Stories by Robin Martin
News
Kiwi killed trying to stop South Africa robbery remembered as 'one-of-a-kind'
The Whanganui motor sport community is paying tribute to Eugene Robbemond.
Overturning oil and gas ban 'journey of penance' for Jones
Shane Jones says the offshore oil and gas ban is "the worst political decision" he has ever been involved with.
Family struggles to understand why officer will not face charges
The IPCA says while a police officer's fatal shooting of Kaoss Price was excessive he should not be charged.
Desert Road closure a welcome boost to Ruapehu businesses
Detours may not suit motorists but it will allow local businesses to thrive and show off what the area has to offer, Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says.
Stowaway seal makes surprise visit to offshore gas platform
The young kekeno was lifted 40 metres above the sea before it was discovered. Video
Project farm boasting emissions cut a marketing stunt - Greenpeace
The project boasts a 27 percent reduction in absolute emissions, but Greenpeace says it doesn't address the cow in the room.
Protesters call for Fonterra to phase out use of palm kernel expeller
About half a dozen protesters gathered outside the conference venue for Fonterra's annual general meeting, outnumbered about two-to-one by security staff and police.
'There's no kitchen. There's no flooring': Families suffer as building company goes bust
"We reckon there we're $50,000-plus out of pocket," one family left in the lurch says, as a company goes into liquidation, owing hundreds of thousands.
New Plymouth council wrestles with multi-million dollar transport shortfall
The threat of ageing concrete streetlights falling onto passersbys and the risk of "sweating" assets such as bridges has been raised.
DOC warns govt it will lose money investing in Tongariro Chateau repair
DOC reminded the minister it was costing the department $1.8 million to maintain the abandoned building to a basic level in 2023/2024. Audio
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery to reopen after $70m makeover
The 100-year-old gallery, and its shimmering new wing, will be unveiled after a refurbishment a decade in the making. Audio
New service transforms dialysis patient's life
A farmer no longer has to travel for treatment after a hospital adapted a machine to treat his condition.
Mt Messenger delays: Public Works Act needs overhaul, mayor says
Delays securing land for the Mt Messenger bypass in Taranaki is a sign the Public Works Act needs a drastic overhaul, according to the mayor of New Plymouth. Audio
Te reo to make up 30% of dialogue of new TV series
Iwi and producers are collaborating to "create something which tells our stories in a different way". Audio
Meal worm larvae on the menu at Sustainable Backyard Trail
A Taranaki garden festival that highlights working with nature - rather than against it - is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Hair to learn: Barber students head back to school for free cuts
Taranaki students are smashing out haircuts to meet course requirements, while easing the cost of living crisis for families.
Jupiter moon mission: Taranaki man realises childhood dream
A Taranaki man fascinated with space is working on a team that has sent a space probe to one of Jupiter's moons, to learn whether conditions for life exist there.
Protection for historic Taranaki pā site one step closer
The regional council has approved consents for a new coastal walkway and bridge to protect the site.
Taranaki school recognised in book celebrating 75 years of Commonwealth
The co-founders of the Taranaki school were interviewed by King Charles' biographer for the project.
Berm garden drama triggers call for consistency
Homeowners are calling for consistency over berm gardens after a New Plymouth woman was threatened with a hefty fine.
An alternative approach to berm plantings
Most councils in Perth encourage residents to plant their grass verges - in contrast to New Plymouth where a woman faces a $1000 fine.
'Egregious' example of employee exploitation
The charges come after a worker complained he had been made to pay almost $17,000 for his job.
Councillor's daughter facing hefty fine for planting in berm
Alana Brough planted dwarf fruit trees and a vegetable garden in the berm outside her home.
Seabed miner retracts claim it will earn $1 billion a year
It comes after the plan was included in the list of projects up for Fast Track Bill approval.
Taranaki welding programme aims to plug gaps in workforce
Businesses are being caught out by a lack of qualified welders. A training pilot aims to help.