Stories by Robin Martin
News
Farmers face hefty riparian planting bills
Taranaki farmers could face hefty bills as the regional council toughens enforcement of its riparian planting programme to clean up waterways.
Booming: 'People have discovered Waitara'
Often seen as New Plymouth's poorer cousin, Waitara is experiencing a property boom.
Students fuming as Taranaki art/design course axed
The largest tertiary education provider in Taranaki will not be offering a new suite of art and design courses this year.
Waitara evacuees fear for their homes
Residents at East Beach in Waitara were asked to stay away from their homes last night, ahead of the high tide about midnight.
Battlelines drawn over golf club carve up
Hundreds turned up to a public meeting to vent their frustration over the proposed carve up of the Fitzroy Golf Club in New Plymouth.
Feeling Hot Hot Hot: NZ on track for warmest month ever
The heatwave New Zealand is experiencing has the country on track for the hottest month since records began.
Secondary school scraps voluntary fees
A Taranaki school has scrapped voluntary fees and donations in a bid to help struggling families.
Freedom campers put reserve under pressure
A decision to throw the doors open to freedom campers in New Plymouth has backfired and is putting a popular reserve and surf spot under pressure, residents say.
Palestinian rights group welcomes Lorde's caution
A Palestinian human rights group is pleased Lorde has acknowleged the concerns around playing a concert in Israel next year, it says.
NZ's surprising new tourism hotspot booming
The town in the North Island is enjoying a tourism boom after the travel bible Lonely Planet named it the second best region in the world to visit in 2017.
Waitara residents face massive lease hikes
Taranaki property owners say they fear being forced out of their homes by a lease hike.
Angry reaction to end of freedom camp ban
New Plymouth's decision to throw the district open to freedom campers has angered residents, visitors and local businesses.
Anti-1080 letter claims sika release
The Department of Conservation has received a letter claiming responsibility for the "eco-terrorism" release of deer into Taranaki forest.
Sale of New Plymouth landmark sparks upset
The imminent sale of part of a prominent New Plymouth landmark acquired under the Public Works Act in the 1930s has upset Taranaki Māori.
Golf course sale proposal horrifies golfers, neighbours
Golfers and neighbours are aghast at a council proposal to sell off half of a public golf course in New Plymouth.
Legality of freedom camping ban questioned
The legality of a proposed freedom camping bylaw in New Plymouth has been questioned at a public hearing today.
Getting inked up in New Plymouth
Traditional Samoan tap tattooing has been the star turn at the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival in New Plymouth this weekend.
'For Rent' deemed too low-rent
A stoush has broken out at an exclusive New Plymouth housing development over a 'For Rent' sign that a residents group says lowers the tone.
Controversial gallery contributes $7.4m to New Plymouth
A report has found that the controversial new Len Lye Centre pumped $7.4 million into the New Plymouth economy last year.
Builders worried best timber sent overseas
The quality of available timber is declining and builders are worried about its structural integrity, they say.
Urban rural divide a myth - Fonterra chairman
The chairman told 300 shareholders at the dairy giant's AGM that there was no divide, saying farmers also want swimmable rivers.
Council pushes to reduce Waitara pokie machines
A proposal to halve the number of pokie machines in Waitara is one step closer after a public hearing in New Plymouth.
Taranaki garden show takes inspiration from Frida Kahlo
Taranaki's premier garden festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Frida Kahlo-inspired Mexican Fiesta.
'Huge interest' in festival from far-flung Taranaki families
Taranaki's eight iwi converge on Manaia this weekend for a celebration of kinship - and some friendly sporting rivalry.
P users share stories of addiction: 'I got sick. I lost my daughter, I lost my moko'
Methamphetamine users have shared harrowing tales about the personal cost of their battle with addiction at an anti-P rally in Whanganui.