Stories by Robin Martin
News
Taranaki NPC side hoping for 'wicked' final - and a win - against Hawke's Bay
Just hours after the All Blacks tackle Argentina at the World Cup, Taranaki will be hoping to attract a full house for the NPC final against Hawke's Bay.
Whanganui park revamp - Old Mother Hubbard, or just plain old?
Whanganui's iconic Kowhai Park is a blast from the past - but locals are wondering, do today's kids even recognise Humpty Dumpty? Audio
Group taking action over DOC permit that allowed killing of native wildlife
An environmental group has filed for a judicial review of a decision allowing 46 species of wildlife - including protected kiwi - to be killed during the construction of a bypass.
Residential construction sector cool-off reduces opportunities for workers
Industry insiders say companies are pivoting to renovations and additions as consents for new builds fall sharply.
Public input influences testing at controversial chemicals plant
Global chemicals giant Dow says public input has influenced where it will begin taking soil samples at the site of its controversial former chemicals plant at Paritūtū in New Plymouth.
'Unfair': Some voters caught out by booth closures on election day
Thousands of rural voters could miss out on their right to cast a ballot in the general election next week, because hundreds of polling booths will be closed on election day.
Cooking classes helping turn down the heat on cost of living
A Taranaki food bank is rustling up savings and nutritious grub at a series of popular cooking classes.
Man who learned to read and write in his late 50s becomes an author
Michael Kingpotiki says a desire to read to his grandchildren inspired him to put his hand up and admit he was illiterate - at age 57.
Couple hopes end in sight for seven-year property boundary dispute
A New Plymouth couple says they will believe a more than seven-year dispute with a neigbouring developer is over when they see it.
Residents have to send out change of address notices - but haven't moved
Pembroke Rd in Stratford is to renamed and properties on it renumbered to address inconsistencies, including missing numbers and double ups.
The complexity of Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui redevelopment
The man in charge of the Sarjeant Gallery earthquake strengthening and redevelopment project in Whanganui says it has been one of the most complex and challenging of his 40-year career.
Costs double for cycleway as New Plymouth council admits to maths fail
The New Plymouth District Council had to eat humble pie at the beginning of three days of submissions on its controversial cycleway plans.
Businesswoman who paid for verified Facebook product takes aim at Meta
Meta appeared happy to take her money without being able to confirm if she would get the support function she paid for, she says.
Ōmata Stockade replica: preserving history between Pākehā settlers and Māori
A Taranaki businessman and arts patron is putting the finishing touches to a life-sized replica of the Ōmata Stockade on the outskirts of New Plymouth.
Couple shocked after Facebook Marketplace business shut down
A New Plymouth couple are crying foul after being locked out of a Facebook Marketplace account from which they run their business and generate their livelihood.
Surfers make waves for good cause
Surfers from around the country will be taking to the ocean today and every day for the rest of the month to raise funds for communities in Indonesia and across the South Pacific.
Womad 2024: Ziggy Marley announced as first headline act
Jamaican superstar Ziggy Marley has been announced as Womad's first headline artist for the 2024 festival.
Carved skull turns heads at Waipipi Beach in South Taranaki
Mystery surrounds the appearance of a stylised skull carved into the sandstone cliffs at Waipipi Beach in South Taranaki.
A storm's a-coming: Late sculptor's work strikes a spark in New Plymouth
The Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth has unveiled a new work from the acclaimed New Zealand kinetic sculptor and film-maker. Audio
'Racism is definitely alive and well here': Response to vandalism of Te Pāti Māori billboards
The vandalisation of hundreds of election billboards feels like a targeted campaign, Te Pāti Māori says.
New Plymouth voters weigh in on Labour, National candidates
The contest for the New Plymouth electorate is shaping up as a two-horse race between Labour incumbent Glen Bennett and National newcomer David MacLeod.
'I'm in a no-win situation': Businesses, some cyclists reject proposed cycle lanes
A proposal to create $17 million worth of safe walking and cycling routes in New Plymouth is dividing the city.
Dairy farmers prepare for 'tight times' as GDT prices crash
Dairy farmers still carrying debt fear for their viability while more established players are going over their budgets with a fine-tooth comb. Audio
Windfarm backers open outreach office in Hāwera
The group behind a potential offshore wind farm in Taranaki has opened an office in Hāwera to help convince locals of the project's value.
'Chippy' serves up burgers in Waitara
A planned fish and chips run was dropped, with gags about 'Chippy' being in chippy shop put on the backburner. Audio