Stories by Robin Martin
News
Taranaki iwi lashes out at coronial services decision
A Taranaki iwi has lashed out at a Ministry of Justice decision not to renew its mortuary services contract with the Taranaki District Health Board.
Eaten contaminated eel? Taranaki health authorities want to know
People who have eaten eels and freshwater fish from two South Taranaki streams contaminated by fire-fighting foam are being urged to come forward.
Looming housing crisis for over 65s - Retirement commissioner warns
The retirement commissioner is warning of a looming housing crisis for the over 65s as home ownership rates decline while the number of pensioners is set to almost double over the next 20 years.
Staff at hospital hostel 'pretty spooked' after shooting
A Taranaki hospital nurse has described how residents feared a gunman was on the loose in staff accommodation after shots were fired in the car park last night.
Bus tragedy: 'We've just gotta try and pick ourselves up'
Ōhakune is still a town on edge following the bus crash which cost the life of 11-year-old Aucklander Hannah Francis at the weekend, and injured 18 others.
More drinking fountains needed in Taranaki - Medical Officer of Health
The Taranaki Medical Officer of Health says research showing only one in five public parks in the region had a water drinking fountain was a shock to him.
Father of two with terminal cancer 'breaking the law' just to survive
A Taranaki man diagnosed with terminal cancer says while Parliament wrestles with medicinal cannabis law reform he is being forced to live like a criminal. Audio
Port Taranaki salutes new $12m tug
Port Taranaki's $12 million new tug Kīnaki has been welcomed with a traditional water salute in New Plymouth.
Hydrogen energy: 'It looks like the face of the future'
The government has continued its charm offensive in Taranaki following its decision not to issue any new offshore oil and gas exploration permits.
Farms fined $99k for effluent discharge in waterways
Two Taranaki dairy farms have been fined almost $100,000 for allowing untreated effluent to flow into waterways.
Offshore ban causes onshore pain
The government's decision not to offer new deep-sea oil and gas exploration permits is spreading uncertainty throughout the entire sector and threatening livelihoods, say oil and gas companies in…
Mayoral posts officially labelled as full-time to warrant pay
The government agency which sets pay rates for the country's mayors is for the first time to stipulate the packages are based on the job being a full-time role.
Flood-prone Whanganui homeowners not impressed with council's plan
Residents of flood-prone homes on Anzac Parade in Whanganui say the establishment of a fund to buy and remove the most at risk properties and raise others off the ground is a joke.
Regional council votes to add 'h' to Wanganui
The Manawatū-Wanganui Regional Council has voted to add an 'h' to the spelling of its name.
Civil Defence keeps closer eye on Mt Taranaki eruption risk
Mt Taranaki is "geologically-speaking due" and people need to be prepared for an eruption, the Taranaki Civil Defence says.
St John expands its services in New Plymouth
A new site for St John Ambulance in New Plymouth will give the service better access to the city's fastest growing area.
Taranaki iwi open for business: 'We're not going anywhere'
With the end of offshore oil and gas exploration in sight and caps on dairy expansion on the cards, could Taranaki iwi kick-start the province's ailing economy?
Stadium shutdown could be $10m loss for New Plymouth
The shock closure of Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth due to earthquake risk will cost Taranaki millions of dollars in lost economic activity.
Mayor apologises for uproar caused by golf course plan
The New Plymouth mayor's flip-flop over a proposal to sell part of a coastal reserve - including the city's only municipal golf course - is complete.
'A heck of a shock': New Plymouth stadium shut down
The trust which runs Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth says the lives of rugby fans could have been at risk if an earthquake hit during a match.
New Plymouth council under fire for 'recycling' protected reserve
The New Plymouth District Council has come under fire for planning to sell part of a coastal reserve under the guise of "land recycling".
PM reassures Taranaki locals after end of new oil and gas exploration
The prime minister has fronted up in Taranaki to reassure locals of the government's support for the first time since it announced cessation of new offshore oil and gas exploration.
Questions raised over mayor's involvement in land-sale meeting
Questions are being asked about the New Plymouth mayor's involvement in a meeting about the sale of reserve land, including the transfer of $2.25 million to a private golf club.
The curious art of kokāko recovery
A curious game of aerial ping-pong is playing out in the Pureora Forest Park in the central North Island as part of a project to re-establish kokāko hundreds of kilometres away in Taranaki.
Mayor defends continued use of consultants
New Plymouth District Council continues to spend millions of dollars on consultants despite its mayor questioning the practice during his 2016 election campaign.