A New Plymouth skateboarder has dodged a hefty fine for not having a “warrant of fitness” for his board. Boltme, who changed his name via deed poll as a teenager, was riding in the CBD, forbidden under New Plymouth District Council bylaws, when he was pulled over by police and given a ticket. But instead…Read more »

Metro Plaza is going to be introduced to a fun art shop that will focus on art for visually disabled people. Behind the project is Pauline Harper who is visually impaired herself with an eye sight of only 3 per cent. Her main focus has been on the class that she has been teaching at…Read more »

New Plymouth co-organiser of World Suicide Prevention Day Kaysha Penniall says she too has battled suicidal thoughts. “I’ve had eight friends and one family member that have committed suicide. I felt sad they didn’t feel that they could ask for help,” said Ms Penniall who is behind an event planned for the Huatoki Plaza on…Read more »

People were queuing up to get work done at New Plymouth tattooist Gene Martin’s new studio before it even opened last week.   Mean Team Tattoos, at the corner of St Aubyn and Cutfield streets, had more than 400 likes on its Facebook page before the first customer walked through the door, with many people requesting…Read more »

Carers at Harmony House Te Whare Marire – a new centre for New Plymouth residents battling mental health and addiction issues – have “walked the walk”. The Whalers Gate facility which opens today (August Friday 17) is the first peer-supported respite centre in the city. “We’re not there as councillors, we’re there to let people…Read more »

The aroma of cheese fondue and the sound of yodelling filled the Puke Ariki foyer last week as part Swiss national day celebrations. Co-organiser Sam Hagmann said the event was a good way to celebrate Swiss culture. “To bring my heritage together in this place and share it with the community here and my kiwi…Read more »