A drive to boost voting by Māori is essential ahead of November’s election, say two Taranaki leaders at the annual Rātana celebrations. The Rātana Church is marking the birth of founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana at his namesake pā just south of Whanganui. Thursday’s agenda was primarily spiritual as iwi paid tribute to significant people who’ve died in the past year. But the pouwhakahaere of Taranaki’s Te Tōpuni Ngārahu said politics was always relevant as TW Rātana had spoken

Motorists can again drive north on the highway from Taranaki which re-opened overnight after being closed for five days, adding hours to travel times. Just before midnight traffic started flowing again on State Highway Three to Hamilton and beyond. The highway had closed between Ahitītī and Urutī just after midnight on Friday morning for five days of 24-hour construction on the route. The closure added almost two hours to the journey for whānau who travelled the winding Forgo

Whānau can get some relief from Christmas stress with free buses across Taranaki on the two days before the big event. Drivers can also park more cheaply in Ngāmotu through the holiday season, with half-price fees into January and a carpark building free for two hours. All city and regional buses will be free on December 23 and 24, with no pūtea or Bee Card needed. Taranaki Regional Council says it wants to give whānau an affordable, convenient way to get around on the busies