Stories by Robin Martin
News
New Plymouth Airport upgrade to go ahead
The airport is to get a state-of-the-art new terminal, but not everyone is happy with the price tag of up to $29 million.
Taranaki polytech still struggling to perform
Taranaki's polytech has flunked its latest report card, failing 12 out of 19 performance commitments for a range of government-funded courses last year.
One in four crew members injured on fishing boats
One in four crew members on commercial fishing vessels have suffered a significant injury, which has prompted a campaign to address the sector's alarming workplace safety record.
Myrtle rust putting pōhutukawa at dire risk
Officials are warning the iconic pōhutukawa could be one of the worst affected plants and even die off completely as the outbreak spreads. Audio
Bypass casts shadow over kōkako release
The release of a dozen kōkako in a Taranaki forest on the weekend has raised the issue of new roads threatening the rare birds. Audio
Taranaki wind farm will have huge impact, say opponents
Opponents of a proposed Taranaki wind farm have told a consents hearing that the project will have a huge impact on their lives.
Gang member refused help after fatal stab wound
A patched Black Power member laughed and yelled 'bring it on bitch' when his partner pulled out the pocket knife that killed him.
How Whanganui's Castlecliff bounced back
Whanganui's Castlecliff has transformed from a suburb in economic decline with a reputation for gang violence into a thriving community. Audio
Stoush brewing over Whanganui Port redevelopment
A viable multi-million dollar redevelopment of Whanganui's Port is being stymied by a plan to introduce a ferry service to Motueka in Tasman, an investor says.
Raising or removing flood-prone Whanganui homes a better option - council report
A council report has suggested moving 100 flood-prone houses from Whanganui's Anzac Parade, but residents say there must be another option. Video
Council earned $140m from stolen land - Treaty group
The New Plymouth District Council is being urged to be up front about the millions of dollars it has earned from land stolen from Waitara hapu in the 1860s.
Taranaki Cathedral to acknowledge 'good, bad and ugly' past
The dean of New Zealand's oldest stone church hopes to use a multi-million-dollar restoration project to do more to acknowledge the darker side of its history. Video
Last-minute info request from seabed miner unfair - opponents
Opponents of a proposal to mine millions of tonnes of ironsand from the seabed off the Taranaki coast say the hearings process has been biased.
Dairy farmers struggle to pass on the family farm
Faced with volatile payouts and ever increasing land values, some established dairy farmers are struggling to pass on the family farm.
Robins reintroduced to Mt Taranaki after 100-year absence
The release of 36 North Island robins or toutouwai onto Mt Taranaki yesterday has been likened to an alien abduction. Audio
British expert warns of hidden climate change tipping points
Children living today will be among the first people to witness the dramatic effects of climate change, a British geoscientist says. Audio
Criminals pay their dues at Womad
Offenders are setting up the Womad festival site in Taranaki as part of their community service work.
New Plymouth view seekers suspected after Pōhutukawa 'butchered'
Pōhutukawa are being routinely killed in New Plymouth, and suspicion is falling on homeowners wanting to enhance sea views.
Our submissions were ignored - mining protesters
Thousands of submissions against a proposed seabed mining project in Taranaki are being ignored, opponents say.
Taranaki iwi rejects 'haters and wreckers' tag
A South Taranaki iwi has been painted as "haters and wreckers" by a company seeking to mine iron sands off the coast of Patea, it says.
Parihaka rejects $9m Crown payment offer
Parihaka, the village at the centre of non-violent resistance to land confiscations in Taranaki during the 1870s, has rejected the cash on offer as part of a deal with the Crown.
Taranaki polytech gets fail grade
The Qualifications Authority has lost confidence in the quality of education at Taranaki's Western Institute of Technology.
Father jailed for smothering daughter
A Taranaki father jailed for killing his daughter held her down and forced her head into a pillow, suffocating her, when she wouldn't settle at bedtime.
Maintenance costs weigh on Len Lye Centre
The Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth says it needs a dedicated budget of about $100,000 to keep its kinetic sculptures moving.
Parihaka solution mooted for Waitara
A completely separate reconciliation process - similar to that being used for Parihaka - has been suggested as a solution for historical grievances at Waitara in Taranaki.