Taranaki news
Opinion: A year of change and challenges for our community
Govt faces challenges in 2024 with recession and protests as councils focus on LTP reviews
Carl Bates: Christmas under the mountain - a year on
MP Carl Bates reflects on the year that was 2024.
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'Do everything': Top students share advice at Taranaki graduation
Stratford's Kings Theatre hosts Taranaki Diocesan School's prizegiving and graduation.
Stratfords of the World uniting in Taranaki
Stratford-upon-Pātea to showcase region at Stratfords of the World convention in January.
Inglewood parade shows 'Christmas through the ages'
The crowds lined Inglewood's main street for the Lions Club's annual Christmas Parade.
Pianist returning home for performances
Moser, Eden Park's first musician-in-residence, is coming back to Taranaki for two shows.
Plenty to unwrap for raffle winners
The raffle raised $7500 for the community, said organiser Pat Moore.
Premium
‘Tough news’: NZME proposes to close 14 local newspapers, with the loss of 30 jobs
Herald owner says community titles are no longer profitable in changing media landscape.
First XV: 10 standouts to watch after a thrilling season
The group of schoolboy players who are poised to shine in the future.
Opinion: Councils don't have a magic money tree - but central govt does
OPINION: Central govt pockets about $300,000 per new home in taxes - for no money down.
Whanganui-born, Taranaki-based Shakespeare scholar uncovers The Bard’s philosophy
Roger Peters has published numerous books about his findings.
Editorial: School attendance matters
OPINION: Turning up is the key to a successful school year
Mexico sojourn motivation for debut single
A New Plymouth singer-songwriter has released her first song.
Sport news
First XV random awards: The best fans, strips, referees and more
Sacred Heart supporters shine in the 2024 First XV season's best moments and awards.
First XV: 10 standouts to watch after a thrilling season
The group of schoolboy players who are poised to shine in the future.
From cricket to rugby and back for Mike Sandle
Mike Sandle is heading back to the pitch, accepting a new role with the Black Caps.
Property news
Standoff between builders and council over new consent rules
Stratford builders say guidelines suddenly being implemented by council delaying projects.
Papakāinga plans could hinge on iwi-council relationship
Current rules largely restrict papakāinga to be integrated with marae.
Flood of consents: Iwi seek resources to support relationship
Hearing told iwi and hapū need money to help decide and monitor consents.
Lifestyle news
Womad 2024: Meet Vanuatu's treehouse troubadour
Womad artist Tio says he'll take audiences on a cultural and spiritual journey.
'Private property': Maize border keeps out sunflower selfie-seekers
'We had people jumping the fence, picking them, taking photos, flying drones over them.'
'High energy and good vibes': 10 Questions with Shapeshifter
"Spread the love and the good vibes will always make for a good time."
Photos
Inglewood Lions' Club Christmas Parade 2024
There was plenty of joy in Inglewood on Saturday, December 14 as the annual Inglewood Lions' Club Christmas Parade rolled into town. Photos / Alyssa Smith
2024 Eltham Lions Club Christmas Parade
There was plenty of holiday cheer in Eltham on Friday, December 6, with the annual Eltham Lions Club Christmas parade rolling through town. Photos / Mark Bellringer
Stratford Business Association Christmas Parade 2024
The sun was shining and the crowd was smiling when the Stratford Business Association Christmas Parade rode through town. The event was followed by Christmas carols and the chance to see Santa, while market and food stalls helped shoppers stock up ready for Christmas. Photos / Ilona Hanne and Alyssa Smith
Rural news
Pine pollen discovery nothing to sneeze at
The Country looks back at some of the biggest and best stories of the past 12 months.
The Country: Winston Peters on raising Super age
The Country looks back at some of the biggest and best stories of the past 12 months.
Pastures past: Where have all the lambs and wool gone?
The Country looks back at some of the biggest and best stories of the past 12 months.
Car news and advice
Best reviews of 2024: Toyota Prius Z PHEV Signature Class
The Prius has gone all desirable; now it’s back in NZ as a Signature Class used import.
Aston Martin Valkyrie breaks Silverstone lap record for street-legal cars
Valkyrie has set a blistering lap time of 1:56.42 around the hallowed F1 circuit.
BYD hits record 4.27m sales in 2024 as it chases Tesla
The record sales figure represents an impressive 41.3% increase from the previous year.
OneRoof property news
Singaporean family buys premium Auckland properties for over $11.5m
They have business ties to New Zealand.
'Elite property tinder' - the secret house sales in NZ's richest suburbs
These are the Kiwi homes only the very wealthy get to see.
Location Location Location star Jayne Kiely: I thought my TV career was over
"I’m nothing like Kirstie Allsopp. She’s quite posh, unlike me!"
More Stratford news
Take a kid fishing this month
About 300 rainbow trout were released into the area for the event.
Women's heavyweight title fight among boxing bouts coming to Stratford
The event includes the heavyweight bout and other title fights.
Taranaki launches innovation centre to boost biotech industry
Centre to connect local and global researchers, enhancing Taranaki's innovation potential
New StrEAT Food Festival coming to town
The new StrEAT Food Festival will feature 18 vendors and festive fun on December 14.
Fresh courts and reopened classroom for Avon School
Avon School to reopen fourth classroom in 2025 as roll increases to 73 students.
From classroom to farm: Young graduates thrive
Peta Fearon wins top academic award in NZ, graduates from Growing Future Farmers course.
Top students and head students announced at prizegiving
The prizegiving took place on Wednesday, October 30.
Grant to help Mya Watkins study sports nutrition
Mya Watkins, third in BMX 17-24, wins BPW Hāwera scholarship for sports nutrition.
Smith champions student sports at Stratford High
Philippa Smith has won a regional award for her dedication to sport.
Hat-trick Jack adds another trophy to collection
Jack Jordan, 28, said his success is thanks to a great support network.
Top award for local sports club
Club captain Nathan McDonald said the success is thanks to the community.
Manawatu summer forecast: Mixed weather likely
Taranaki see drier than normal conditions, with a 60% chance of above-average temps.