Stories by Robin Martin
News
Golf course sale proposal horrifies golfers, neighbours
Golfers and neighbours are aghast at a council proposal to sell off half of a public golf course in New Plymouth.
Legality of freedom camping ban questioned
The legality of a proposed freedom camping bylaw in New Plymouth has been questioned at a public hearing today.
Getting inked up in New Plymouth
Traditional Samoan tap tattooing has been the star turn at the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival in New Plymouth this weekend.
'For Rent' deemed too low-rent
A stoush has broken out at an exclusive New Plymouth housing development over a 'For Rent' sign that a residents group says lowers the tone.
Controversial gallery contributes $7.4m to New Plymouth
A report has found that the controversial new Len Lye Centre pumped $7.4 million into the New Plymouth economy last year.
Builders worried best timber sent overseas
The quality of available timber is declining and builders are worried about its structural integrity, they say.
Urban rural divide a myth - Fonterra chairman
The chairman told 300 shareholders at the dairy giant's AGM that there was no divide, saying farmers also want swimmable rivers.
Council pushes to reduce Waitara pokie machines
A proposal to halve the number of pokie machines in Waitara is one step closer after a public hearing in New Plymouth.
Taranaki garden show takes inspiration from Frida Kahlo
Taranaki's premier garden festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Frida Kahlo-inspired Mexican Fiesta.
'Huge interest' in festival from far-flung Taranaki families
Taranaki's eight iwi converge on Manaia this weekend for a celebration of kinship - and some friendly sporting rivalry.
P users share stories of addiction: 'I got sick. I lost my daughter, I lost my moko'
Methamphetamine users have shared harrowing tales about the personal cost of their battle with addiction at an anti-P rally in Whanganui.
Holy Grail of heartland rugby takes a trip to church
The Ranfurly Shield has made a surprise visit to church as Taranaki continues to bask in their victory over Canterbury at the weekend.
Eyeball tattoo warning: 'you only get one set of eyes'
Specialists are warning people who get eyeball tattoos they risk losing their sight, after cases in New Zealanders of complications from the procedure.
Māori seats decision 'should be for Māori to say'
A decision on the future of the Māori seats in Parliament isn't one for the Pākehā majority to make, the Māori Women's Welfare League president says.
Rangatahi at Ngā Manu Kōrero: 'It's time to do something about our political participation'
Rangatahi at 52-year-old bilingual speech competition Ngā Manu Kōrero have tomorrow's general election on their minds.
Heritage enthusiasts fear domino effect
Heritage enthusiasts are afraid there could be a domino effect if the owners of a 110-year-old building in Whanganui are allowed to demolish it.
Community cafe at risk with building sale
Volunteers who run a cafe in one of New Plymouth's poorest neighbourhoods fear it might close down if a buyer sensitive to their cause cannot be found.
Restoration job labour of love
A Whanganui woman, who has restored a heritage building in the city to its former glory and then some, says it has been a labour of love.
Council: $14.2m to buy homes at risk from Matata debris flows
The Whakatane District Council needs $14.2m to buy properties at risk from deadly debris flows at Matata, but locals say that is not enough.
Excitement growing ahead of AB's clash with Argentina
It will be a welcome home party of sorts when Beauden and Scott Barrett run out with the All Black in New Plymouth tomorrow night.
Forgotten World Highway's fate could be sealed
Residents of the self-styled Republic of Whangamomona in Taranaki are divided over a proposal to seal the iconic 12km stretch of SH43.
Homes out of reach for many in Taranaki - report
It is not just those living in the big cities who are struggling to buy their first home, a new report shows.
New Plymouth poised to ban some freedom campers
New Plymouth is the latest district eying freedom camping restrictions.
Clinic's charge for children vexes parents
Parents in Whanganui are outraged the city's main urgent medical clinic has begun charging for treatment of children during the day.
Gorge closure: 'We can't sustain the losses'
Calls are growing for an economic assistance package for businesses affected by the massive slip which has closed the Manawatu Gorge on State Highway 3.