Robin Martin
Striking bridge opens on Taranaki Maunga
A 100-metre-long suspension bridge has opened on Taranaki Maunga today. Robin Martin reports Audio
Pass rates jump for at-risk learners at Taranaki polytech
Taranaki's largest tertiary education institute says a big improvement in pass rates for Maori, Pasifika and disabled students is down to making sure they get plenty more help and support. Taranaki… Audio
Proposal to build 4-star hotel raises eyebrows in Whanganui
A council proposal to build a $55 million 4-star hotel and carpark is dividing opinion in Whanganui. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports. Audio
Around the motu : Robin Martin in Taranaki
Long term plan consultation is underway and includes $9m for upgrades to the zoo, which the New Plymouth District Council says are required to meet regulation and modern zoo standards. Robin details… Audio
Risk of first-class cricket pulling up stumps at Pukekura Park
First-class cricket at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park - a ground once described by cricketing Bible - Wisden - as among the six best venues in the world - could be about to be hit for six. Taranaki… Audio
Taranaki community up in arms at plan to revert sealed road to metal
A tiny Taranaki community is up in arms at plans to revert several kilometres of its crumbling sealed road back to metal. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more. Audio
Pull the otter - disbelief at possible zoo closure
New Plymouth ratepayers are being asked to choose between closing the much-loved Brooklands Zoo or funding up to nine million dollar of upgrades. Most of the work is required to meet regulatory… Audio
Rogue NZTA billboard reappears in New Plymouth
A digital billboard poking fun at the transport authority has re-appeared in New Plymouth.
This time the sign congratulates NZTA on recent roadworks on Breakwater Road, the main route to Port… Audio
Seabed mining company withdraws from hearing
Opponents of seabed mining are furious an Australian company has pulled out of a consent hearing for a controversial project off the Taranaki coast.
They fear Trans-Tasman Resources will instead now… Audio
Release of kiwi into Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki steps up
The release of about 40 kiwi into Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki in the past week marks a step up in attempts to reintroduce the taonga into the national park.
About 110 kiwi are due to be released on… Audio
Charity holding last ever Trailwalker event in New Plymouth
The charity Oxfam is holding its last ever Trailwalker fundraising event in New Plymouth this weekend. The development agency says declining registrations since Covid and rising costs mean Trailwalk… Audio
Around the motu: Robin Martin in Taranaki
The world premiere of the latest NZ feature film, The Mountain has just been held in New Plymouth. Audio
Tween leads steal show at world premier of The Mountain
The 'tween' leads of New Zealand's latest feature film stole the show at the world premiere of The Mountain in New Plymouth Tuesday night.
A joyous and heartfelt drama, the film follows three… Audio
Bridge masts tower over gorge on Taranaki Maunga
Specialist builders working from ropes and in synch with helicopters have erected two bridge masts that now tower over the Manganui Gorge on Taranaki Maunga.
The 100 metre Manganui Gorge suspension… Audio
Taranaki: multiple ankle injuries at Bowl of Brooklands concert
Nathan Rarere talks with Taranaki regional reporter Robin Martin. Audio
Protesters make voices heard outside seabed mining hearing
Protesters made their feelings clear today outside a hearing reconsidering an application to mine the seabed in the Taranaki Bight. The Environmental Protection Authority is revisiting Trans-Tasman… Audio
Paritutu investigation taking too long for cancer sufferer
A former neighbour of the controversial Ivon Watkins Dow chemical plant in New Plymouth - who has stage 4 prostate cancer - fears he won't live long enough to see the results of an investigation into… Audio
Initiative to boost Māori health workforce transforming lives
An initiative to help Māori into the health workforce is being credited with almost doubling the proportion of tangata whenua employed at the Taranaki District Health Board while at the same time… Audio
Boycotts fail to take shine off Americarna
The star-spangled banner is flying proudly in Taranaki this week as the annual celebration of chrome and the internal-combustion engine, that is Americarna, takes over the province.
More than 750 gas… Audio
Around the motu: Robin Martin in Taranaki
A South Taranaki iwi is vowing to continue its fight against seabed mining even if the government introduces a fast-track consenting regime for significant infrastructure and development projects. Audio