Stories by Robin Martin
News
Unique $7m playground takes shape on coastline
A $7 million playground emerging on the New Plymouth coastline promises something for everyone - young or old. Video
'Desperately unsafe': Council under fire over botched intersection
"The amount of near misses on this corner now is at least one a day. It's pretty dangerous," locals say. Audio
Controversial worm farm says court decision preventing 'strategic exit'
A controversial composting and Urutī if would
Private property rights at 'core' of RMA replacements
They'll ditch rules that "invite every Tom, Dick, and Harry to vexatiously object to peaceful use and development", the government says.
Hundreds hit slopes for first - and perhaps last - day of Taranaki ski season
Hundreds of Taranaki snow sports enthusiasts lived up to their 'hardcore' reputation to enjoy the first - and perhaps last - day of the season at the Manganui Ski Area.
Rugby player banned for nine weeks after post-game punch
A Spotswood United player punched a Coastal Rugby player, who was taken by ambulance to Taranaki Base Hospital examined, then later discharged after the June incident.
Taranaki's largest tertiary education provider proposing cuts to jobs and courses
The Tertiary Education Union says the Taranaki community will be horrified by the cuts.
Motorists warned to plan ahead for major Taranaki roadworks
Roading crews will be rebuilding and resealing State Highway 3 at Burgess Park south of New Plymouth.
Gang member's legal bid to stay at beach exhausted
The Supreme Court has declined to hear Kevin Moore's appeal and his removal from the Rohutu Block appears imminent.
More job losses could follow Methanex's move to cut production
Methanex's announcement is sending shock waves through Taranaki, with the port already looking to reconfigure its business. Audio
Taranaki murderer maintains innocence at sentencing, says he's 'grieving'
Through his lawyer, Leigh Matthew Beer said he was still "grieving the loss of a much-loved partner".
Taranaki man who burned his partner to death jailed for life
A jury found him guilty of murder, arson and assault with intent to injure in June.
Taranaki man who sexually assaulted children jailed
A Taranaki man has been jailed for 12 years and four months for sexual offending against nine victims, most of them under 16.
'We're not going to back down': Protest to changes for disability service
The government is restructuring Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People.
Record number of teens succumbing to golf 'addiction'
The Lydia Ko effect is in full swing this week as the country's top junior golfers take to the links. Audio
Mayor's about turn on Māori ward seats
Andrew Tripe on Tuesday voted in favour of establishing two Māori wards seats in the district, reversing the choice he made in October.
Controversial composter loses consents battle, faces closure
A controversial composting and worm-farming plant in North Taranaki has lost a bid to get its consents reinstated and now faces permanent closure.
More than half of region's freshwater swim spots fail report card
During sampling, 266 tests from lakes and rivers revealed water quality issues.
'Scaring our customers away': Retailers quizzed on crime in New Plymouth CBD
Police and Ministry of Social Development staff are going from business to business asking them whether they feel safe or if they have been the victims of crime.
Gang member sentenced for shooting that put hospital in lockdown
A Black Power member who shot at a gang rival outside the hospital - sending it into lockdown - has been jailed.
Driver seriously injured after truck's collision with train on SH3
The force of the impact knocked the vehicle onto its side and shunted it 25 metres.
Traffic light system creating atmosphere of 'fear' and 'stress'
The changes could affect many disabled people on the Jobseeker Support benefit, a disabilities advocate says.
MSD apologises for telling sickness beneficiary to send 'up-to-date' CV
"I was actually, really stressed about this - I was actually, really worried," says Keryn Densem, who the ministry admits was sent the letter by accident.
Medal belonging to teacher who died at Gallipoli spotted at auction, gifted to school
A member of the 11th Taranaki Company Corporal Vincent Hall came ashore at Gallipoli in April 1915.
Study to better understand impact of wind turbines on marine mammals
Taranaki Offshore Partnership wants to build 70 turbines in the South Taranaki Bight.