Public scrutiny of a major New Plymouth District Council investment could soon be a thing of the past, watchdog Keith Allum fears.

The South Island's richest man last night learned the Government had taken control of his estimated $500 million fortune and referred concerns about his affairs to the Serious Fraud Office.

Almost four years after being beaten and left for dead, Brendan Hareb is still waiting for the day he can crack a proper smile.

A South Taranaki man had to be subdued by police with a taser after he terrorised Patea locals with a knife and tomahawk on Saturday morning.

A documentary exposing the Waitara River as one of the most polluted in the country – and slamming Taranaki authorities for doing little about it – airs tonight.

The Stratford Mountain House changed hands yesterday, ending a bizarre saga that began when its previous owner said he wanted to give it away.

An ambulance volunteer worker says his colleague has been unfairly hung out to dry by the Taranaki District Health Board.

What started off as a bitter experience has had a sweet ending for chocolate fan John Waters.

Police yesterday made four arrests in South Taranaki after a three-month investigation into cannabis dealing.

Taranaki student Lisa Fairclough has been handed an opportunity – and she's milking it for all it's worth.

A Taranaki woman who killed her ex-partner by crashing her car while he was clinging to the bonnet has been given a last chance to appeal against her murder conviction.

Driver error is to blame for a Tahora woman's agonising five-hour wait for an ambulance, the Taranaki District Health Board said yesterday.

The partner of a motorcyclist who died after waiting 90 minutes for medical assistance following a crash on State Highway 43 is horrified it could be allowed to happen again.

Two teenage girls caught buying and selling prescription drugs at school are under investigation by police after friends reported them to a teacher.

South Taranaki opened its hearts and homes to the Predicament film last year but the premiere has been lost to Wellington.

A second ambulance botch-up in less than two years has raised fresh concerns about emergency service response times in the Taranaki back country.

Two Taranaki high schools are cracking down on their rugby player's bad behaviour after a spate of red cards, mass scuffles and angry outbursts from spectators during games.

A former farm boy from Egmont Village who now swims alongside giant marine life off the African coast is home to tell of his adventures.

There is no such thing as a free Mars bar at some dairies.

A shortage of volunteer firefighters at some Taranaki brigades has alarm bells ringing.