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![Stratford Library lantern activity a success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford Library lantern activity a success
The lantern-making activity is just one in the packed school holidays programme.
![Inglewood Lions visit Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inglewood Lions visit Australia
The international conference was attended by 10,400 Lions, including 300 from New Zealand.
![Create a bird scarer these school holidays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Create a bird scarer these school holidays
The bird scarer competition helps kids to keep busy these holidays, says Tracey Cole.
![Motorkhana a fun event for all](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Motorkhana a fun event for all
South Taranaki Car Club secretary Helen Cameron says the weekend is about fun learning.
![Team-mates band together for tough rowing challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Team-mates band together for tough rowing challenge
The Moana Dogs will take to the seas in a gruelling challenge next year.
![Galloping into fun for a good cause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Galloping into fun for a good cause
The dressage hobby horse competition was organised by Bex Dearden.
![Adventurers wanted for role-playing game](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Adventurers wanted for role-playing game
The club's next meeting is on Saturday, July 13.
![SPCA programme helps owners desex cats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
SPCA programme helps owners desex cats
With half of the vouchers already booked, people are encouraged to get in quick.
![Scholarship creates opportunities for Taranaki student](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Scholarship creates opportunities for Taranaki student
The New Plymouth student will receive $12,000 over his first three years of university.
![Kids invited to try a new sport.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kids invited to try a new sport.
The kids' group meets every Wednesday evening at the Scout Hall in Stratford.
![Prestigious accolade for Alton farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Prestigious accolade for Alton farmers
Their efforts to protect biodiversity were recognised at the national awards ceremony.
![Focus on camera club's latest exhibition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Focus on camera club's latest exhibition
The Stratford Camera Club is exhibiting work in an Eltham art gallery.
![Heavy rain in outlook for lower North Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heavy rain in outlook for lower North Island
Niwa's report covers the outlook for the lower North Island over the next three months.
![Rallying for Stratford Park Project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rallying for Stratford Park Project
The best place to see the cars up close is the War Memorial Car Park, Helen Cameron says.
![Printmaking art wins local accolade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Printmaking art wins local accolade
Entrants and their families attended the awards night, on Friday, June 28.
![Midhirst local inspiring positive change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Midhirst local inspiring positive change
The 19-year-old World Vision youth ambassador taught 40 tricks to a group of dogs.
![Puanga celebrations at Arvida Molly Ryan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Puanga celebrations at Arvida Molly Ryan
The New Plymouth retirement village celebrated Puanga with a hangi lunch.
![Large crowd attends drop-in session](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Large crowd attends drop-in session
The community has been keen to hear more about the regional council's freshwater plans.
![New playground unveiled at Avon School](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New playground unveiled at Avon School
The new playground features swings and climbing frames for the pupils.
![Losing their locks for a worthy cause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Losing their locks for a worthy cause
Twenty-five Year 13 students and three staff members shaved their heads.
![Taranaki family raising funds for intensive therapy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki family raising funds for intensive therapy
The intensive therapy will help Liv reach her milestones and learn to swallow.
![School invites all to Puanga celebrations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
School invites all to Puanga celebrations
Ratapiko School principal Victoria Greening-Winiata says celebrating Puanga is important.
![Visit to power station lights up interest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Visit to power station lights up interest
The visit was part of the Girls with Hi-Vis programme.
![Talented cast and crew bring The Lion King to life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Talented cast and crew bring The Lion King to life
Audiences can expect a stellar cast, stunning backdrops and toe-tapping tunes.
![Anderson family speeding to golf champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Anderson family speeding to golf champs
The Stratford-based Anderson family all love speedgolf - and are all quite good at it.
![Night of celebration for Toko and District Lions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Night of celebration for Toko and District Lions
Eight members of the Central Taranaki club received awards for their service.
![Change of officers for Central Taranaki Lions Club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Change of officers for Central Taranaki Lions Club
The new officers and members were inducted at the annual dinner.
![Stratford wellness centre wins award](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford wellness centre wins award
The Stratford shop won the Central Taranaki award at this year's Taranaki Top Shops.
![Taranaki author visits Stratford school](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki author visits Stratford school
In exchange for visiting, Helen Griffiths asked for cat food donations.
![Course graduates ready to work: 'Thank you for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Course graduates ready to work: 'Thank you for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime'
The graduates are now qualified for the forestry and conservation sector.
![TV star saddles up to help mental health facility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TV star saddles up to help mental health facility
'I value the work they do in our local community.'
![Whanganui-born, Taranaki-based Shakespeare scholar uncovers The Bard’s philosophy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whanganui-born, Taranaki-based Shakespeare scholar uncovers The Bard’s philosophy
Roger Peters has published numerous books about his findings.
![New movie needs community's help to get rolling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New movie needs community's help to get rolling
While the script is finalised, the movie can't go ahead until the funding is sourced.
![Stratford musicians shine at regional competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford musicians shine at regional competition
School band formed after having a couple of jam sessions during music class.
![Warmer June, less rain for lower North Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Warmer June, less rain for lower North Island
The latest Niwa outlook report covers what's expected over the next three months.
![Funding freeze unwelcome news to iwi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Funding freeze unwelcome news to iwi
The Takutai Moana Financial Assistance Scheme will be capped at $12m next year.
![Taranaki teens have got game: E-sports tournament proves a hit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki teens have got game: E-sports tournament proves a hit
The secondary school students showed their mettle in Fortnite and Rocket League matches.
![Audiologist sets sights on Cook Islands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Audiologist sets sights on Cook Islands
Keen will spend two weeks in the Cook Islands, helping as many people as possible.
![Curator talk to give insight to Rita Angus](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Curator talk to give insight to Rita Angus
During her 60-minute talk, Bisley will discuss Rita Angus' life and artworks.
![Foodbank drive to meet the need](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Foodbank drive to meet the need
The two farmer-led initiatives ensure those in need get meat and milk.
![Community invited to have say on Waverley town plans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Community invited to have say on Waverley town plans
Safety upgrades to State Highway 3 and a new path are two potential ideas for Waverley.
![Stratford secondary schools' curriculum grows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford secondary schools' curriculum grows
A charitable trust is sowing the seeds of learning at two Central Taranaki schools.
![From Stratford to Europe for teen powerlifters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From Stratford to Europe for teen powerlifters
The teenage powerlifters are both reigning national champions for their divisions.
![True World War I story made into book](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
True World War I story made into book
An acorn that travelled across oceans was the inspiration behind the story.
![Students' verdict on cellphone ban](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Students' verdict on cellphone ban
Taranaki high school students say more needs to be done to stop bullying.
![School camp mixes fun and community service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
School camp mixes fun and community service
The camp wasn't just about fun, but also serving the community, said Julie-Anne Hall.
![Free health checks at annual book fair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Free health checks at annual book fair
This year the book fair will double up as a free health screening service.
![Green thumbs encouraged for regional comp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Green thumbs encouraged for regional comp
The competition is open to school-aged rangatahi across the Taranaki region.
![Green-thumbed students work together for Earth's sake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Green-thumbed students work together for Earth's sake
This was the first time the Beyond COP21 symposium has been held in the Oceania region.
![From fisheries to Rotokare Scenic Reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From fisheries to Rotokare Scenic Reserve
Sanctuary manager has gone from caring for the sea to looking after the land.
![Harlem Globetrotters bring trick shots to Taranaki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Harlem Globetrotters bring trick shots to Taranaki
New Plymouth Boys' High School had two special international sports players visit.
![Te Paepae o Aotea student becomes firefighter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Paepae o Aotea student becomes firefighter
Kieran Taylor says it's important to give back to the community that's supported him.
![Jiu-jitsu competitor sets sights on Japan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jiu-jitsu competitor sets sights on Japan
Brayden Hughes will represent his country on the world stage in September.
![Top placing for Stratford student](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top placing for Stratford student
The 15-year-old won the Manukau Cup at Alexandra Park, Auckland.
![Eltham-based marching club achieve top results](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eltham-based marching club achieve top results
The club came away with two firsts at the Taranaki champs.
![Rural school supports Cancer Society](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rural school supports Cancer Society
The pupils asked family and friends to sponsor them for the week.
![Weekend of worship and fun for Taranaki teens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Weekend of worship and fun for Taranaki teens
180 teenagers from across Taranaki visited Eltham Presbyterian Campsite for the event.
![Ten decades on the clock for Shirley Houston](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ten decades on the clock for Shirley Houston
The key to a long life is healthy food and the occasional glass of wine, she says.
![New owner for local supermarket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New owner for local supermarket
New World Stratford's new owner-operator has moved from coast to coast.
![Rita Angus exhibition comes to town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rita Angus exhibition comes to town
The exhibition features 16 works from Te Papa's summer exhibition collection.
![Survival fun at Rotokare Scenic Reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Survival fun at Rotokare Scenic Reserve
Environmental educator Penelope Thomas says it'll be survival of the fittest.
![Stratford businesses invited to volleyball league](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford businesses invited to volleyball league
Z Stratford manager Michelle Kennedy hopes to see businesses on the court.
![Free workshop for keen gardeners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Free workshop for keen gardeners
The workshop will teach people about the many uses of pallets for the garden.
![Students benefit from farm funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Students benefit from farm funding
The scholarships are for Taranaki students studying in the agricultural fields.
![Medieval festivities at Baldrick's](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Medieval festivities at Baldrick's
The rain didn't dampen the spirits of those who attended the event in Stratford.
![Eltham Anzac soldiers honoured with bouquets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eltham Anzac soldiers honoured with bouquets
Steffy Mackay says the flowers are a perfect way to honour Eltham's fallen soldiers.
![Taranaki loader driver wins national champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki loader driver wins national champs
Stratford's Travid Young came out on top against 12 other machine operators.
![Retro America cruising into town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Retro America cruising into town
The American clothing store will have a stall at this month's AutoCity Motorfest.
![Family fun at Stratford motorsport event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Family fun at Stratford motorsport event
The event has something for everyone says Helen Cameron.
![Taranaki school students perform at regional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki school students perform at regional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival
Stratford Kings Theatre TET hosted students from eight different schools for the festival
![National theatre company popping into Stratford](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
National theatre company popping into Stratford
The national theatre company will perform two shows during this month's festival.
![Stratford Croquet Club hosts Masters competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford Croquet Club hosts Masters competition
Stratford Croquet Club hosted players from across Taranaki for the regional event.
![Pride week coming to Taranaki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pride week coming to Taranaki
A church service, a clothes swap and a rainbow drinks celebration are amongst the events.
![English game makes its way to Stratford](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
English game makes its way to Stratford
As well as bragging rights, there's also a bar tab up for grabs, says Suzanne Blackwell.
![Marinoto Rest Home supports cancer society](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Marinoto Rest Home supports cancer society
The 12 Marinoto Rest Home residents walked for two hours during the event.
![Former Stratford student wins big at industry awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former Stratford student wins big at industry awards
Monique Radford, who grew up in Stratford, now lives in Ashburton.