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Little Mia is only three-and-a-half months old but already has a big personality, says Karma. Mia is ready to find her new home after passing her vet health check. As well as being litter trained, Mia is desexed and has had her vaccinations, worm and flea treatments. Call into The Scratching Post to meet Mia and the other kittens currently in need of homes.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford's Scratching Post is on the move

16 Jan, 2019 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Cat sanctuary The Scratching Post is looking for a new home in Stratford.

The members of Taranaki band Laconic Zephyr are celebrating after a third song of theirs has hit the No 1 spot on the New Zealand iTunes rock chart. Back: Jason Olsson, Glenn Smith and Joe Caldwell. Front: Kama Antrobus and Joss Bines.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Laconic Zephyr song hits number 1 in charts

9 Jan, 2019 4:00pm
3 minutes to read

A Taranaki rock band have produced a number 1 hit song.

Tarek Amin opened his restaurant on Christmas Day to feed those in need.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford restaurant opens doors on Christmas

9 Jan, 2019 1:59pm
2 minutes to read

A new Stratford restaurant has opened its doors to the homeless over Christmas.

Cows with the dreaded blue Mycoplasma bovis ear tags are herded away for culling from a Taranaki farm. Photo / Ilona Hanne

THE COUNTRY

Year in Review: M. bovis cull - Wretched day for young farmer

5 Jan, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

Looking back at one of the most popular stories on The Country in the past 12 months.

STRATFORD PRESS

Editorial: Rereading all the year's papers

19 Dec, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Stratford editor Ilona Hanne has been binge reading the best of the year.

The premises where the gas leak with thought to have come from on the main Stratford street. Photo / Ilona Hanne

NEW ZEALAND

Stratford shops evacuated after gas leak

13 Dec, 2018 9:18am
Quick Read

Firefighters struggling to contain and shut off leaking gas.

Anna Bettini is in Taranaki carrying out research for her studies.

THE COUNTRY

Canadian student researching oil extraction views in Taranaki

12 Dec, 2018 9:30am
2 minutes to read

A Canadian student wants to know what you think about oil and gas extraction.

Cameron and Graeme are getting ready to open the doors to their new bakery in Stratford.

STRATFORD PRESS

The Baking Co offers old-time taste in Stratford

5 Dec, 2018 11:30am
3 minutes to read

An old school bakery is opening in Stratford.

Emma was getting into the festive spirit on Friday night at the 12 days of Christmas charity expo in New Plymouth.

STRATFORD PRESS

The Hits: Make Christmas more merry for Stratford families

5 Dec, 2018 10:30am
2 minutes to read

The Hits team are looking to make Christmas special this year.

Greer Anderson, The Dance Project's contemporary choreographer and performer, flies through the air on the Disney stage.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Stratford dance troupe danced at Disneyworld

5 Dec, 2018 8:36am
2 minutes to read

A group of Stratford dancers have just performed at Disneyworld.

Fire crews from several stations attended the scene.

STRATFORD PRESS

Major blaze keeps fire crews busy in Stratford

28 Nov, 2018 11:33am
3 minutes to read

A massive fire which consumed a building in Cardiff could have been worse, say firemen.

Cousins Chloe Cook (4) and Johnny Jordan (3) didn't let the rain dampen their high spirits on Saturday.

THE COUNTRY

Fun in the rain at Stratford A&P Show

28 Nov, 2018 10:13am
2 minutes to read

The Stratford A&P Show was a big success despite the rain.

THE COUNTRY | Opinion

Hawera blackface float - How did they get it so wrong?

21 Nov, 2018 8:21am
5 minutes to read

Not surprising they didn't see it through others' eyes. Not surprising, but not OK either.

WallE and some of his friends at Gr8Kidz Stratford.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Gr8Kidz Stratford thrilled to see return of WallE

14 Nov, 2018 9:49am
2 minutes to read

A favourite scarecrow, WallE, has returned to Gr8Kidz Childcare and Learning Centre.

Jake Petrie (5) went to the party dressed as Rafiki from The Lion King.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Crowds roll in for Stratford Light Party

7 Nov, 2018 9:51am
2 minutes to read

The Mountain View Vineyard church Light Party was a big success in Stratford.

Simon Buick and Katherine Wolfe (front) with Steven Hobson (being strangled) and Tyler McGlone are all ready to scare you in Cue Theatre's latest thrilling production.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Theatre Review: Death Knell a classic thriller

31 Oct, 2018 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

TET Cue Theatre's current production of Death Knell will thrill the audience.

The school has new signs up, reflecting the new name.

STRATFORD PRESS

New name and logo for St Mary's Diocesan School

31 Oct, 2018 10:30am
4 minutes to read

St Mary's Diocesan School has a new name and logo.

Linnea, Caleb, Mike and Anita have opened a craft brewery in Stratford.

THE COUNTRY

Forgotten 43 craft brewery making new history

24 Oct, 2018 11:30am
4 minutes to read

The art of brewing certainly has no risk of being forgotten in Stratford

Gloria and Neil (pictured right channelling his inner Shakespeare ... ) are asking for Shakespearean name ideas. Photo / Stratford Press

NEW ZEALAND

No holds Bard in new street names

23 Oct, 2018 2:57pm
2 minutes to read

Stratford wants to keep using names from the Bard's works.

Alex with some of the Hell Pizza crew at the camp.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Taranaki youngster lives with Tourettes

17 Oct, 2018 10:55am
5 minutes to read

Living with Tourette Syndrome is a lot easier when you have good people around you.

Members of the No 48 Squadron Air Training Corps at a recent camp.

STRATFORD PRESS

MacPherson Trophy for Stratford's ATC squadron

10 Oct, 2018 11:30am
2 minutes to read

Stratford's No 48 Squadron Air Training Corps has been awarded a national honour.

Nicole Copeland is frustrated with the ease with which someone was able to steal her identity and run up a debt in her name.

NEW ZEALAND

She bought a car on Facebook, then someone stole her identity

10 Oct, 2018 10:30am
4 minutes to read

A woman has fallen victim to identity theft, costing her thousands.

Jason Reid wants to get children on the autism spectrum running.

STRATFORD PRESS

Taranaki runner wants to Dare to Dream

10 Oct, 2018 9:54am
4 minutes to read

Taranaki ultra runner Jason Reid needs help to win the AMP Dare To Dream competition.

An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Photo / Tomas Del Coro

TRAVEL

Flight check: Sydney to Los Angeles

28 Sep, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Ilona Hanne flies American Airlines AA0072 from Sydney to Los Angeles.

Peter Laurent stands by his father's statue at Saturday's unveiling.

WHANGANUI CHRONICLE

Hawera's VC heroes honoured

18 Sep, 2018 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

A garden to be enjoyed by generations to come

BUSINESS

M. bovis cull: Wretched day for young farmer

13 Sep, 2018 7:50pm
5 minutes to read

"It's been bloody hell for her. You can quote me on that."

Genevieve Hopkins has spent 97 years of her life in Stratford

STRATFORD PRESS

Genevieve Hopkins has spent almost a century in her Taranaki home

12 Sep, 2018 2:30pm
3 minutes to read

There's no place like home says Genevieve Hopkins, after 97 years in Taranaki.

The Hits Taranaki announcer Emma in her new studio.

STRATFORD PRESS

Studio upgrade for The Hits studio in Stratford

5 Sep, 2018 10:30am
2 minutes to read

The Hits studio in Stratford has had a full makeover.

Members of the Stratford Daffodil Day committee were surrounded by the yellow flowers on Friday.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford Daffodil Day blooming big success

5 Sep, 2018 9:35am
2 minutes to read

Members of the Stratford Daffodil Day committee painted the town yellow on Friday.

Amelia Lumanglas, clinical services manager at Elizabeth R Lifecare and Brigid Bright, facility manager, receive the AED from Daniel Stieller, Rotary Satellite Club of Stratford chairperson and Ally Cook-Coles, a member of the Rotary Satellite Club.

STRATFORD PRESS

Defibrillators provided by Rotary Satellite Club for Stratford

29 Aug, 2018 10:05am
3 minutes to read

The Rotary Satellite Club of Stratford has purchased three AEDs for the town.

Helen Lindley is the new manager of the TET Kings Theatre.

STRATFORD PRESS

New lease of life at TET Kings Theatre

1 Aug, 2018 10:30am
3 minutes to read

Helen Lindley is thrilled to take over as new manager of TET Kings Theatre.

Allister Thomas is one of two Stratford residents to receive a 2018 Stratford District Citizen's award.

STRATFORD PRESS

Dedication to hockey recognised with Stratford citizen's award

25 Jul, 2018 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

Allister Thomas has been recognised for his services to the Stratford Hockey Club.

Kerry Mramor is one of two Stratford residents to receive a 2018 Stratford District Citizen's award.

STRATFORD PRESS

Award recognise good Stratford citizens

25 Jul, 2018 11:30am
3 minutes to read

Stratford woman Kerry Mramor has been awarded a Stratford District Council Citizens Award.

Youth award recipients Katie Jones and Lachlan Drummond.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford High School pair chosen for youth awards

18 Jul, 2018 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

Katie Jones and Lachlan Drummond have been awarded the 2018 Citizen's Award for Youth.

Mia-Rose Hermanns was thrilled with the plush toy she received at the party.

STRATFORD PRESS

Sky TV Special Children's party puts smiles on kids' faces

18 Jul, 2018 9:06am
3 minutes to read

On Saturday, hundreds of children from all over Taranaki enjoyed a very special party.

St Mary's students from Hawera and Taumarunui with international students from Korea, Japan, Thailand and Germany visiting the snow of Mt Egmont/Taranaki recently.

STRATFORD PRESS

St Mary's students enrich family life with international pupils

4 Jul, 2018 12:30pm
2 minutes to read

St Mary's Diocesan School in Stratford are hosting several international students.

Sailah James (10) and Emma Steele (11) hold a meteorite, with the Starlab Dome behind them.

STRATFORD PRESS

Starlab Dome brings space a little closer

20 Jun, 2018 1:30pm
2 minutes to read

A little bit of space came to Stratford last week.

A reduction of the number of councillors to be elected for the Stratford District is on the cards, following a decision made at last week's Council meeting. Pictured are the current councillors and Mayor after the last election in 2016.

STRATFORD PRESS

Fewer councillors likely in Stratford district

20 Jun, 2018 12:30pm
5 minutes to read

Less councillors are to be elected for the Stratford District in the future.

Lodge Whangamomona has held its meetings in this hall in Whangamomona for some time.

STRATFORD PRESS

Whangamomona masonic lodge marks centenary

13 Jun, 2018 1:30pm
2 minutes to read

In three years' time, Lodge Whangamomona will celebrate its centenary.

Kaitlyn Maaka, Nicolette Bailey, Mirei Kondo, Gracie Thomas and Enya Perry are the brains behind the business, cup&go.

STRATFORD PRESS

Bright idea for coffee fans

13 Jun, 2018 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

Five St Mary's students are trying to save the environment with a new kind of travel mug.

Lucas (left) with his younger brother Andre

STRATFORD PRESS

Francis Douglas Memorial College aids future pupil in fundraiser

6 Jun, 2018 11:30am
2 minutes to read

Francis Douglas Memorial College is reaching out to a boy suffering Stickler Syndrome.

Barry Milner has retired as theatre manager but will still be looking after the fundraising bookshop as well as working on some exciting new projects of his own.

STRATFORD PRESS

Barry Milner retires from TET Kings Theatre role

6 Jun, 2018 8:41am
3 minutes to read

Barry Milner has retired after a life working in the TET Kings Theatre.

To celebrate Emma's first year as announcer for The Hits Taranaki, listeners were given the chance to win a night out with Emma to celebrate. Pictured is Emma with the winners at dinner.

STRATFORD PRESS

Leap of faith to new job at The Hits Taranaki

30 May, 2018 1:30pm
4 minutes to read

Emma Helleur moved to Straford to become the new announcer at The Hits, Taranaki.

The school's newest entrants, Priscilla Smithson, Tilly Edwards and Abigail Kowalewski, all aged 5, got to meet Hamish Bond and hold his medals.

STRATFORD PRESS

Gold medallist visits with St Joseph's School Stratford pupils

23 May, 2018 2:30pm
Quick Read

Gold medallist Hamish Bond has made a visit to St Joseph's School Stratford.

This piece of Stratford history is going under the hammer on Friday.

STRATFORD PRESS

'Famous' potbelly piece of Stratford history to go to auction

23 May, 2018 11:30am
3 minutes to read

The "famous in Stratford" stove from Magnum Sports is going under the hammer.

Toko Playcentre members from 2007 to the present day on the newly opened sandpit.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford's Toko Playcentre reaches 50 year milestone

23 May, 2018 9:01am
2 minutes to read

Stratford's Toko Playcentre has celebrated its 50th birthday.

This 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint will be available on the day for mums to enjoy being driven in.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Taranaki Pioneer Village opens specially for mums

9 May, 2018 1:30pm
3 minutes to read

Mums and their families are being invited to enjoy a step back in time this Mother's day.

The three adventurers at the finish line.

STRATFORD PRESS

Kiwi ingenuity at India Rickshaw Run

9 May, 2018 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

Three men, two from Stratford, have finished the Rickshaw Run in India to raise money.

Mayor Neil Volzke at the site of the future subdivision.

STRATFORD PRESS | Property

Stratford mayor announces plans to build new subdivision

9 May, 2018 9:08am
3 minutes to read

A new subdivision will be built in Stratford.

A pair of pigs are currently at the Council pound waiting for their owner to claim them.

THE COUNTRY

Wayward pigs off on an adventure in Stratford

2 May, 2018 11:30am
Quick Read

Two wandering kunekune pigs have been picked up in Stratford.

Whanganui MP Harete Hipango and Stratford mayor Neil Volzke were in attendance.

STRATFORD PRESS

Poppies for Anzac Day

2 May, 2018 9:22am
2 minutes to read

Hundreds of people came to Stratford's Anzac Day services last Wednesday.

Principal Jennifer Vincent faces historic and current complaints about her treatment of students at Marco School. Photo / Google Earth

NEW ZEALAND

School forced to reinstate suspended principal

24 Apr, 2018 9:58am
2 minutes to read

Parents vow to remove their children from the school after principal returns.

Lot 11, or Beledene Sam's Starlee is described as a super cow in the auction book.

THE COUNTRY

Stratford's Beledene Jersey Stud sale marks the end of era

18 Apr, 2018 3:30pm
3 minutes to read

One of New Zealand's most recognised purebred jersey studs is set to close this week.

STRATFORD PRESS

Govt call 'body blow' on oil industry says Stratford mayor

18 Apr, 2018 1:30pm
3 minutes to read

The Govt has officially labelled oil and gas production a sunset industry, says the mayor.

Members of the armed constabulary - Bruce Cairns, Darryl Thomas and Phil Carney.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford's Pioneer Village goes back in time for the day

18 Apr, 2018 9:07am
2 minutes to read

Stratford Pioneer Village was a gateway to another time on Sunday.

STRATFORD PRESS

Descendents of Taranaki-born WWI soldiers sought

4 Apr, 2018 11:21am
2 minutes to read

The descendants of Taranaki First World War soldiers are sought by Stratford council.

Dave Dobbyn had plenty of praise for the theatre and its history.

STRATFORD PRESS

Stratford's iconic TET Kings Theatre has rich past

4 Apr, 2018 9:30am
2 minutes to read

Dave Dobbyn has sold out Stratford's iconic TET Kings Theatre.

(L-R) Pam Johnstone, Raewyn Rooney and Lisa Grigg of the Ceremonies Committee setting up the Garden of Remembrance on Friday.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

Rain no barrier for Relay for Life walkers

28 Mar, 2018 3:30pm
2 minutes to read

The rain didn't dampen spirits at the Taranaki Relay for Life on Saturday.

There are two spare cars providing much needed parts for the rally car.

NEW ZEALAND

'We're taking this old banger to Bluff'

28 Mar, 2018 1:30pm
4 minutes to read

An old French banger has been sparked back into life for a good cause.

(L-R) Matt Doocey, Barbara Kuriger, Simon Bridges and Tim van de Molen

STRATFORD PRESS

Taranaki King-Country MP Barbara Kuriger named National whip

28 Mar, 2018 9:37am
Quick Read

Barbara Kuriger has been elected senior whip for the National Party.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, and Stratford pupil Charlee Reed will be celebrating it with her friends at school.

STRATFORD PRESS | Lifestyle

World Down Syndrome Day: Charlee teaches family love everyday

21 Mar, 2018 9:11am
3 minutes to read

World Down Syndrome Day is marked with love for Charlee Reed.

Colin James Thompson appeared in court last week facing charges related to the death of Marice Riddle in South Taranaki.

STRATFORD PRESS

Murder accused appears in New Plymouth high court

7 Mar, 2018 12:30pm
2 minutes to read

Colin James Thompson has appeared in court faced with murder charges.