![1806017 TDN Sam Scannell/FFXNZ - Marcello Silva has, since 2009, been skateboarding around the world.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/a/n/w/image.related.StuffSplash.300x400.1ju9pn.13o0ge.png/1497672239745.jpg)
A star hitch-hiker
They had no idea the skateboarder they picked up from the side of a rural road has a TV audience of 21 million people.
Rolling out for roof shout
It's a mix of stock car racing and rugby and it empowers women, says the coach.
Walk dogged by poo
Doo-do you have a problem with dogs being on the Coastal Walkway?
Pair hit crossing road
Two people have been taken to hospital after they were hit by a car while crossing an intersection.
Car and truck crash
A person has been taken to hospital after a car and freight truck crashed.
Disgust after cyclist spits on dog
![Rosie the Labradoodle was spat on by a passing cyclist on New Plymouth's coastal walkway.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/d/3/b/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jud55.png/1497675326011.jpg)
4:55 PM They were out for a walk when a man on a bike hoicked on her dog.
Driver forces his way in
Two local government leaders had a lucky escape when a ute hit their car.
Team Taranaki eye results to reflect performance
![Team Taranaki's Dom Squatriti makes a run down the sideline.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/v/9/o/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtsak.png/1497581444265.jpg)
"If our fortunes change in front of goal we should see some better results."
Next three games to shape Spotswood season
![Taranaki prop Jared Proffit will pack down on the side of the Spotswood United scrum against Tukapa.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/r/m/4/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtpls.png/1497577429526.jpg)
Four wins on the bounce has set Spotswood United up for a semifinal place.
Taranaki trio bound for NBA camp
![Matthew O'Connell is one of three Taranaki basketballers heading to the NBA Asia Pacific camp in China.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/g/3/n/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtfu1.png/1497565873813.jpg)
Three of Taranaki's brightest young talents will be put through their paces by current NBA players in China.
Service in the past
![When Graeme Duckett was a boy Fletchers competed with Johnsons for the Waitara meat dollars.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/r/s/r/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jrsro.png/1497401376856.jpg)
OPINION: Graeme Duckett remembers when service stations did what their name said and butchers were a neighbourhood institution.
An awkwardly safer honesty
![Bad drivers usually don't realise they're bad drivers until they have a crash. And even then it's not a forgone conclusion.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/h/n/9/s/z/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jnzhx.png/1496982415672.jpg)
OPINION: I'm probably one of the world's best drivers. That's how I know I'm one of the worst.
What's that called again? Ah, dementia
![Dementia - we've all had someone in the family who's had it in some form or other, and as we get older we're confronted ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/f/g/x/w/f/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jo2pb.png/1496975351649.jpg)
OPINION: How much do we worry about it and how much do we really want to know.
Walkway extension proposed
![The Coastal Walkway closely follows the coast from Port Taranaki to Bell Block, taking in the likes of East End, Fitzroy ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/j/d/d/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jthmw.png/1497590753340.jpg)
The Coastal Walkway may be extended to Waitara. Should it stay coastal or head inland?
Oakura 'free spirit' remembered
![Friends and adopted family of Leslie L to R Kerry-Anne Cocker, Mitchell Cocker, Matt Redshaw, Ross Cocker (front), Allen ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/v/9/m/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtfau.png/1497589272300.jpg)
A caretaker's extraordinary life came to an end while talking to his best friend.
Life and death of D'Urville
![French Pass between the South Island and D'Urville Island is famed for its fast-running tides.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/d/5/s/s/6/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jrue6.png/1497407139670.jpg)
D'Urville had a life of adventure, discovery and a remarkable lack of concern.
Downsizing space but not style
![Altogether moving to a "lock up and leave" property has been a move they love and one which has given the couple "a real ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617052833im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/n/9/u/n/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jn3mu.png/1497565816180.jpg)
This couple enjoys an apartment life that combines the best of the old world and the new.