Taranaki.

Waitara High School to Receive Two New Classrooms in Government Funding Round

Waitara High School is set to receive two new classrooms as part of a $32.8 million Government property investment aimed at easing roll growth pressures across New Zealand.

Taranaki Alliance Secures $3 Million Government Grant to Support Engineering Sector Pivot

A $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant has been awarded to the Taranaki Alliance to help local engineering and manufacturing firms transition away from the oil and gas sector.

Todd Energy Secures $23.5 Million Government Loan to Boost Taranaki Gas Production

Todd Energy will receive a $23.5 million loan from the Government's Gas Security Fund to support two natural gas projects in North Taranaki.

Shane Jones Points to Defence Contracts as Lifeline for Taranaki Engineering

Resources Minister Shane Jones says lucrative military contracts could provide a vital lifeline for Taranaki's heavy engineering sector following the announced closure of the Methanex Motunui plant.

New Specialist Pharmacist Role Appointed at Taranaki Cancer Centre

Senior oncology clinical pharmacist Diana Harkin has stepped into a new permanent role at the Taranaki Cancer Centre to streamline complex medication plans and support frontline staff.

Taranaki flight nurse Rachel Shearer celebrates 1000th patient transfer milestone

Taranaki Base Hospital nurse Rachel Shearer has overcome her fear of flying to complete her 1000th patient transfer flight, delivering critical care across the North Island.

Methanex to indefinitely idle Taranaki production facilities in early 2027

Methanex Corporation has announced it will indefinitely idle its New Zealand production facilities in early 2027, dealing a major blow to the Taranaki economy due to declining natural gas availability.

Kelvin Wright appointed as new Chief Executive of New Plymouth District Council

Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Kelvin Wright has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the New Plymouth District Council, starting his role in October 2026.

Port Taranaki reports $13.11m profit but warns of future trade drop

Port Taranaki has posted a $13.11 million net profit for the 2025-26 year but warns of a tough future with trade volumes forecast to halve due to shifts in the region's energy sector.

Taranaki Base Hospital Sunday Surgeries Reduce Orthopaedic Waitlist

Taranaki Base Hospital's "Sunday Surgery" initiative has helped reduce the orthopaedic surgery waitlist for patients waiting longer than four months by 388 since the start of the year.

Photos: Hollard Gardens family day out near Stratford

Hollard Gardens offers garden trails, rare and endangered plants, and a family play area near Stratford.

Toi Foundation votes to sell TSB Bank to Heartland Group for $620 million

Toi Foundation trustees have voted to proceed with the $620 million sale of TSB Bank to Heartland Group, despite legal challenges and a rival bid from Kiwibank.

Kiwibank makes late bid for TSB as High Court clears Heartland deal

Kiwibank has made a last-minute bid to acquire TSB Bank, just as a High Court ruling cleared the way for trustees to vote on a $620 million takeover proposal by Heartland Bank.

High Court dismisses bid to halt TSB sale to Heartland Group

The High Court has dismissed an interim injunction seeking to halt the proposed $620 million sale of New Plymouth-based TSB Bank to Heartland Group Holdings.

Kiwibank open to TSB merger as Heartland deal faces High Court challenge

Kiwibank's parent company has expressed interest in a potential merger with TSB Bank, just as a community group heads to the High Court to block the proposed Heartland Bank merger.

New 10-year petroleum mining permit granted for Taranaki's Puka field

Regulator New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has awarded a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in onshore Taranaki.

Rock the Bowl festival returns to New Plymouth with Carl Cox and Fat Freddy's Drop

The Rock the Bowl music festival will return to New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands on December 29, featuring a lineup headlined by Carl Cox and Fat Freddy's Drop.

Contact Energy and CDC Partner to Explore 250MW Data Centre in Stratford

Contact Energy and CDC Data Centres have announced a joint venture to explore building a massive 250-megawatt data centre in Stratford, potentially creating hundreds of jobs.

On The House completes major infrastructure upgrade at Bell Block hub

Taranaki food rescue charity On The House has expanded its capacity with a new electric refrigerated truck and a massive walk-in freezer.

TSB Festival of Lights Wins National Award After Drawing 162,500 Visitors

New Plymouth's TSB Festival of Lights has won the top national event award, generating $23.1 million in economic impact and attracting over 45,000 out-of-region visitors.

Taranaki Hooker Bradley Slater Receives Urgent All Blacks Call-Up for South Africa Tour

Taranaki rugby standout Bradley Slater has been drafted into the All Blacks squad to replace the injured George Bell for the tour of South Africa.

Local Legends Honoured at New Plymouth District Council Youth and Citizens' Awards

One youth and ten citizens have been recognised for their outstanding community contributions at the annual New Plymouth District Council awards.

Four Arrested and 59 Infringements Issued in Taranaki Police Crackdown on Anti-Social Driving

Taranaki Police impounded vehicles, arrested four people, and issued dozens of fines during a weekend operation targeting dangerous driving and hostile behavior in the region.

Legal Letter Forces Restart of TSB and Heartland Bank Merger Consultation

A legal letter from Foy & Halse to Toi Foundation has forced a restart of the 28-day community consultation period for the proposed TSB and Heartland Bank merger.

South Taranaki and Stratford Councils Back Two-Council Model for Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford district councils have voted to support a two-council model for local government reform, rejecting a single region-wide authority.

NPDC to Hold Extraordinary Meeting on Local Government Reforms and $1.3M Cost

New Plymouth District Council is meeting to decide on the Taranaki Future Local Government Programme, which could cost the council over $660,000.

Green Party Unveils 'Kiwipower' Energy Policy Targeting Fossil Fuels

The Green Party has launched an ambitious election energy policy proposing a state-owned power generator and a transition away from natural gas.

Government Scraps Council-Iwi Resource Management Agreements Ahead of RMA Reforms

The Coalition Government has blocked existing and pending Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into New Zealand's new planning framework.

Generous $20,000 Donation Unlocks Historic Taranaki Gazettes Online

A $20,000 donation from local residents has enabled the digitisation of 178 issues of the Taranaki Gazette, now searchable online through Puke Ariki.

Fitzroy Bakery Piccolo Morso Doubles Pie Sales After Viral 10/10 Review

Taranaki bakeries are experiencing a surge in customers after popular food influencer Kosmos rated several local pie shops during his nationwide tour.

NZ First Pledges $1 Billion to Map Offshore Oil and Gas Reserves

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has pledged an initial $1 billion to map the country's offshore oil and gas reserves if elected, focusing on energy security.

NPDC to Progress 'Pathfinder' Proposal on Future of Taranaki Local Government

New Plymouth District Council has agreed to draft a 'Pathfinder' proposal on local government reform to submit to the Government by August 9.

Toi Foundation extends TSB Bank sale consultation deadline after calculation error

The Toi Foundation has reopened public consultation on the proposed $620 million sale of TSB Bank to Heartland Bank, extending the deadline to August 12th after admitting a calculation error.

Time capsule buried to mark completion of Taranaki Base Hospital's new East Wing

A time capsule containing medical equipment, photos, and historic items has been buried outside the new East Wing Building at Taranaki Base Hospital to mark its completion.

NPDC to decide on fast-track local government reform timeline

New Plymouth District Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to choose its strategic direction and timeline for the Taranaki Future Local Government reform programme.

Legal Action Threatened Over Proposed $620 Million TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

The Taranaki Community Accountability Society has threatened High Court action against Toi Foundation to halt the proposed merger of TSB and Heartland Bank.

Toi Foundation Reopens TSB and Heartland Bank Merger Consultation After Error

The Toi Foundation is reopening the public consultation period for the proposed TSB and Heartland Bank merger after an error cut the initial feedback window short.

Australian Firm Applies for Massive Petroleum Prospecting Permit Off Taranaki Coast

An Australian energy firm has applied for a petroleum prospecting permit covering nearly 10,000 square kilometres of deepwater ocean off the Taranaki coast.

MetService Upgrades Taranaki to Orange Strong Wind Warning

MetService has upgraded Taranaki to an Orange Strong Wind Warning, with severe gale winds gusting up to 120 km/h forecast from Wednesday night.

Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Completes First Night Transfer From New Helipad

The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter has successfully completed its first night patient transfer from the newly commissioned rooftop helipad at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Photos: Stunning sunset captured near Back Beach and Paritutu Rock

A stunning Taranaki sunset was captured near Back Beach and Paritutu Rock by photographer Tony Skilling.

Auditor-General Report Criticises Government's Revamped School Lunch Programme

An inquiry has revealed that the government's cost-cutting school lunch model failed to meet basic nutritional standards and led to increased food waste.

New Rooftop Helipad at Taranaki Base Hospital to Go Live

A state-of-the-art rooftop helipad at Taranaki Base Hospital will officially go live on Monday, providing the region with enhanced round-the-clock emergency air transfer capabilities.

Maternity Transition to New Taranaki Base Hospital East Wing Complete

The transition to Taranaki Base Hospital's new East Wing is complete for the maternity team following the final delivery in the old ward and the first birth in the new facility.

Taranaki Regional Council signs historic Waitara River agreement with Ngāti Maru

The Taranaki Regional Council has approved a landmark Joint Management Agreement with Ngāti Maru to establish a shared framework for environmental decision-making across the Waitara River catchment.

TSB Bank Merger Consultation Closes as Competitors Invest in Digital Overhauls

As the public submission period for the proposed TSB and Heartland Bank merger closes, rival banks SBS and The Co-operative Bank are investing heavily in cloud-native digital overhauls.

New Plymouth's Tasman Medical Secures Major Health New Zealand Supply Contract

New Plymouth manufacturer Tasman Medical has secured a contract with Health New Zealand to supply clinical trolleys and equipment solutions across the Taranaki and Waitematā regions.

Submissions Close Tuesday on Proposed $620 Million TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

Taranaki residents have until 5pm on Tuesday 30 June to submit feedback on the proposed $620 million merger between TSB and Heartland Bank before trustees vote.

TSB Bank Reports $63.3 Million Net Profit Before Tax

TSB Bank has reported a net profit before tax of $63.3 million for the year ended 31 March 2026, representing a 10% increase on the previous year.

Over 2,000 Taranaki Customers Remain Without Power Following High Winds

Powerco crews are working to restore electricity to 2,396 customers, with Taranaki being the hardest-hit region following severe winds.

Photos: Crews praised for storm cleanup efforts across Taranaki

Workers from infrastructure, council, and emergency services have been praised for their efforts in cleaning up damage caused by strong winds across Taranaki.

Severe Gales Cut Power to Thousands of Taranaki Properties

Severe gales have battered Taranaki, cutting electricity to over 6,000 properties and creating hazardous conditions that are delaying repairs.

Severe Gale-Force Winds Batter Taranaki, Forcing Road Closures and Cutting Power

Severe gale-force winds of up to 130 km/h have battered Taranaki, causing widespread road closures, power outages, and the closure of several council facilities.

NPDC Cancels Bin Collections as Severe Wind Warning Batters Taranaki

New Plymouth District Council has cancelled bin collections today as an Orange Strong Wind Warning remains in place for Taranaki with gusts of up to 130km/h.

Thousands of Taranaki Properties Plunged into Darkness Amid Severe Gales

Around 3,500 properties across Taranaki are without power as severe gale-force winds trigger widespread outages and an Orange Strong Wind Warning remains active.

Photos: Taranaki Base Hospital's New East Wing officially opened

The official opening of Taranaki Base Hospital's $462.6 million New East Wing redevelopment will significantly improve acute and specialised healthcare services across the region.

Photos: First look at Taranaki Base Hospital's new acute services building

An official opening ceremony has been held for Te Rau Mātāpuna o Taranaki, the new acute services building at Taranaki Base Hospital, with services transitioning from Monday.

New Acute Services Building Officially Opens at Taranaki Base Hospital

Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey has officially opened Te Rau Mātāpuna o Taranaki, the new six-storey acute services building at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Trains Taranaki to Present Petition to Parliament for Reinstating Passenger Rail

Trains Taranaki will present a petition to Parliament calling for the reinstatement of regular passenger rail services connecting New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, and Wellington.

NZ First Selects Lee Smith to Contest Taranaki-King Country Electorate

New Zealand First has selected former Groundswell spokesperson and dairy farmer Lee Smith to contest the Taranaki-King Country electorate in the upcoming election.

Former New Plymouth Boys' High School Teacher's Registration Cancelled Over Conduct and Fake Credentials

Former physics teacher Mike Li has had his teaching registration cancelled following investigations into pointing a slug gun at students and fabricating his military career.

New Taranaki Foundation Fund Launched to Support Age Concern as Elder Abuse Cases Rise

A permanent community fund has been established through the Taranaki Foundation to support Age Concern Taranaki amid a dramatic rise in elder abuse cases.

Mayor Max Brough Demands Pause on Proposed $620m TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough has formally requested the Toi Foundation pause the conditional $620 million merger of TSB and Heartland Bank to allow for community consultation.

Taranaki Tarmac Rally Set to Return to the Region This Month

The Taranaki Tarmac Rally returns on 27 June as the third round of the 2026 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series, bringing top competitors to the region.

Hempcrete Identified as Key Commercial Opportunity for Taranaki Hemp Industry

A new development plan by Venture Taranaki highlights hempcrete construction as the most immediate commercial opportunity for the region's emerging hemp fibre sector.

Mayor Calls for Pause on Proposed TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough has formally requested the Toi Foundation to halt the proposed $620 million merger between TSB and Heartland Bank to allow for community consultation.

Techstars Startup Weekend Set to Return to South Taranaki This July

The 11th regional Techstars Startup Weekend Taranaki will take place in Hāwera from 31 July to 2 August, offering local innovators a 54-hour business development event.

NPDC Launches Survey to Shape the Future of Local Government in Taranaki

The New Plymouth District Council has opened its 'Shaping Taranaki's Future' survey, inviting residents to share their views on upcoming local government reforms and structure.

Photos: TUKU: Open Studio exhibition at Puke Ariki

The TUKU: Open Studio exhibition at Puke Ariki invites visitors to watch emerging Taranaki artists create art in real time.

South Taranaki District Council Launches Survey on Local Government Reform

The South Taranaki District Council has launched a public survey asking residents to weigh in on whether Taranaki should have one or two councils under upcoming local government reforms.

Taranaki Leaders Unite to Oppose Government's Disability Support Services Bill

The Taranaki Mayoral Forum has sent an urgent letter to the Government opposing key aspects of the proposed Disability Support Services Bill over concerns of cost-shifting to ratepayers.

TSB Renews Naming Rights for New Plymouth's Iconic Festival of Lights

The TSB Festival of Lights has secured its future with TSB renewing its naming rights sponsorship through to the 2028-2029 season, alongside new funding partners.

The Opportunity Party Hits 6% in Latest Poll as New Plymouth Campaign Heats Up

The Opportunity Party has reached six percent support in the latest Roy Morgan poll, positioning candidate Sarah Lucas for a strong campaign in the New Plymouth electorate.

Taranaki Social Enterprise Green Loop Diverts 1,000 Litres of Food Waste Weekly

Launched in late 2025, Korito-based social enterprise Green Loop is now diverting 1,000 litres of commercial food waste from landfills each week to create nutrient-rich soil.

Dion Tuuta appointed Secretary for Māori Development and chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri

Taranaki governance leader Dion Tuuta has been appointed as the country's new Secretary for Māori Development and chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri.

Orange Heavy Rain Warning issued for Taranaki north of Eltham

MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Taranaki north of Eltham, with up to 200mm of rain possible around Taranaki Maunga.

Fundraising Campaign Underway for Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails at Lake Mangamahoe

Taranaki locals Thomas Goodwin and Dennis Pike are fundraising to build adaptive, family-friendly trail loops at Lake Mangamahoe's bike park, featuring an upcoming Dusk to Dawn challenge.

Taranaki advocates and councillor push back against government disability support bill

Disability advocates and a New Plymouth district councillor are calling on local mayors to oppose a controversial government bill overhauling disability support.

Public Consultation Opens on Proposed $620 Million TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

Taranaki residents have four weeks to submit feedback on a proposed $620 million merger between TSB and Heartland Bank, with public consultation now open.

Taranaki's Last World War II Veteran Ron Bingham Dies Aged 104

Ronald John 'Ron' Bingham, Taranaki's last surviving World War II veteran, has passed away peacefully at the age of 104.

Toi Foundation Proposes $620m Sale of TSB to Heartland Group

The Toi Foundation has announced a proposal to sell TSB to Heartland Group for $620 million, launching a community consultation period for Taranaki residents.

Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Warnings Issued for Taranaki and Awakino

MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Taranaki Maunga alongside several rain and wind watches across the region.

Government Cuts Funding for New Plymouth-Based Energy Centre Ara Ake

The Government will discontinue funding for Ara Ake, New Zealand's national energy innovation centre based in New Plymouth, as part of Budget 2026 reprioritisation.

Budget 2026 Allocates 50 Million Dollars for Awakino Gorge Upgrades

The Government has announced a $400 million capital package for state highway resilience, with $50 million earmarked for critical upgrades to State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge.

Top Surfers Head to Fitzroy Beach for Egmont Honey Pro LQS

Fitzroy Beach is set to host top-ranked surfers from New Zealand and Australia this weekend for the Egmont Honey Pro LQS, the final stop of the regional qualifying series.

Stratford Park Motorsport Facility Plans Abandoned Due to Operational Restrictions

The Taranaki Motorsport Facility Charitable Trust has ceased attempts to develop a motorsport facility at Stratford Park, citing unviable noise and access restrictions.

Taranaki Councils to Vote on Government's Head Start Local Reform Pathway

All four Taranaki local authorities will hold extraordinary meetings to decide whether to join the government's voluntary Head Start pathway for local government reform.

Two Injured After Vehicle Rolls 50 Metres Down Hill Near Ōhura

A Taranaki Rescue Helicopter team successfully hover-loaded and transported patients after a vehicle rolled 50 metres down a hill near Ōhura.

Photos: Luge, mini-putt and Holden museum at Hillsborough

Hillsborough in New Plymouth features Taranaki's own luge, a Mount Panorama themed mini-putt, a Holden museum, a Percy train, and a cafe.

New Taranaki Base Hospital East Wing Prepares to Open to Patients

The newly named Te Rau Mātāpuna o Taranaki east wing at Taranaki Base Hospital is preparing to open, featuring state-of-the-art seismic engineering and eco-friendly design.

Voting opens for Taranaki Electricity Trust board elections with twelve candidates

Voting has officially opened for the Taranaki Electricity Trust board elections, with twelve candidates competing to manage millions of dollars in community grants.

SH3 Awakino Gorge Set for Partial Reopening This Saturday

State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge will partially reopen under single-lane escorted convoys this Saturday afternoon following intensive slip clearance.

State Highway 3 North Through Awakino Gorge to Remain Closed Until May 2

NZTA has announced that State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge will remain closed until May 2 as crews work to clear a massive slip and stabilize the hillside.

Taranaki Set for Dry and Settled Easter Weekend Weather

Taranaki is forecast to experience fine weather and comfortable temperatures over the Easter weekend, with daylight saving also ending this Sunday.

Taranaki Petrol Prices Predicted to Hit $3.70 Per Litre by Weekend

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold predicts 91 octane petrol will reach $3.70 per litre due to global supply disruptions, sparking concern for Taranaki's economy.

Proposed Taranaki LNG Terminal Must Make Commercial Sense, Warns PM

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has warned that the proposed liquefied natural gas import terminal at Port Taranaki will only proceed if there is a strong business case.

Severe Weather Triggers Warnings for Taranaki and Northland Emergency

MetService has issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings for Taranaki as a severe weather system triggers a State of Emergency in Northland.

Orange Weather Warnings Issued for Heavy Rain and Strong Wind in Taranaki

MetService has issued Orange Weather Warnings for heavy rain and strong wind from Thursday into Friday for the Taranaki region, with Civil Defence urging residents to prepare.

Photos: Sunset over the Coastal Walkway

A stunning sunset was captured over the Coastal Walkway by Taranaki Media.

Taranaki Truck Show Rolls Into Bell Block to Support Taranaki Retreat

The annual Taranaki Truck Show is being held at Hickford Park in Bell Block today to raise funds for the Taranaki Retreat mental health charity.

Taranaki Country Music Festival

The ANZAC Day Classic - New Zealand v Australia

Honey Half Marathon & 6K

New Zealand Pipe Band Championships 2026

Taranaki Multi Ethnic Extravaganza

TSB Festival of Lights