David Bublitz News Today

The New Plymouth District Council has held its first public workshop after the Ombudsman reprimanded local authorities for holding too many secret meetings.

Taranaki is making the right moves towards a low emissions future with a recent visit to the Lithuanian city of Vilnius opening up a wealth of opportunities to get there faster. From turning wastewater sludge into fertiliser to high-tech smart cities ...

Scoop Community provides New Zealand Community news and views

A Taranaki delegation is heading to Europe this month to continue its two-year work programme to create a low emissions project with a region in the northern hemisphere as the province transitions to a low emissions future. Hiringa Energy, Ara Ake, Venture ...

Taranaki’s young sports stars are crying out for more room to play and train, but it’s a big ask on ratepayers during tough economic times. This is the fifth chapter in a six-week public conversation seeking feedback on five big issues that ...

Scoop Community provides New Zealand Community news and views

Two New Plymouth councillors at the heart of a code of conduct hearing only last month will face off again in a race for the city’s top brass.

How many district councillors should represent Waitara and surrounding areas was a hot topic for discussion at a submissions hearing in New Plymouth on Wednesday.

At the other end of the scale, Murray Chong, Harry Duynhoven, Colin Johnston and Dinnie Moeahu had no conflicts listed as at the end of March. Tony Bedford: Taranaki Electricity Trust (Trustee), Waitara Services and Citizens Club (Member), Hurricanes Alumni (Member), Hurricanes Schools Council (Life Member), Residential Property Owner, Family Trust, Taranaki Electricity Trust, Hurricanes Alumni (Trustee), Taranaki Elite Athletes Foundation (Council appointee). Sam Bennett: Speaking Made Easy (...

But not all around the Strategy and Operations Committee table agreed, with councillors Murray Chong and Richard Jordan voting against the recommendation. Chong, who has championed a petition calling for a referendum on NPDCs Māori ward, said he wanted to see more binding referendums as they were about hearing from the community. SIMON OCONNOR/Stuff Councillor Murray Chong said he wanted more referendums, not just on Māori wards. He referred to the last time the council approved a Māori w...