Stories by Brendon McMahon
News
'Big omission' in West Coast mine application - DOC
Mining company TiGa has reapplied for a resource consent for an open-cast mine at Barrytown, north of Greymouth.
Police decry spate of vandalism, swastikas at DOC huts
A swastika painted on Kirwans Hut was among the "mindless" vandalism at huts.
Sea level rise ‘still an hypothesis’
West Coast leaders have called for more detailed information backing an updated coastal hazards rule for the region after submitters overwhelmingly opposed it.
Pike Memorial Track opens: 'We haven’t forgotten the Pike 29'
Years of challenges to create an enduring memorial are finally overcome as families open a memorial track.
'Senseless, sickening': Swastikas painted on DOC hut
It came less than a year after the Backcountry Trust undertook a major revamp of the hut.
Fresh bid for mineral sand mine, despite local opposition
Company says its mine will bring more than 70 new jobs, but residents are worried about health and environmental risks.
KiwiRail accused of holding up vital flood protection work
Delays caused by KiwiRail are "a risk" to quickly advancing a flood protection wall for Hokitika, a council meeting has heard.
Weather warning 'over-estimated' West Coast rain – council
The West Coast Regional Council is reviewing its use of MetService weather forecasts in its hydrology and emergency planning after what has been dubbed two "over-estimated" rain warnings for the…
Franz Josef residents may have to dig long drops, councillor says
There are concerns a shifting river could threaten Franz Josef's sewerage ponds.
Greymouth landfill investigation 'the most complex ever'
West Coast Regional Council is taking legal advice around consents it issued to enable a controversial private landfill.
Censured councillor's ban overturned
The censured former chairman of the West Coast Regional Council has been allowed to return to a council committee.
Family bach owners allowed to remain on conservation land
Family baches on West Coast conservation land will be able to remain - for now - after fears they would be pushed out.
West Coast ratepayers have direct debits charged twice
A West Coast Regional Council rates mess has reared its head again with the council admitting an "administration error" caused some ratepayers to be charged twice through direct debit.
Franz Josef river shifts radically after storm
With further bad weather forecast, West Coast Civil Defence has swung into action over the river change and the potential risk.
Return of tourists raises frustration on roads
A return to pre-Covid levels of tourists driving on the West Coast is raising concern.
Health NZ's 'credibility's gone' after repeated promises to Reefton - councillor
Health NZ West Coast says it intends to restore Reefton's health services, including reopening the Ziman House aged care wing.
A 75 percent majority of residents support Waiho Flat abandonment
Significant support from affected landowners to abandon Waiho Flat area at Franz Josef.
Controversial landfill makes fresh application
The site is less than 5km east of a township and has been plagued with problems including odour, dust, and water leaching issues this year.
Collective call needed to protect Franz Josef area - councillor
A long awaited meeting for Franz Josef area residents and ratepayers is about to be held after years of delays as the future of their community hangs in the balance.
Restoration of gold mining cottage creates unique challenges
A 100-year-old gold miner's cottage at Waiuta will be opened in March after a $100,000 restoration by the Department of Conservation.
Swaps of DOC land still on the cards
Land swaps between the Department of Conservation and West Coast private landowners are still on the cards.
Concern over congestion on popular Hokitika Gorge walkway
Tourist operators are concerned the Hokitika Gorge walkway may struggle with an influx of summer visitors following its bridge closure.
Clock ticks on West Coast Regional Council rates mistake
Ratepayers effected by the blunder are being urged to pay something by 30 November to avoid penalties.
Fears a future slip at landfill could risk Greymouth water
Fears a future slip from the Taylorville Resource Park site could wipe out the Greymouth town water treatment plant site remain a worry for the Grey District Council.