'
Refugees will be settled in towns such as Whanganui and Timaru under a new government strategy announced today.
Athlete uses metal power to compete at Masters Games
More than 4200 athletes - the oldest a sprinter in his 90s - have dusted off their kit bags to compete at the New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui this week.
58 Taranaki farms in breach of their consents
Taranaki farmers are being warned they need to do more to meet environmental standards after 58 farms were found to be in breach of their consents.
Smoky crematorium distresses families in Taranaki
The New Plymouth District Council faces a hefty bill to replace one of the furnaces at its crematorium because it has been emitting black smoke.
Sewage spill: Residents wake up to stench of 'something dead'
Residents of Bell Block in New Plymouth - where 1.5 million litres of sewage was spilt into a local stream - say they're now waking up to an almighty stink.
Farm owners lose appeal against $45k effluent fine
A Taranaki farming couple who said they couldn't afford to pay a $45,000 fine for dirty dairying have lost their appeal against the penalty.
Council should've come clean on huge sewage spill - mayor
The New Plymouth mayor has admitted his council should have been more transparent about a massive 1.5 million litre sewage spill into one of the city's streams.
Massive 1.5 million litre sewage spill turns stream white
Residents of Bell Block in New Plymouth are outraged after a 1.5m litre sewage spill from a council pumping station left the Mangati Stream running white and killed dozens of fish and eels.
Gin plantation - sow what? The Great NZ Juniper Hunt
New Zealand-grown junipers, once in vogue in gardens across the country, seem to have disappeared and there's no seed stock left - so a gin distilling start-up is launching a search for any still… Audio
Man vs beast in the Whangamomona presidential race
Thousands of New Zealanders crossed the border into the self-declared Republic of Whangamomona at the weekend for the tiny nation's 30th independence day celebrations.
Opera on the river: Whanganui school celebrates 25 years
Acclaimed tenor Simon O'Neill joined Sol3 Mio, Kristin Darragh and others aboard a paddle steamer for Whanganui Opera School's 25th anniversary.
'Massive amounts' of algae clog Taranaki rivers
Surfers and hapū in coastal Taranaki say they are horrified at an algae bloom that is clogging the area's rivers and streams this summer.
Mayor censures councillor 'ashamed' of Māori anthem
A petition has been started calling for the resignation of a controversial New Plymouth councillor who posted on social media that he was "ashamed" of singing the te reo Māori version of the national…
New Plymouth lights festival: 'The children are alight with curiosity'
The TSB Festival of Lights in New Plymouth has attracted record numbers this summer.
Taranaki swimming hole contamination dismays health officer
The E coli contamination of popular Taranaki swimming spots has saddened the area's medical officer of health.