Stories by Robin Martin
News
Cows found wandering near 'sensitive' Taranaki stream
The Taranaki Regional Council has issued an abatement notice to a farmer after a herd of cows was grazing unrestricted near the banks of "particularly sensitive" stream.
Hapū divided over Waitara Lands Bill
Waitara hapū are divided over their support for a Bill designed to end one of New Zealand's longest running land disputes.
Businessman facing meth charges wants bail to attend rehab
A New Plymouth businessman facing a raft of methamphetamine related charges has signalled he wants bail so he can attend a rehabilitation clinic in Auckland.
Man accused of blackmailing DOC over 1080 programme named
A Taranaki man accused of blackmailing DOC in an attempt to end its 1080 pest contol programme has lost a bid to keep his name secret.
Oil field operator warns development required to extend its life
The operator of an oil field off the coast of South Taranaki has warned that if no further development is undertaken the resource could soon be uneconomic.
Covered stadium touted for New Plymouth
A state-of-the-art covered stadium has been proposed to replace earthquake-prone Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.
Hapū to decide fate of Waitara Lands Bill: 'The pressure is on getting it right'
Hapū members will ultimately decide whether a bill designed to bring an end to one of New Zealand's longest running land disputes is endorsed or not, a Waitara leader says.
'Ghostly' volunteers bring city's oldest cemetery back to life
New Plymouth's oldest cemetery and one of its hidden gems has been transformed into a riot of spring colour by a group of publicity-shy - ghost-like - volunteers.
Quake epicentre: 'No one here felt it, bro'
More than 15,000 people from Auckland to Bluff reported feeling yesterday's 6.2 quake - but those living right near the epicentre hardly noticed it.
Rubbish offer forces councils to reconsider $42m landfill plan
A proposal to truck Taranaki's waste up to 300km away is being considered by the region's councils, despite $7m already being spent on developing a $42 million local landfill.
Inspiration for the green fingered at Taranaki Garden Fest
Visitors to this year's Taranaki Garden Festival are encouraged to bring a healthy appetite, an ear for music and a notepad.
Paddock transformed into open-air sculpture studio
A paddock in central Taranaki has been transformed into a massive open air studio after Stratford sculptor Tai Meuli invited a few of his mates over.
Lambs centre stage as calves a no-show
Lambs took their opportunity to hog centre stage at Ngaere School's "show day" in Taranaki yesterday with families being asked to keep calves on the farm in the wake of the Mycoplasma bovis scare.
Two men charged with murder of Whanganui man Kevin Ratana
Two men charged with murdering Mongrel Mob member Kevin Ratana in August entered no plea when they appeared in court this afternoon.
Second Len Lye sculpture proves too tempting for vandals
A trustee of the Len Lye Foundation says attacks on the artist's works are symptomatic of a wider disrespect for art and culture in New Zealand.
Student exodus after bullying allegations at primary school
Almost two dozen students have withdrawn from a Whanganui primary school after allegations of bullying from a teacher.
Whanganui 'slum landlord' under investigation
Tenants living in a dilapidated rental property in Whanganui say their landlord promises the world but gives them nothing.
Oil and gas traffic dangerous and destroying rural lifestyle - residents
Residents of Tikorangi in rural Taranaki say the volume of oil and gas traffic in the area is becoming dangerous and affecting their quality of life.
Pensioners give IT, virtual reality and e-bikes a go
Dozens of South Taranaki pensioners ditched the slippers and bingo in favour of laser strike weapons and virtual reality goggles at an Ageing Disgracefully event in Normanby yesterday.
New Originair service links Nelson to Napier
The first passenger flight to cross the lower North Island in two decades has landed in Napier this afternoon after setting off from New Plymouth.
Woman facing child neglect charges jailed over property offences
A Taranaki woman facing a charge of preventing the rescue of her daughter, who later died, has today been jailed for property offences.
Tenants say they're living in Third World conditions: 'It's not safe for the kids'
A landlord under fire for the dilapidated condition of a Whanganui boarding house is now in the spotlight over the state of a group of rental properties in the city.
Revealing names 'a risk' to fatal shooting probe - Crown
Naming the 12 men arrested in relation to the shooting of a Mongrel Mob member would pose "a significant and real risk" to the police investigation into his death, a court has heard today.
'That's our role in the world, in that inshore difficult situation'
Lifeguards had to overcome extreme conditions to save a duo in a mission regarded as the "rescue of the year", a surf lifesaver says.
Taranaki wahine encourage uptake of moko kauae
A group of Taranaki women who wear moko kauae have told a Hāwera wānanga more wāhine should consider getting the taonga.