Drag queen makeup starts with a close shave and ends with lashings of sparkling glitter! Taranaki Community News caught up with makeup artist Jacqui Stevenson to find out what goes on behind the scenes of […]
Your Community • Your Stories
Tag: News
Handmade rag dolls come to life in the middle of the night
When the kids are tucked up in bed at night Kimberly Mills is busy making beautifully unique rag dolls. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out how these charming dolls come to […]
Taranaki farmers plant more than 5.5 million natives
Taranaki farmers are picking up more than half a million native plants this week. These 500,000 natives are added to the 5.1 million riparian plants they’ve already planted, working towards protecting 15,000km of streambanks on […]
Spotlight on an artist’s studio
Throw Pots Not People is a fortnightly column about life, creativity and the world we live in, written by Taranaki artist Marita Green. Last week I was asked, via Instagram, if I had any ‘gems of […]
Snakelike lizard slithers into New Plymouth zoo
A new creature has moved in at Brooklands Zoo, and she looks like a bit of a snake. But looks can be deceiving and Marcella is actually a scheltopusik, also known as a European legless […]
REVIEW: Whimsical show wows adults and children alike
Whimsy and wonder leap from the stage during the charming New Zealand fairy tale The Road That Wasn’t There. This show is everything you want it to be, and more. It’s filled with imagination, magic, […]
Taranaki gets a virtual reality room
Puke Ariki has become the first library in New Zealand to have a dedicated virtual reality room for schools, disability and community groups. The hi-tech virtual reality facility has been set up for Techweek 2019 […]
Puppetry and shadow show coming to New Plymouth
The Road That Wasn’t There has been on stage around the world. Now the hit New Zealand show is coming to New Plymouth this weekend. Taranaki Community News caught up with playwright and actor Ralph […]
Wardrobe audits, shopping trips and life as a personal stylist
Personal stylist and shopper Marianne Nairn has a unique skill for unearthing one’s true sense of style. Hannah Mumby caught up with the wonderfully fun and vibrant Marianne about her recent journey into business, and […]
The heights of friendship
Maria Cárcamo climbed Paritutu rock 1000 times in honour of her friend who passed away. Last week the 47-year-old made it to the top of the Taranaki landmark for the thousandth time, after making […]
Wanted: Stratford stars
Stratford is on the hunt for people who have done wonderful things for their community. Nominations for the annual Stratford District Council Citizens and Youth Citizens Awards are now open. The awards seek nominations of […]
Orphan Annie led by a team of Taranaki teachers
You can bet your bottom dollar that Annie will wow audiences when it opens in Hawera next month. The Broadway musical is being staged by Hawera Repertory Society and it’s led by four talented Taranaki […]
Community planting day for gateway to Pouakai Crossing
A call has gone out for people to help plant close to 3000 native ferns, shrubs and trees in a Taranaki car park this weekend. Taranaki Conservationists and NPDC are teaming up for a planting […]
Awesome Taranaki lineup for Techweek 2019
New Zealand’s largest technology and innovation festival returns to Taranaki this month and its bringing dozens of events with it. Techweek is an annual, nationwide festival that showcases and inspires cool ideas and creative people, […]
High heels and high notes for Priscilla star
The fabulous and divalicious Priscilla Queen of the Desert is hitting the stage in New Plymouth next month! Taranaki Community News caught up with one of the stars of the show, Josh Clarke. Hey Josh! […]
Taranaki business ideas in to win $10,000
A Taranaki start-up has gone from strength to strength after winning a local incubator competition last year. The idea for the tourism chat-bot start-up Yonder was conceived last year by James Donald and Letitia Stevenson, […]
Get your ducks in a row for hunting season
Duck hunters are being reminded to protect their patch this season by taking steps to avoid spreading aquatic pest plants and fish from one waterway to another. Duck shooting season started this month and Taranaki […]
Procrastination – the mother of creativity
Throw Pots Not People is a fortnightly column about life, creativity and the world we live in, written by Taranaki artist Marita Green. I’ve spent most of the last few days procrastinating. Procrastinating writing this. By […]
Taranaki vigil for victims of Sri Lankan bombing
Taranaki has come together for a vigil for the Sri Lankan community. The Taranaki Sri Lankan community organized the vigil for the victims of the bombings in their motherland. On Easter Sunday three churches in […]
Awards on the horizon for Taranaki art gallery
Taranaki’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre is a finalist for two prestigious national awards. The NPDC-run gallery and cultural hub has been nominated in two categories in this year’s ServiceIQ NZ Museum Awards. They are […]
Opunake teacher and farmer named Woman of the Year
A Taranaki primary school teacher and passionate environmentalist has been named the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. Trish Rankin was announced as the winner of the prestigious dairy award at the Allflex Dairy Women’s […]
#TARANAKI – Taranaki on Instagram
We’re a little bit obsessed with our beautiful region, so every week we pick our favourite #Taranaki photos from Instagram!
Storm troopers and daleks coming to Hawera
Move over San Diego because Comic Con is coming to Hawera this Saturday. South Taranaki district mayor Ross Dunlop is reassuring residents not to be alarmed if they see daleks or storm troopers roaming the […]
Anne Smith, artist and Cathedral stalwart
Parting with artwork is personal for Anne Smith. The process is similar to giving up friends, muses the retired New Plymouth art teacher. “They are your creations.” But she is giving them up in […]
A labyrinth, magic and a sleepover for women
The first time Margaret Underwood walked a labyrinth it was carved out of snow. It was about three feet deep and it had been mapped out on a huge field in Upstate New York. “Somebody […]
Fashion and fundraising for Taranaki Cathedral
Next week designer clothing, art and luxury goods are going under the hammer to raise money to earthquake strengthen Taranaki Cathedral. As a part of the two-day fundraising event Suzanne Porter is organising the Designer […]
Crafting heirlooms from wood
Hendrikus De Vaan spends his days carefully crafting one-off pieces of woodwork. Taranaki Community News caught up with him to find out how he made the switch from the film industry, to master crafter. Can […]
#TARANAKI – The best Taranaki shots on Instagram
We’re a little bit obsessed with our beautiful region, so every week we pick our favourite #Taranaki photos from Instagram! To be considered for our weekly #Taranaki story, simply use #Taranaki in your Instagram posts
Jesse Mahony is boxing his way to success
“I’ve got another quote,” Jesse Mahony calls to say. “Train hard to be hard to beat – it’s what BJ told me.” The late Witt tutor BJ Hetet is one of the mentors who Jesse, […]
Advice for an artist from an 84-year-old AA sponsor
Throw Pots Not People is a fortnightly column about life, creativity and the world we live in, written by Taranaki artist Marita Green. During my twenties I lived in Madison, Wisconsin (USA) for six years. […]
Roshan’s social service from Nepal to New Plymouth
When Roshan Aryal collects for Red Cross in Taranaki he understands from first-hand knowledge the importance of every dollar. Roshan arrived from Kathmandu, Nepal, in July 2018 to commence 12 months of study towards a […]
Sculpting his way to carving symposium
There’s something so zen about carving. Brittany Baker chats with carver Riki Osborne ahead of this weekend’s Mokau Easter Bone Carving Workshop. So Riki, tell us a bit about yourself…I’m originally from Wanganui, but have […]
Yarning about yarn with Nana Cindy
Pixie dust, Covfefe and I Currant Believe You’ve Done This are just three of the gorgeous yarns created by Nana Cindy. Taranaki Community caught up with her to find out how she dyes her yarn, […]
Help available to stay warm and dry this winter
There’s snow on Mt Taranaki, winter is just around the corner, and NPDC’s Home Energy Scheme is heating up. NPDC can help ratepayers to heat or insulate their homes to keep the cold weather at […]
Why breastfeeding is bigger than inflatable breasts
I wish my breasts were inflatable, then they wouldn’t be saggy, stretch marked, breastfeeding breasts. Not the most hard hitting, astute first thought, but I’m nothing if not honest. And a little bit insecure about […]
Little robin returns to Pukeiti after 112 years
A tiny native bird has returned to Pukeiti Garden for the first time in 112 years after intensive trapping has created a safe haven. The toutouwai (North Island Robin) weigh as little as 27 to […]
Throw Pots, Not People
Throw: …to form (ceramic ware) on a potter’s wheel.Pot: … any of various containers made for a particular purpose; plural noun: pots. Welcome to my column Throw Pots, Not People. A place where I reflect on […]
Pop-Up Globe company coming to Taranaki
The hugely popular Pop-Up Globe Theatre Company will hit the stage in New Plymouth later this year. The multi award-winning Auckland-based company has performed Shakespeare’s plays to more than half a million people and has […]
Wanted: Water lovers
Swimmers, sailors, surfers and anglers are being lured in so they can share their opinions on Taranaki’s beaches, rivers and lakes. A major regional survey is hoping to build a picture of all the ways […]
Making money from your music
Taranaki musicians have been given the scoop on how to make money from their music. Last week Taranaki musos, band managers and self managed artists packed into a seminar led by some of the music […]
Meteorites, Transformers and cloaks made from rats
What does a dog-skin cloak, a meteorite, a missing face towel possibly belonging to King Edward VII, the oldest picture of New Plymouth and a Transformer all have in common? They are just some of […]
How I ID – and the Births, Deaths and Marriages Bill
OPINION: Hello. My name is Adam. I’m an actor and theatre director, living in Auckland. Sometimes I write stuff. I was born in the USA but grew up in Stratford, Taranaki. I went to Stratford […]
Around the world in one tablecloth
Instead of keeping a diary Sylvie Robert embroiders her travels on a tablecloth. Sylvie, who is from Switzerland and now lives in New Plymouth, has taken the tablecloth around the world with her, filling it […]
Extraordinary exhibition in South Taranaki
A South Taranaki museum is hosting the New Zealand premiere of an international exhibition of photography from The National Geographic. Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary opened this month at the Aotea Utanganui Museum of […]
Lower than expected rates for South Taranaki
The next bill for South Taranaki ratepayers may be a bit lower than expected. The South Taranaki District Council is proposing a lower rate increase for the next year, compared to what it had projected […]
Honeymoon postponed to hunt possums
A Taranaki couple postponed their honeymoon to help rid the region of possums. Possum hunters Andrea and Max Hoegh returned from their wedding, in Ireland, and post-phoned their honeymoon earlier this year to help eradicate […]
New e-Plant takes root in Pukekura Park
Nestled away in New Plymouth’s fernery is an strange looking e-Plant. It’s not an eggplant – or for that matter, any type of plant ever found here before. The mechanical plant is known as Elektronica […]
Taranaki children helped by funding boost
Young children who have witnessed domestic violence, and kids dealing with difficult emotions are being helped by a community organisation in Taranaki. Tūtaki Youth Incorporated Trust is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation that provides youth, social […]
Spotlight on Taranaki playwright
Shona Wilson’s latest plays are about to hit the stage in New Plymouth. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out how she became a playwright and a director. Two of your plays […]
Reducing waste by crafting in Mokau
Rae Tissott is on a mission to reduce New Zealand’s plastic use one shampoo bottle at a time. Reporter Brittany Baker sat down with the owner of KawaKawa Kottage Krafts. Hi Rae, can you tell […]
Earthquake strengthening starts on Patea building
Work has started on earthquake strengthening Patea’s iconic Hunter Shaw building so it can be re-opened. South Taranaki District Council’s deputy mayor, Phil Nixon says the project will bring the building up to 67 per […]
Taranaki gets second CT Scanner
A new CT Scanner has arrived in Taranaki from Germany this week. The new addition will be able to accommodate more than 100 people per week and will be up and running in time for […]
Call for more disability and learning support in education reform
The proposal to shake up New Zealand’s education system needs to have a focus on disability and learning support, the coordinator of a Taranaki charity says. Conductive Education Taranaki Trust coordinator Craig Nielsen raised his […]
Breast is best jewellery keepsake
Breast milk, pet fur, and placenta are a few of the things Inglewood artist Ashley uses to create beautiful pieces of jewellery. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out how she does […]
Helping people at the Taranaki Retreat
The Taranaki Retreat is a community sanctuary, and place of aroha and support. Taranaki Community News caught up with one of the team – life coach Liz Fry, to find out about what she does […]
The write beat for Poetry Slam
Taranaki poet and writer Virginia Winder left a Womad audience crying. Taranaki Community News caught up with her after she took out first place at the festival’s 2019 Poetry Slam. Congratulations on winning the Womad […]
When art speaks louder than words
Taranaki artist Marita Green reflects on how the creative community captured the grief of the Christchurch terrorist attack. This week a 25-year-old part time illustrator from Wellington, Ruby Jones, made an artwork that graced the […]
Taranaki comes together for candlelight vigil
A stirring call to prayer and a heartwarming rendition of Lean on Me echoed out across a candlelight vigil in Taranaki on Friday night. Love, togetherness, and peace were the central messages of the emotional […]
Reusable coffee cup library starting in Taranaki
Taranaki is getting its very own library of reusable coffee cups. The zero waste initiative is known as the Taranaki Cup Library and is the brainchild of local Mel Hunt, with support from NPDC. At […]
Replica of Don Driver mural to be made
A high-quality replica of a beloved Don Driver mural will be set outside the new terminal building at the New Plymouth Airport. The full-scale replica of the Kingsford Smith mural will feature in a prominent […]
Exhibition of New Plymouth throughout the ages
CAPTION: (Top) The corner of Currie Street and Devon Street East/West from 1939 and 1999 (Bottom) Ariki Street/Egmont Street from 1939 and 1999. Images on loan from Bob Murray private collection. More than twenty years […]
Vigil to share messages of love from Taranaki
An official candlelight vigil for Christchurch is being planned by a team of Taranaki organisations. The community is invited to come together this Friday night at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands to stand together and […]
Celebrating the sea with beach cleans and snorkeling
Events celebrating the ocean have gone just swimmingly in Taranaki this month. More than 300 people flocked to beach clean ups, sea-themed book readings and even to snorkeling trails to help celebrate National Sea Week. […]
Community key to shaping Taranaki 2050
The people of Taranaki are being given the chance to help shape the future of their region. Ideas from people located throughout Taranaki are being collected and collated in a project called The Taranaki 2050 […]
Carving up a storm in Mokau
New Zealand’s most famous bone carving artist is stirring up some buzz in Taranaki as a small coastal town preps for an annual carving event. Renowned master carver Owen Mapp is opening this year’s Mokau […]
Kumara and aroha for the land at marae garden
Glen Skipper digs his fingers into the earth at Te Moeone garden and pulls out a long cream coloured kumara. “Try this,” he says, gently dusting the dirt off the tendril. Straight from the ground […]
Pātea gets revamped library
A new chapter in the life of Pātea’s library has just begun. Pātea’s newly revamped LibraryPlus was officially opened this week by South Taranaki district mayor, Ross Dunlop. The opening was a community affair with […]
Womad must-dos for 2019
This year’s Womad line-up is packed with incredible treasures and talented artists from all four corners of the world. Our editor Taryn Utiger rounded up her must-dos to help you get a head start on […]
Banking on water at WOMAD
WOMAD organisers have turned their eyes to water in a quest to quench the thirst of festival goers in an environmentally friendly way. Reusable metal water bottles are the newest addition to a collection of […]
WOMAD artists arriving in town
The flags are flying, the iconic letters are up and the artists are starting to arrive for this weekend’s WOMAD festival. WOMAD NZ Event Director and Programme Manager Emere Wano says international band Las Cafeteras […]
Seriously talented musicians working on first EP
Kayleb Duckett, Joel Ruys, Sam Egli, and Stu Tullett are Serious Happiness. Taranaki Community News caught up with the band to find out who they’d jam with if they could turn back time. Serious Happiness […]
New Plymouth dump site could become skating rink or park
The Colson Rd dump will shut up shop this year and the local council wants to know what the site could be turned into. After being used for more than 40 years as the region’s […]
In the throws of creativity
Marita Green spends her days sculpting earth into mugs, plates, vases and artworks. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out why she loves getting her hands dirty. Tell us about yourself and […]
Taranaki musician ready to play Womad
One of Charlotte Johansen’s greatest wishes will be granted this weekend when she takes to the stage to perform at Womad. “To be part of Womad is such an honour for me, it’s a dream […]
Sustainable fashion and how to ace op shopping
Gisela Medina is a part of the thrifting movement of sustainable fashion. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out her top tips for finding the best op shop treasures. Can you tell […]
Free taste of WOMAD for New Plymouth
Taranaki is about to get a free glimpse of some of the exciting acts hitting the stage at the award-winning WOMAD festival. On the day before the festival kicks into gear at Brooklands Park the […]
Cooking with plants
Simone Hayward has an inflammatory disease that led her to a plant based lifestyle. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to hear how she’s doing now, and how she turned her journey into Simone’s […]
Hair today, brows tomorrow
Nicky Gibbons would love to give the Queen some new eyebrows and turn back time and style David Bowie’s hair. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to hear all about microblading, hairdressing and her […]
A WOMAD child from the start
Philippa Walker has grown up alongside the award-winning WOMAD festival. The Taranaki woman was 12 years old when WOMAD first hit the stage at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in 2003, and she’s been in […]
Neat business idea leads to a rosy life for Abby
Abby Packer gave up her high-stress corporate job and now makes a highly successful range of natural products from her New Plymouth home. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out all about […]
Good vibrations at WOMAD for Cameron
Cameron Gillbanks might not be able to hear the music at WOMAD, but he can certainly feel the good vibrations. The 26-year-old New Plymouth man was born profoundly deaf and although he can’t listen to […]
NPDC team answers call to help during emergency
It starts with a phone call. You pack a small bag, say goodbye to your children and your partner and head off into the heart of a major emergency. NPDC Civil Defence Lead Ben Ingram […]
Balancing and unwinding with Justine
In the last few years a New Plymouth woman has lost more than 30 kilos, launched a hugely successful side hustle, and still finds the time to relax with friends. Taranaki Community News caught up […]
Belly dancing her way to happiness
Rosalina Pang teaches women from all walks of life how to belly dance. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out about this ancient form of movement. Can you tell us about yourself? […]
Retro shop born from a love of collecting
Nicola Payne turned her love affair with the 50s, 60s and 70s into a beautiful shop in Frankleigh Park. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out how she fell in love with […]
Tutor and student team up to tackle dyscalculia
The basics of teaching maths in New Zealand classrooms could be turned on its head thanks to the work of a WITT tutor – and a former pupil who struggles with numbers. Hannah Hughson’s plight […]
Almighty Johnsons help local ecosystems
Cameron and Raul Johnson share the same surname and a passion for restoring biodiversity across the New Plymouth district and Aotearoa. The student interns have been working with NPDC since mid-December and have spent the […]
Jabs for children on offer
Tetanus shots, whooping cough vaccines and HPV immunisations are on the cards for some Taranaki children next month. Over the next few weeks Taranaki parents will be asked to give consent for their children to […]
Climbing to new heights for Nepal
Hundreds of New Zealanders have been inspired by a Taranaki man and are set to climb summits to raise money for Nepal. Sir Edmund Hillary would have turned 100 this year and to mark the […]
Nana sparked a love of cooking for chef
Craig Ludlow has been cooking up a storm in the kitchen since he was a youngster. Taranaki Community News caught up with the professional chef and WITT tutor to find out about his favourite recipes, […]
Andrew Judd looks back on Waitangi
Former New Plymouth district mayor Andrew Judd was invited to speak at Waitangi this year. Taranaki Community News caught up with him to find out what the experience was like. Receiving an invitation to speak […]
Students back to Witt and race to trades courses
As Witt gears up to welcome more than 2000 students back to study this week, enrolments in trades courses are eclipsing previous years. About 2180 students are enrolled at Witt for the first semester, and […]
REVIEW: Under
This poetic play will pull you Under into a world of lingering memories. Performed by Chris Green and written by the award-winning playwright Cassandra Tse, Under will move you to the depths of sadness, […]
Forum on Health and Disability
By Lance Girling-Butcher We live in such fast-changing times that it is easy to understand how many, particularly seniors, are getting left behind. Just think of the last time you went looking for a post […]
Talented youngsters design Taranaki bookmarks
A magical unicorn, a beautiful kiwi bird and even the iconic WOMAD letters have been turned into beautiful bookmarks for Taranaki. Four talented junior artists have won the top prizes in the seventh annual bookmark […]
Perseverance was just what the doctor ordered
The remarkable thing about Steph Lilly’s success story is that it is rooted in failure. WITT graduate Steph this month started work at Taranaki Base Hospital as a mental health nurse. If having walked the […]
Evoking emotion through song
Musician Emily Riordan uses songwriting as an outlet to say the things she needs to say, but can’t. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to hear about her upcoming EP, Waves. Can you tell […]
Cakes, cakes, and more cakes
Abbey Macfie owns Taranaki’s newest place to be. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out how she went from long distance runner, to star baker. Can you tell us a little bit […]
Hearing Dogs at Home in Taranaki
Taranaki has become the leader of the pack for New Zealand’s furriest little listeners. For the first time the not-for-profit organisation Hearing Dogs NZ is now entirely managed and governed in Taranaki. The trust […]
Conversations with a brand new mum
One month ago little Ira Joel Quicke was born. Taranaki Community News caught up with his mum Hannah to find out about those newborn cuddles and those night time feeds. Tell us a little bit […]
Hanging out with modern macrame
When Jade Parkinson started doing macrame she was reminded of making friendship bracelets with her grandma as a little girl. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out about this retro art form […]
Diva’s delight in helping the community
Erika and CoCo Flash are two divalicious drag queens. Taranaki Community News caught up with them to find out what makes them so fabulous, and what their favourite gig – Rainbow Storytime – is all […]
Pawsome career for pup loving girl
Adele Smith spends her days making cute puppies even cuter. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out the best (and worst) things about working with man’s best friend. Tell us a little […]
Taranaki students to open WOMAD 2019
A hundred students from across Taranaki will open WOMAD 2019 with a song they create especially for the award-winning festival. In pre-festival workshops primary and secondary school students will collaborate with two New Zealand songwriters […]
Live your best life with feminine leadership
Leadership is sometimes about softness, businesswoman Ingrid Vercammen says. “Not being a bad ass and fighting, but be like Gandhi and his gentle way of trusting, inspiring, listening and encouraging to bring the best out […]
Million-dollar properties on the rise in Taranaki
There’s more million-dollar properties being sold in Taranaki than ever before. In 2018, 41 properties in Taranaki sold for more than a million dollars, according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand’s (REINZ) Million Dollar […]
Pigs centre of attention at pound
Two new arrivals are hogging all the attention at New Plymouth’s pound. The pair of young kune kune were found trotting along Heta Rd about three weeks ago. The adorable duo are both female and […]
WOMAD’s Zero Waste results skyrocket
WOMAD’s zero waste results have increased by a monumental 26 per cent in three years and are now reaching record breaking heights. In 2018 WOMAD organisers, along with the help of more than 100 zero […]
New walking track a step closer
A Taranaki wetland area is being restored in the hope of becoming an attraction for locals and a place to learn about biodiversity. Wild for Taranaki, also known as the Taranaki Biodiversity Trust, is restoring […]
Praise be for the theatre
Stella McCallum has turned one of her favourite television shows – The Vicar of Dibley – into a play. Taranaki Community News caught up with her to find out just how much TV she had […]
Don’t miss the bus to Priscilla
Tickets for New Plymouth Operatic’s 2019 season of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert have gone on sale. The divalicious musical comedy is an uplifting story based on the 1994 Oscar-winning hit movie. It tells […]
