New Zealand

Tongariro Wildfire

Photos show devastation of wildfire as 3000 hectares of National Park now burnt

Wildfire

Further evacuations as Tongariro wildfire rapidly spreads to 1,600ha

Wildfire

Watch: Tongariro wildfire surges past 1000ha, causing evacuations and closures

Fireworks

NZ First introduces Bill to ban public sale of fireworks

Tribute

Former prime minister Jim Bolger, born in Ōpunake in 1935, died peacefully aged 90

Tribute

Nigel Latta passes away aged 58 after a battle with cancer

CBD

New Plymouth CBD gets a green facelift as ageing alders make way for natives

Housing

Te Ātiawa townhouses in Westown offers Iwi members a pathway to home ownership

Election 2025

Rates Cap a hot election issue for New Plymouth – RNZ/Reid poll finds 75% of voters in favour

Tim Tams

“Tim Tam” cycleway survey presented to Shane Jones with 7,000+ participants

Fundraiser

Fundraiser aims to raise money for Taranaki Air Ambulance with signed All Blacks jersey and more

Womad

Womad 2026 cancelled due to rising costs and declining sponsorship

Destination Kāwaroa

Shade structure being installed at the Destination Kāwaroa playground

Accident

Morley Street closed due to accident

Election 2025

Some mayoral aspirants a no-show to first “Meet the Mayoral Candidates” community event

Crime

Taranaki teen accused of damaging 13 cars in Waitara & New Plymouth

Local Politics

$3.5 Queen Street changes going ahead after council vote 12 in favour, 3 against

Destination Kāwaroa

Destination Kāwaroa Stages 2 & 3 Launched with “Big Day of Play”