Stories by Robin Martin
News
Boycott call doesn't take shine off Americarna
The star-spangled banner is flying proudly in Taranaki this week as Americarna - the annual celebration of chrome and the internal-combustion engine - takes over the province.
Record-breaking cruise season for Taranaki
It used to be a running gag that if you saw a cruise ship in Taranaki it must have taken a wrong turn.
Woolworths apologises for pests, store still closed
No rats have been caught at Woolworths' Dunedin South store in the past 24 hours, and plans are in place to reopen the store early next week.
Seabed mining company backing law change
The company behind a proposal to mine ironsands off the coast of Taranaki has welcomed the government's proposed bill. Video
Waitangi Tribunal to hold inquiry on climate policy
The Waitangi Tribunal is to hold a "priority" kaupapa inquiry into government climate change policy.
Fast-track consents plan won't derail fight over seabed mining - iwi
An iwi will continue to oppose to seabed mining even if the government introduces a fast-track consenting regime for significant infrastructure and development projects.
'That was dance music' - Kount Five Plus Two's guide to music
An exhibition in New Plymouth is taking its inspiration from a famed Taranaki show band to transport visitors on a journey back in time through the fashion, music and technology of the 60s, 70s and…
Scooter racers embrace spirit of Burt Munro
In the true spirit of Burt Munro, two Wellingtonians will this weekend push their suped-up scooters to the max at an event carrying the motorcycling legend's name.
End of an era: City's last specialist magazine shop to close
Mainly Magazines & Lotto - which once carried more than 1200 titles - is putting a full stop on business, saying the numbers just do not add up.
One director to oversee both Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki
A proposed restructure in New Plymouth cultural institutions will see 12 jobs axed.
Taranaki Maunga 90-year-old's playground: 'My reflexes aren't as quick'
A Ngatea pensioner who has climbed the mountain to mark his 90th birthday says it was a "humbling" experience.
Taranaki orderly clocks up 48 years on the wards
Robbie Campbell was twice knocked back when he applied for an orderly's position in the 1970s - but he has recently notched up 48 years on the wards.
Yarrow Stadium owners do about turn on re-using old seats in upgrade
The owner of Yarrow Stadium has done an about turn on plans to re-use hundreds of seats as part of its $80 million upgrade.
60 percent of bypass budget spent without a kilometre finished
The $280m project still doesn't have a complete section of road but NZTA says it's done the prep work.
Slice of Waikato colonial history up for sale
A little slice of King Country history is up for sale at Awakino - permanent population 12.
Council head picks up paint roller to avoid hassles with contractors
Gareth Green helped repaint the car parking markings for eight New Plymouth District Council-owned units.
Council's 'gold-plated option' for beach accessway to cost $2.3m
One councillor is calling the plan at New Plymouth's most popular swimming beach too expensive and a burden on ratepayers.
Stalled cycling and walking project will not receive more funding - Transport Minister
Simeon Brown has confirmed all Transport Choices programmes put on hold in October will not receive further funding.
Shane Jones' 'pixie-like' hapū comment labelled arrogant by iwi
A South Taranaki iwi has described Shane Jones' comments describing hapū members as "pixie-like" for their resistance to seabed mining as unbecoming and arrogant.
Transport Minister unhappy with roading project's annual $750k pest control bill
Waka Kotahi is committed to undertaking the work on 3650 hectares of native bush - in perpetuity - as part of the $280 million Mt Messenger Bypass in Taranaki.
New Plymouth District Council gets rid of 17 management positions in restructure
The council shed a quarter of its senior management team earlier this year and has a goal of saving $10 million a year on staff and consulting costs.
Man at illegal campsite in national park inadvertently provides police with ID picture
Authorities would still be in the dark about who is behind the illegal camping and clearing of native trees in Egmont National Park if not for the man inadvertently filming himself.
Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initiatives
In a letter to local authorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown said he told Waka Kotahi to halt work on cycling and walking initiatives.
'A captive audience': Intimate theatre delivers mix of music and drama
Owners Brett Carter and Raewyn Greig spent about $1 million buying a church and converting it into a cabaret-style venue in New Plymouth.
Council debates $9m for New Plymouth zoo
Councillor Gordon Brown wanted $9m earmarked for zoo compliance costs removed from the draft pan, which would effectively mean closing it down.