Stories by Robin Martin
News
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.
Record-breaking cruise season for Taranaki
It used to be a running gag that if you saw a cruise ship in Taranaki it must have taken a wrong turn.
Woolworths apologises for pests, store still closed
No rats have been caught at Woolworths' Dunedin South store in the past 24 hours, and plans are in place to reopen the store early next week.
Seabed mining company backing law change
The company behind a proposal to mine ironsands off the coast of Taranaki has welcomed the government's proposed bill. Video
Waitangi Tribunal to hold inquiry on climate policy
The Waitangi Tribunal is to hold a "priority" kaupapa inquiry into government climate change policy.
Fast-track consents plan won't derail fight over seabed mining - iwi
An iwi will continue to oppose to seabed mining even if the government introduces a fast-track consenting regime for significant infrastructure and development projects.
'That was dance music' - Kount Five Plus Two's guide to music
An exhibition in New Plymouth is taking its inspiration from a famed Taranaki show band to transport visitors on a journey back in time through the fashion, music and technology of the 60s, 70s and…
Scooter racers embrace spirit of Burt Munro
In the true spirit of Burt Munro, two Wellingtonians will this weekend push their suped-up scooters to the max at an event carrying the motorcycling legend's name.
End of an era: City's last specialist magazine shop to close
Mainly Magazines & Lotto - which once carried more than 1200 titles - is putting a full stop on business, saying the numbers just do not add up.
One director to oversee both Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki
A proposed restructure in New Plymouth cultural institutions will see 12 jobs axed.
Taranaki Maunga 90-year-old's playground: 'My reflexes aren't as quick'
A Ngatea pensioner who has climbed the mountain to mark his 90th birthday says it was a "humbling" experience.
Taranaki orderly clocks up 48 years on the wards
Robbie Campbell was twice knocked back when he applied for an orderly's position in the 1970s - but he has recently notched up 48 years on the wards.
Yarrow Stadium owners do about turn on re-using old seats in upgrade
The owner of Yarrow Stadium has done an about turn on plans to re-use hundreds of seats as part of its $80 million upgrade.