Stories by Robin Martin
News
Seabed mining critics furious after company pulls out of hearings
Opponents of seabed mining are furious an Australian company has pulled out of consent hearings for a controversial project off the Taranaki coast.
Funding shortfall halts cathedral project
Skyrocketing costs are affecting work at the country's oldest stone church.
Pioneer women surfers and their struggle for recognition
"Just looking back on archival stuff, in the news and surf mags, so many of their stories were untold."
Vintage and collectable surfboards go under the hammer
A Taranaki surfing identity is to part with some of his vast collection of vintage and collectable surfboards at an auction this weekend.
'Huge few months in Taranaki' as more kiwi released
About 110 kiwi are due to be released in the next few months, boosting the existing population and relieving pressure on sanctuaries.
Rogue digital billboard making fun of Waka Kotahi removed
The sign featured several tongue-in-cheek messages about the transport agency and its work.
Rogue digital billboard pokes fun at Waka Kotahi
A digital billboard poking fun at Waka Kotahi has appeared near an intersection in New Plymouth where its contractors have recently finished work.
Slash frontline biosecurity staff and 'we're exposed'
A new biosecurity collective in Taranaki says any reduction of frontline Ministry for Primary Industries staff is risky.
City Girls back for last ever Oxfam Trailwalker
Declining registrations and rising costs means Trailwalker - which began in 2006 - is no longer viable.
The Mountain: Tween stars steal the show at Taranaki premiere
The tween leads of New Zealand's latest feature film stole the show at the world premier of The Mountain at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth last night.
'Spectacular' Manganui Gorge bridge closer to finish
Specialist builders working from ropes and in sync with helicopters have erected two bridge masts that now tower over the Manganui Gorge on Taranaki Maunga.
Protesters vow to stop Taranaki seabed mining
Among them was Māori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, who believed the mining company underestimated their resilience.
Neighbour with cancer wants answers about chemical plant
Maurice Bevin fears he will not live long enough to see the results of an investigation into contamination at the site.
Nearly half a billion taxpayer dollars set aside to decommission Tui Oil Field
The Tui field was deserted in 2019 after the financial collapse of Tamarind Taranaki, leaving the Crown with the bill for its safe decommissioning.
Council staff told to explore cheaper sewerage option for Taranaki beach settlements
New Plymouth council staff have been told to explore lower-cost alternatives to a $41 million sewerage scheme for two beach settlements in the district - equivalent to $180,000 for each household.
Taranaki beach sewage costs blow out
The cost of a proposed sewerage scheme for two popular Taranaki beach settlements has blown out to $41 million - $180,000 for each household - according to a new report.
Matchbox 20 / Goo Goo Dolls concertgoers hospitalised with broken ankles
Hato Hone St John treated 18 patients at the New Plymouth gig. Concertgoers reported being 'skittled' by people falling over.
Council creates role for dealing with OIA requests
The council wants to make $10 million in savings annually and is in the process of reducing the number of third tier managers from 40 to 23.
Mt Messenger bypass roadblock: Court cases costing millions
Legal challenges to the Mt Messenger bypass project in Taranaki have added $37 million to its cost in 2023-24 alone.
Designer draws on 'passive resistance' of Parihaka men for fashion show
A designer who is showcasing a collection inspired by the story of Parihaka at the Melbourne Fashion Festival this week says it has been a deeply personal project.
New Plymouth growth strategy balances intensification with greenfields development
The strategy is intended to cater for a predicted population growth from 80,000 to 110,000 by 2054.
Tiny club makes waves at rowing championships
It's a town of 4000 more known for its rugby league stars than elite rowing.
Taranaki initiative fosters growth in Māori healthcare workforce
An initiative to help Māori into the health workforce is being credited with almost doubling the proportion of tangata whenua employed at the Te Whatu Ora Taranaki and transforming lives.
Californian reunited with muscle car in Taranaki
Californian Rick Fleischer did not turn up at the Americarna festival in Taranaki this week to show off a classic car - but to be reunited with one.
Boycott call doesn't take shine off Americarna
The star-spangled banner is flying proudly in Taranaki this week as Americarna - the annual celebration of chrome and the internal-combustion engine - takes over the province.