Robin Martin
Lamb new stars of rural school show days
Lambs took their opportunity to hog centre stage at Ngaere School's "show day" in Taranaki yesterday with families being asked to keep calves on the farm in the wake of the mycoplasma bovis scare… Audio
Len Lye work irrestible to vandals
A Len Lye art work on Wellington's waterfront was damaged earlier this month, but the celebrated sculptor's work Waving Wands in New Plymouth has also been attacked four times since being installed 18… Video, Audio
Whanganui 'slum landlord' under investigation
The landlord of a group dilapidated rental properties in Whanganui is now under official investigation. Last week RNZ revealed the so-called Pink Flats on Bedford Avenue had black mould and broken… Audio
Pensioners try laser strike at Ageing Disgracefully conference
Dozens of South Taranaki pensioners ditched the slippers and bingo in favour of laser strike weapons and virtual reality goggles at an Aging Disgracefully event in Normanby on Monday. Run to coincide… Audio
Landlord ignores 'third world' problems at rental - tenants
A landlord under fire for the condition of a Whanganui boarding house is now in the spotlight over the state of a group of rental properties in the city. Some residents at the Pink Flats on Bedford… Audio
Landlord leaving rental in 'third world' condition - tenants
Tenants of a group of flats in Whanganui say they're living in Third World conditions because their landlord refuses to do basic maintenance. Our reporter Robin Martin visited the flats and says signs… Audio
A new generation learns about Tītokowaru's War
Ngaruahine iwi members gathered at a dawn ceremony near Kapuni in Taranaki this morning to remember the 150th anniversary of the battle of Te Ngutu o Te Manu. It was here that Maori under the command… Audio
Archdeacon makes powerful gesture in death
In a powerful symbol of reconciliation between Maori and Pakeha, the Anglican Archdeacon Tikituterangi Raumati was buried in the grounds of the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary's in New Plymouth… Audio
Shock in Taranaki at suggested closure of Stratford Racing Club
A decision to slate the Stratford Racing Club for closure is being met with disbelief in the central Taranaki township which fears more than 125 years of history will be lost. Video, Audio
Mongrel Mob members converge in Whanganui for funeral
Hundreds of gang members have farewelled Mongrel Mob member Kevin Ratana who was shot and killed in Whanganui last week. Video, Audio
Taranaki stadium owner considers legal options
The Taranaki Stadium Trust is considering its legal options after engineering reports indicated Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth had an excellent tolerance to earthquakes before it took over ownership… Audio
Dozens of homes damaged in Taranaki tornado
Police say it was lucky no one was injured by a tornado that ripped through several blocks in New Plymouth last night. As many as thirty homes were damaged when it struck about 5:30pm. A small tornado… Audio
New Plymouth tornado struck with no warning - locals
New Plymouth residents say a tornado that tore through several city blocks last night arrived with no warning. Up to 30 houses were damaged, some losing roofs. Police say it was lucky no one was… Audio
Wellington most liveable city? Yeah right, says Taranaki
Wellington currently has bragging rights over Auckland in New Zealand's most 'liveable city' stakes. The capital has recently captured top spot on the Deutsche Bank's list of 'most liveable… Audio
Bereaved families could face huge bills -- funeral director
A Taranaki funeral director fears bereaved families could end up with huge bills if a loved one requires a post mortem. The Ministry of Justice decided it wouldn't renew the Taranaki contract, which… Audio
Taranaki post-mortems head out of region
A Ministry of Justice decision to move Taranaki post-mortems to Palmerston North has shocked locals and raised concerns it will add to the stress bereaved families are already experiencing. Audio
Toxic chemicals found in eels after Shell admits contamination
People who have eaten eels and freshwater fish from two South Taranaki streams contaminated by fire-fighting foam are being urged to come forward. Audio
Student in hospital after third bus crash in weeks
An Inglewood High School student is still in Taranaki Base Hospital this morning closed after a school bus crash yesterday afternoon. The 69-year-old driver of the bus died and 10 of the 13 students… Audio
Bus driver dies after Taranaki school bus crashes
A school bus driver has died following a crash this afternoon. Reporter Robin Martin spoke to Inglewood High School principal Rosie Maben. Audio
Looming housing crisis for over 65s - Retirement Commissioner
The retirement commissioner is warning of a looming housing crisis for over 65s as home ownership rates decline and the number of pensioners is set to almost double over the next 20 years. Audio