Podcast appearances and mentions of Robin Martin

Pukekura Park celebrates its 150th birthday, the early traces of New Plymouth's history being uncovered during development, Te Atiawa opens housing development and Awakino Gorge fully opens to traffic from tomorrow.

Often described as the green jewel in New Plymouth's crown, Pukekura Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary this month. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

An urban renewal project in New Plymouth's CBD is revealing traces of the city's past - piece by piece. The derelict Metro Plaza is being demolished to allow a stretch of the Huatoki Stream - which has been hidden from view for about a century - to be uncovered. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was on site.

Te Atiawa has opened a high-end townhouse development on an inner-city site in New Plymouth where colonial troops once assembled for inspection. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Dozens of Taranaki teenagers have jumped behind the controls of heavy equipment at an event designed to encourage young women to consider trades careers. Organisers of the Women in Trades showcase say women are valued employees, but many are missing out on six-figure salaries by not considering a life on the tools. It might not be as intimidating as some think, with one young potential recruit comparing working a digger to gaming. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was in Inglewood.

The reopening of the Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 is being described as a Clayton's opening as its limitations become clear. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

The scale of damage to State Highway 3 at Awakino Gorge has been laid bare ahead of the route reopening to single-lane, escorted convoys tomorrow afternoon. More than 30 slips, including a 16 thousand cubic metre monster, came down during a severe weather event two weeks ago, and 10 significant underslips have further undermined the road. Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was in the Awakino Gorge and filed this report.

Some Ohura residents are questioning flood-warning systems in the tiny King Country settlement after being forced from their beds during a flash flood this month. Robin Martin reports.

Some residents of the tiny King Country settlement of Ōhura say they have no plans to move despite the spectre of climate change and the village's history of flooding. About 50 homes were damaged during a flash flood earlier this month and five left uninhabitable. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was in Ōhura.

Robin has the latest on the clean up after flooding in Ruapehu, Whaganui and the King Country. 

People power, or should that be Putiki power, is being credited for the creation of a new bus route in Whanganui. Championed by the kaumatua and kuia of Putiki Marae, it's the first time the riverside area of the city's had a public bus service in living memory. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went along for a ride.

Whanganui residents are on a mission to find a solution for the 'ghost' trees of the seaside suburb of Castlecliff. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Whanganui residents have been sharing memories of a soon to be demolished local landmark - Liffiton Castle. The former villa-turned-mock-castle - is a familiar site to travellers on the State Highway 3 link to Wellington - and has for decades been home to a series of restaurants. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to have a look.

When Everybody's Theatre in Opunake put out an SOS after its projector gave up the ghost - it appears "everyone" wanted to help out. Looking at a bill of 18 thousand dollars, the coastal Taranaki cinema faced months of being out of action - but the community wasn't having that. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to Opunake to see what makes Everybody's Theatre so special.

Robin discusses the building of a marae in New Plymouth, the first functioning marae in the city 150 years, the story behind the cause of the Tongariro National Park fires, fines for a farmer who intimidated council staff, and the Opunake theatre back up and running after fundraising to fix the projector.

A new marae under construction in New Plymouth - a city that hasn't had a functioning marae for about 150 years - represents a homecoming for manu whenua. Ngāti Te Whiti hapū is building the 15-million-dollar Ngāmotu Marae, overlooking Port Taranaki, and hopes it will become a focal point for the wider community. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more. 

Native plants are making a comeback in the fire-charred areas of Tongariro National Park, but invasive weeds and animal pests pose a risk to a full recovery. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Claws are out over a directive to restrict the movements of two popular moggies at Taranaki Base Hospital. Mr Pip and more recent arrival - Pablo - are a common sight at the hospital, but staff have been told the animals are not permitted in hospital buildings - citing infection prevention and clinical safety standards. Taranaki Base says only approved service animals are allowed in hospital buildings. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

Claws are out over a directive to restrict the movements of two popular moggies at Taranaki Base Hospital. Mr Pip and more recent arrival - Pablo - are a common sight at the hospital, but staff have been told the animals are not permitted in hospital buildings - citing infection prevention and clinical safety standards. Taranaki Base says only approved service animals are allowed in hospital buildings. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

Robin talks about the local regional council chief executive also being the interim CE for the New Plymouth's district council and what that means for pre-empting amalgamation discussions. 

The centre of New Plymouth has been taken over by street artists, musicians, and a whole lot of spray paint this week. The Get Up Festival is back in town for the first time in more than a decade and 26 graffiti artists are transforming the CBD into a living gallery. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look.

Taranaki music fans are being urged to forget the disappointment of WOMAD taking a break and instead pull on a black T-shirt, a pair of skinny jeans and get ready to rock. Full Metal Orchestra is headed to the Bowl of Brooklands this weekend in a stark contrast to the three-day world music festival. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

When the huge storm closed State Highway One between Taihape and Hunterville yesterday leaving hundreds of drivers stranded, the community at Winiata Marae knew just what to do. They quickly put word out that warm food and a place to rest could be found at the marae on the outskirts of Taihape. Our reporter Robin Martin was there.

Former students of St George's Preparatory School in Whanganui have been stepping back in time and taking tours of the almost century-old campus ahead of its demolition. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look.

Around the motu: Robin Martin

The Olympics features greco-roman and freestyle wrestling and Japan is famous for sumo - but in South Taranaki it's schwingen that rules supreme. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

A Taranaki cinema complex faces imminent closure if it can't find new trustees. Robin Martin reports.

Wild deer roaming the streets of suburban Whanganui are delighting some residents, while raising concerns for others. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Hundreds of lawn bowlers have descended on Taranaki this week for the region's men's open fours competition - considered one of the largest and most prestigious club championships in the country. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

An award-winning New Zealand photographer who's had an asteroid named after him for his work in space sustainability says it's a "tremendous thrill." Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

The closure of State Highway 3 north of Mt Messenger for five days is forcing motorists to take lengthy detours in and out of Taranaki. From Friday, travellers will need to head south via Whanganui on SH4 or connect to SH1 at Marton, affecting concertgoers, holidaymakers, sports teams and local businesses. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

A cheeky tui named Pleakley is delighting visitors at the Otorohanga Kiwi House by calling out and laughing at passersby. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to meet the attention-grabbing bird. RNZ's Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin met the bird.

A former New Plymouth mayor has put in a bid to buy two blocks of Kainga Ora flats - planning to bowl them and build apartments alongside an upmarket development he already has under way. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Robin discusses news from Taranaki including the fight against invasive golden clams in Lake Rotomanu. 

A captive-breeding programme credited with helping bring the critically-endangered Mahoenui giant weta back from the brink is expecting a bumper breeding season in January - in more ways than one. Robin Martin reports.

It would appear a cost of living crisis could be the perfect time to consider getting a tattoo. That's likely to be on the minds of the between four and six thousand people expected to cram into the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth over the weekend for the New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin buzzed along to check out the preparations.

About 100 critically-endangered Mahoenui giant weta have been released into the Rotokare Sanctuary in Taranaki this week as part of efforts to preserve the taonga species. Robin Martin reports.

A Taranaki family have paused work on the rebuild of their coastal bach after a pair of nesting little blue penguins - or korora - took up residence beneath its floorboards. The Vile family, who are redeveloping a classic two-bedroom bach at Urenui Beach, are now patiently waiting for the chick to fledge. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has been at Urenui.

It's likely to be at least a week until some of the key tracks in Tongariro National Park reopen after a wildfire tore through thousands of hectares of land. Prolonged periods of precious rain have been a big help in quelling the huge blaze, but not before it severely disrupted the region's tourism businesses as they head into peak season, and had an as-yet untold impact on the park's flora and fauna. The wet weather has now eased enough for a helicopter to go up to assess the damage, and give us an indication how long it may take to rejuvinate. Robin Martin reports from Waimarino.

The opening of a $56 million Taranaki Cancer Centre in New Plymouth is being described as life changing for people living with the disease in the region, and for the professionals who care for them. About 300 patients a year have had to make the three-hour trek to Palmerston North for radiation treatment - lasting sometimes just minutes - but now 80 percent of radiation treatment will be done locally. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was at the opening.

A steady stream of rough sleepers is taking advantage of a recently-opened night shelter in New Plymouth. Taranaki Whanganui reporter, Robin Martin reports.

There's a bit of a buzz about this year's Taranaki Garden Festival. Among the five new gardens opening for the event is the Bee Valley Flower Farm which has proven a magnet for bumble bees. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Robin has the latest on the Mt Messenger by-pass project, issues with the Awakino Gorge continue and local garden festivals kick off.

A significant milestone has been reached in the Mt Messenger Bypass Te Ara o Te Ata project on State Highway 3 in Taranaki. RNZ Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

Questions are being raised about what more the Transport Agency can do to improve the resilience of State Highway 3 between Waikato and Taranaki. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

There have been calls for a review of the warnings issued ahead of last week's weather event which brought down hundreds of slips, closed dozens of central North Island roads, inundated farms and flooded homes. An orange warning was issued, but the Mayor of the Waitomo District and the Minister for Rural Communities are questioning whether that should have been uprgaded. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was in Waitomo.

An Awakino mother rescued from floodwaters surrounding her home says she feels incredibly lucky her family got out when they did. Jamie Ward had her three children and a cousin in her care as flood waters began lapping over her deck. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

Homes have been left filled with a muddy silt, fences flattened and paddocks left a spongy mess. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has been in Awakino.

A South Taranaki hotel dating back to the late 1800s is on the market. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

A group of South Taranaki rangatahi are reconnecting with their culture while learning carpentry skills building whare for local iwi, in a first-of-its kind collaboration with the Western Institute of Technology. The 14 trainee builders are the first cohort on a project involving Ngāruahine hapū Ōkahu Inuāwai that aims to build four homes that will be taken to iwi land at nearby Okaiawa. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look.