Stories by Lois Williams
News
Leak sleuths pore over clues in Reefton as water loss continues
The elusive leak draining Reefton's water supply is still evading discovery but could be revealed soon, with the arrival of a team of expert leak detectives.
Reefton's new toilets plan causes a stink
Reefton's public toilets could come crashing down in an earthquake - but replacements have been delayed in part because of debate and indecision about what the new loos should look like.
Westport floods triggers emergency management rethink
This week's meeting of the region's emergency management committee agreed to carry out a debrief on how the crisis was handled, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency.
West Coast farmers say plans to sacrifice their land bad idea
A landowner whose family farmed near Franz Josef for decades says it is not the best idea to let the river have its way on the south bank, as the government and councils are now proposing.
Three resign from West Coast Conservation Board over Ngāi Tahu conflict
In a shock move today, three members of the West Coast Conservation Board have resigned saying they have been called racist for raising what they see as conflicts between the interests of conservation…
Franz Josef floodwall cash signed off
The government and the West Coast Regional Council have finally signed off on funding for floodwall upgrades at Franz Josef Glacier.
Cave Creek remembered in DOC staff induction video
The Cave Creek tragedy is generating lessons for new conservation recruits, 25 years after 13 students and a DOC worker plunged to their deaths from a jerry-built viewing platform.
West Coast Council not in gun over PCR worker poisoned by 1080 vapour
West Coast ratepayers will not be in the gun for the hefty fine imposed on its former joint venture Pest Control Research, after one of its workers was poisoned by 1080.
West Coast Regional CEO Vin Smith resigns – 'no wrongdoing'
The West Coast Regional Council's embattled chief executive Vin Smith has formally resigned after a three-month standoff, and looks set to find a new job with the Buller District Council.
SNAs issue must be tackled head on, councils, iwi told
There is no escaping the thorny issue of SNAs, councils and iwi on the West Coast are being warned.
Buller Mayor's regional council criticism over flood crisis 'not personal'
Buller members of the West Coast Regional Council say criticism levelled at them by Mayor Jamie Cleine over the Westport flood was unfair and unfounded.
$10m flood protection scheme proposed for Westport
A $10 million flood protection scheme proposed for Westport would have prevented most of the devastation caused by last weekend's massive flood, according to West Coast Regional Council's operations…
Westport needs flood protection scheme – regional council chair says
The flood that swamped Westport at the weekend should convince even the most doubtful ratepayer that the town needs river protection work, West Coast Regional Council chairman Allan Birchfield says.
West Coast councils mulling water reforms to receive $37m
The government will invest $37 million in West Coast district councils to counter potential resistance to its looming water reforms.
West Coast gold mine venture: 'Harassed out of business'
A West Coast gold mine exploration venture that was injecting $500,000 a year into the local economy has been shut down by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Rates rises in the time of Covid - West Coast councils blame govt
As West Coast ratepayers face the shock of hefty rate increases this year, the four councils explain why the hikes are necessary.
Kaikōura drinking water falls short
Drinking water in the Kaikōura district fails to meet the government's standards in all but one instance, according to the Ministry of Health.
Two dogs put down after killing 32 sheep near Kaikōura
Kaikōura District Council is warning dog owners they face hefty fines and large compensation bills if their animals attack livestock.
Police offer 'no comment' on West Coast whānau's concerns of racial bias
Police have responded to the concerns of a West Coast whānau that their son was singled out for attention because he was Māori.
Late again: West Coast regional plan to miss deadline
Councils are supposed to have adopted their long-term plans by 30 June. The draft West Coast Regional Council plan has not even been finalised yet, let alone put out for consultation and adopted.
Iwi chairs flag up lack of involvement in health study
Iwi chairs on the West Coast say it is unfortunate Poutini Ngāi Tahu runanga were not involved in a recent health study that found instances of racism in the region.
Race bigotry alive and well on West Coast, health study finds
A study of Māori living on the West Coast has found racial bigotry is alive and well in the region and poses a challenge for whānau trying to raise healthy, confident children.
Council conflict delays rates decisions
West Coast Regional Council ratepayers will have to wait until at least next month to find out if they are facing a 30 percent rate rise.
High earthquake risk to West Coast Regional Council building
A report on the risk of the West Coast Regional Council headquarters collapsing in an earthquake might make staff eat lunch at their desks.
West Coast mayors call for halt to all SNA work in wake of Far North protests
West Coast mayors are calling for a halt to identifying significant natural areas (SNAs) on private land, after suggestions that the process could be paused in the Far North.