Robin Martin

New Plymouth

Senior Reporter at Radio New Zealand (RNZ)

Senior RNZ reporter based in New Plymouth. Taranaki Whanganui is my patch. Feel free to DM your tips.

Articles

High-spec Pouakai Hut replacement built to withstand 300km/h winds

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

The unique challenges of building in the sub-alpine environment has meant everything including the kitchen sink - four times over - has had to be helicoptered into the Pouākai Hut rebuild site in Te Papakurua o Taranaki - the region's national park. The new 300sqm, 36-bunk building is replacing a hut half its size, which was built in 1981 and could no longer cope with traffic to the popular Pouākai Tarns. 1190 metres above sea level. solar power, with lights triggered by hours of darkness.
New Plymouth businesses largely support 'investment boost' package

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

New Plymouth businesses spoken to by RNZ have by and large welcomed the government's "investment boost" package. The boost allows them to deduct 20 percent of the cost of new assets - such as machinery or tools - from taxable income on top of normal depreciation, meaning a much lower tax bill in the year of those purchases.
New Plymouth businesses largely support 'investment boost' package

2 weeks ago | radionz.co.nz | Robin Martin

New Plymouth businesses spoken to by RNZ have by and large welcomed the government's "investment boost" package. The boost allows them to deduct 20 percent of the cost of new assets - such as machinery or tools - from taxable income on top of normal depreciation, meaning a much lower tax bill in the year of those purchases.
NZ wildlife and construction projects at centre of urgent Wildlife Act changes

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

Environmentalists are furious about changes made under urgency to the Wildlife Act, but the Department of Conservation says the amendments don't change the established practice for protecting wildlife. DOC said the changes fixed a legal bind it found itself in after a landmark court ruling, and would not water down protections for kiwi, long-tail bats or other vulnerable wildlife.
Kayak fisher brushes off sharks to land monster snapper

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

A Taranaki kayak fisher brushed off a couple of shark encounters on his way to reeling in a massive snapper, which is odds-on to win its division in the year-long Export New Zealand Fishing Competition that closes at the end of May. Christian-Ray Simons and brother Daniel paddled six kilometres out off the South Taranaki Coast to where he hooked the 91cm, 12kg monster, but not before having to release two sharks he'd inadvertently snagged.
Conservation efforts boost numbers of rare coastal birds in Taranaki

3 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

Community-based trapping efforts are being credited with vulnerable coastal birds - the tūturiwhatu (Northern New Zealand dotterel) and ōi (grey-faced petrel) - extending their range and returning in increasing numbers to Taranaki. Ōi are being spotted as far south as Ōpunake, while tūturiwhatu have climbed in number from one or two individual birds 30 years ago to about 50 today, with 15 breeding pairs. Ōi are nocturnal seabirds, which nest in burrows and are known for their distinctive call.
New Plymouth's rough sleepers back car park solution

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

A group of rough sleepers in New Plymouth are backing a proposal to allow them to use a council car park as a place to hang out. But they are warning a police crackdown on their behaviour in the CBD will only push them out into residential neighbourhoods. Inner-city retailers pushed the idea of using the lower deck of the car park at an invite-only meeting organised by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce earlier this week.
New Plymouth's rough sleepers back car park solution

1 month ago | radionz.co.nz | Robin Martin

A group of rough sleepers in New Plymouth are backing a proposal to allow them to use a council car park as a place to hang out. But they are warning a police crackdown on their behaviour in the CBD will only push them out into residential neighbourhoods. Inner-city retailers pushed the idea of using the lower deck of the car park at an invite-only meeting organised by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce earlier this week.
Car park suggested as temporary daytime space for New Plymouth's homeless population

1 month ago | radionz.co.nz | Robin Martin

The subterranean level of a council car park, a derelict nightclub and a prison dating back to the 1870s have all been suggested as temporary places for New Plymouth's rough sleepers to hang out during the day. At the second hui on the issue in just weeks, the car park emerged as a possible short-term fix for a group of homeless who have been camping out in the CBD for years.
Car park suggested as temporary daytime space for New Plymouth's homeless population

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Robin Martin

The subterranean level of a council car park, a derelict nightclub and a prison dating back to the 1870s have all been suggested as temporary places for New Plymouth's rough sleepers to hang out during the day. At the second hui on the issue in as many weeks, the car park emerged as a possible short-term fix for a group of homeless who have been camping out in the CBD for years.