Ilona Hanne is editor of the Stratford Press
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![It's tinsel time - 23 weeks to Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
It's tinsel time - 23 weeks to Christmas
Untangle the tinsel and start putting up the lights - 23 weeks until Christmas.
![Eid Mubarak: Hundreds attend community Eid celebration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eid Mubarak: Hundreds attend community Eid celebration
Over 250 people enjoyed celebrating the festival together.
![Person taken into custody at New Plymouth airport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person taken into custody at New Plymouth airport
A witness described the incident as 'frightening'.
![Photo captures a women's rugby game back in the 1960s](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Photo captures a women's rugby game back in the 1960s
Wayne Smith took the photos in the 1960s during a women's rugby game.
![Mānawatia a Matariki - Stratford celebrates Puanga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mānawatia a Matariki - Stratford celebrates Puanga
Lights were glowing brightly in Stratford on Thursday night for the community event.
![Bilingual service for Matariki in Eltham](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bilingual service for Matariki in Eltham
Nau mai, haere mai - all are welcome to attend the service at Eltham's All Saints Church.
![Stratford councillors decide on crossing locations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford councillors decide on crossing locations
The current crossing in front of the town's glockenspiel will be removed.
![Pedestrian crossing in front of Stratford's glockenspiel to be removed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pedestrian crossing in front of Stratford's glockenspiel to be removed
Public feedback is currently being sought on plans for two new crossings.
![Winter Fest 2024 to deliver packed and diverse arts programme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winter Fest 2024 to deliver packed and diverse arts programme
Taranaki Arts Festival’s line-up of shows might give punters FOMO.
![Government’s Maori Wards bill opposed by Stratford District Council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government’s Maori Wards bill opposed by Stratford District Council
The bill was described as being 'a double standard' and 'the very definition of racism'.
!['Bloody disgrace': Bridge damage angers councillors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Bloody disgrace': Bridge damage angers councillors
'Ratepayers are paying for the negligence of one company.' - Councillor Grant Boyde
!['We walk in unity': Large crowd turn out for Hāwera hīkoi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We walk in unity': Large crowd turn out for Hāwera hīkoi
'We walk in unity today' - Te Aorangi Dillon.
![Stratford Kyokushin Karate fighters excel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford Kyokushin Karate fighters excel
Kyokushin karate club members do well in tournament
![Stratford’s 'Grand Old Lady' claims her heritage crown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford’s 'Grand Old Lady' claims her heritage crown
The theatre has special significance in New Zealand history as an early 'picture palace'.
![Dirty Work: An ode to joy that is joyous to watch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dirty Work: An ode to joy that is joyous to watch
Review: There's plenty of praises to sing when it comes to this show.
![Q&A with Brendan Dugan of the NZ Highwaymen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Q&A with Brendan Dugan of the NZ Highwaymen
The NZ Highwaymen are about to get back on the road, touring across NZ in June and July.
![Eleven-hour work day for Stratford councillors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eleven-hour work day for Stratford councillors
A tight deadline meant elected members were working against the clock last week.
![Inglewood ready to celebrate history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inglewood ready to celebrate history
The town has come a long way in those 150 years, says the jubilee committee chair.
![Stratford Art Society works on bringing art to the people](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford Art Society works on bringing art to the people
Plans are in place for a series of pop-up exhibitions around the district.
![Ilona Hanne: Good vets are worth celebrating](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ilona Hanne: Good vets are worth celebrating
OPINION: Vets do a lot more than just treat cats and dogs.
![Dairy farms, conservation and auto repair: Councillors' pecuniary interests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dairy farms, conservation and auto repair: Councillors' pecuniary interests
Not all elected members have filed their pecuniary interests return
![Review: A colourful show that is packed with talent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: A colourful show that is packed with talent
If you suffer from FOMO when it comes to theatre shows, don't read this review.
![Oh yes it is: A great adult pantomime on show at The Castle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Oh yes it is: A great adult pantomime on show at The Castle
It has all the ingredients of a great pantomime, but take an adult friend, not a minor.
![Rising Stars pop-up Broadway event on this weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rising Stars pop-up Broadway event on this weekend
The event will help raise some much-needed funds for the college.
![Give us a chance: Employers urged to consider deaf applicants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Give us a chance: Employers urged to consider deaf applicants
A profoundly deaf woman says deaf people face many barriers in finding employment
![Crowned: Taranaki teen has beauty in the bag with pageant win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crowned: Taranaki teen has beauty in the bag with pageant win
Shamika Hoeta has won the first beauty pageant she has entered.
![Learning te reo 'good for mind and soul'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Learning te reo 'good for mind and soul'
The classes are open to all, and suitable for beginners.
![Taranaki hardcore: Audrey Cooper turns 102](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki hardcore: Audrey Cooper turns 102
She's already making plans for her 103rd birthday celebration.
![Councillors put on spot at marae over Māori ward debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors put on spot at marae over Māori ward debate
The councillors present were asked to give their personal opinion on one of the topics.
![Eltham community marks Anzac Day with parade and civic service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eltham community marks Anzac Day with parade and civic service
The service took place in front of the town's memorial gates
![We will remember them: Large crowd for Stratford's Anzac Day dawn service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
We will remember them: Large crowd for Stratford's Anzac Day dawn service
Wreaths were laid as part of the Anzac Day dawn service in Stratford this morning.
![120km round trip for Stratford's mayor and councillors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
120km round trip for Stratford's mayor and councillors
It's a tradition that mayor Neil Volzke says is a highlight in his meeting calendar.
![Free public class and demonstration planned for World Tai Chi and Qigong day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Free public class and demonstration planned for World Tai Chi and Qigong day
In Taranaki, the event will be marked with a free class and demonstration in New Plymouth.
!['Beautiful community' supports puppy rescue mission](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Beautiful community' supports puppy rescue mission
Kylee Lawrence said there's a village raising the five puppies.
![Anzac Day breakfast to be served up to veterans and whānau](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Anzac Day breakfast to be served up to veterans and whānau
Last year about 50 came for breakfast and the Hywoods hope more will come this year.
![Appeal for help as Foxie and Wolfe set for surgery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Appeal for help as Foxie and Wolfe set for surgery
Pair had a tough start to life and will be operated on in the next few weeks.
![Fresh new look for Hāwera supermarket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fresh new look for Hāwera supermarket
When will other Taranaki and Whanganui Countdowns follow suit?
![Taranaki rangatahi speak up against racism during speech contest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taranaki rangatahi speak up against racism during speech contest
The teenagers all had clear ideas about how to end racism in New Zealand
![Members of the public matched in number by elected members at meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Members of the public matched in number by elected members at meeting
It was a one-to-one ratio between members of the public and councillors at the meeting.
![Review: Illiterate Book Club brings out the best in cast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Illiterate Book Club brings out the best in cast
The intimate setting of Repertory House is the perfect scene setter for this play.
![Magic show ready to cast a spell on audience](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Magic show ready to cast a spell on audience
A range of magic will amaze audiences at the show, which is in New Plymouth next week.
![Winter Fest set to get people off couches and into theatres](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winter Fest set to get people off couches and into theatres
No excuses for sitting at home this winter.
![Shakespeare? The play's the thing ...](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shakespeare? The play's the thing ...
Shakespeare isn't the problem, the delivery is, writes Ilona Hanne
![Review: Burning Bridges is an outstanding piece of theatre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Burning Bridges is an outstanding piece of theatre
A flawed script can become a perfect piece of theatre under the right direction.
![Review: New Plymouth Little Theatre's play is a joy to watch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: New Plymouth Little Theatre's play is a joy to watch
Review: New Plymouth Little Theatre, Social Climbers by Roger Hall, director: Steve Wright
![Spring forwards, fall backwards - time to move your clocks back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Spring forwards, fall backwards - time to move your clocks back
Thanks to a Kiwi and his love of bugs, we get a sleep-in this weekend.
![Rent increase for residents of Stratford's pensioner units.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rent increase for residents of Stratford's pensioner units.
The residents are facing an increase of just slightly less than was originally proposed.
![Opinion: Keep the rainbow reading, lose the hate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Keep the rainbow reading, lose the hate
We don't learn hate and bad behaviour from books, but from people.
![Q&A with Penny Ashton who is bringing her one woman show to town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Q&A with Penny Ashton who is bringing her one woman show to town
Penny Ashton is bringing a Tempestuous show to a stage near you.
![Christians in Stratford join together to mark Easter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christians in Stratford join together to mark Easter
Annual cross walk focuses on the commonalities between town's churches.
![Have your say: Stratford council flags much higher 2024/25 rate increase](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Have your say: Stratford council flags much higher 2024/25 rate increase
"Being in the double digits hurts, and we know it won’t be welcomed by our ratepayers."
![Thousands go mad for Womad; Pro-Palestine protest during Marley’s set](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thousands go mad for Womad; Pro-Palestine protest during Marley’s set
It was a 21st party like no other when Womad NZ came to Taranaki.
![Pacific travels and a party despite cancer diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pacific travels and a party despite cancer diagnosis
Live life now, don't wait, is the advice from Sharon Robinson.
![Councillors remain set on increasing pensioner unit rent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors remain set on increasing pensioner unit rent
A rent increase of $20+ a week is back on the cards.
![Eltham Football Club celebrating 50 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eltham Football Club celebrating 50 years
The club has been running since 1974 and is still going strong
![Everything was awesome at the Eltham Brickshow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Everything was awesome at the Eltham Brickshow
Crowds flocked to the show, which featured amazing builds, including a very famous droid.
![Review: Improv Salad as served by Improv Taranaki makes comedy the main meal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Improv Salad as served by Improv Taranaki makes comedy the main meal
Salad is anything but a side dish when it's Improv Salad as served up by this group.
![New partner at Govett Quilliam](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New partner at Govett Quilliam
The law firm was also the first in Taranaki to appoint a female partner back in 1987.
![Twilight Gala to support Lepperton School](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Twilight Gala to support Lepperton School
Money raised at the gala will go towards funding activities and supplies for the school.
![Opinion: Silence is complicit, on social media or in real life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Silence is complicit, on social media or in real life
International Women's Day is about equality for all women not just those who look like you
![This Girlie needs a forever home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
This Girlie needs a forever home
This lovely kitten is available through The Scratching Post.
![Four Seasons named for NPOS Jersey Boys show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Four Seasons named for NPOS Jersey Boys show
Tickets to the July production are on sale now.
![Lego show helps build funds for Eltham Football Club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lego show helps build funds for Eltham Football Club
Daniel Radcliffe, Brad Pitt, Chris Pratt, Anna Kendrick are all fans of Lego.
![Residents say rent increase will price them out of their homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Residents say rent increase will price them out of their homes
Dental and medical appointments are being put off while tenants wait on a decision.
![One councillor votes against Easter trading](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One councillor votes against Easter trading
As a Christian festival, Easter Sunday should be protected, argued one councillor.
![Two Taranaki wins for Lotto players](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two Taranaki wins for Lotto players
One of the two winning tickets also got the Powerball, increasing the total win.
![International world day of prayer gives Palestinian women chance to be heard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
International world day of prayer gives Palestinian women chance to be heard
Rev Kim Wright is pleased this year's service has been designed by Palestinian women.
![Neighbours Aotearoa initiative running throughout March](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Neighbours Aotearoa initiative running throughout March
Getting to know your neighbours and neighbourhood helps people feel more connected
![Market idea to cash in on fashion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Market idea to cash in on fashion
A pre-loved clothing market is good for the environment and for bank accounts, says Jaimie
![Red, white, blue and plenty of chrome on display when Americarna roared into Stratford](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Red, white, blue and plenty of chrome on display when Americarna roared into Stratford
There were plenty of American flags waving as the cars rolled into town on Friday
![Rawhitiroa Memorial Pool stars in new book](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rawhitiroa Memorial Pool stars in new book
Harry Wood loved swimming, and often mentioned going swimming in letters to his family.
![Stratford District Council: rates rise of 15.53 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford District Council: rates rise of 15.53 per cent
Earlier projections sat even higher at over 30 per cent.
![Sydney Hotshots promise "steamy routines" and "cheeky banter" in Stratford](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sydney Hotshots promise "steamy routines" and "cheeky banter" in Stratford
The all-male dance troupe will be in Stratford for one night only
![Franz is taking recovery one step at a time - all along SH1](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Franz is taking recovery one step at a time - all along SH1
Franz Oliver Lindsay hopes to raise awareness of the perils of addictions.
![Medical centre's new model cuts wait times for patients](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Medical centre's new model cuts wait times for patients
Specialist clinicians have increased the range of services offered to patients.
![Ready or not, the mother's nest is emptying](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ready or not, the mother's nest is emptying
OPINION: The practice of fledging is not entering my nest, writes Ilona Hanne.
![The music of Winehouse and the magic of NZTrio both in Winter Fest spotlight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The music of Winehouse and the magic of NZTrio both in Winter Fest spotlight
Storytelling, in its many forms and shapes, is at the heart of this year's Winter Fest.
![Councillors consider ownership of Stratford's castle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors consider ownership of Stratford's castle
Stratford on Stage has been operating out of The Castle for over three decades.