West Coast
KiwiRail urging caution as West Coast tunnel reopens
The Tawhai Tunnel, near Reefton, was closed in June last year after structural damage to the tunnel lining was discovered.
Eight months' coal trucking to end as rail tunnel reopens
Coal trucks are about to stop rumbling over Buller roads, as the 134-year-old Tawhai Tunnel reopens.
West Coast better prepped than ever before for the big one
The region has come a long way in the past couple of years, in terms of planning and resources for a major event.
'There will be deaths because of this' - warning over Health NZ IT cuts
A West Coast IT worker is warning patients will die as Health New Zealand aims to slash its data and digital staff.
One dead after single vehicle crash on West Coast
The crash occurred on the Karamea Highway in Little Wanganui about 1.20pm
Road and rain warnings from far south up to lower north
Drivers are being urged to take extra care on South Island roads, and warned that roads could close, as heavy rain and wind warnings spread orange and yellow across the MetService map.
Health staff not to blame for death, review finds
A review into the death of Filipino carpenter Leonides Lozano, 51, at Te Rau Kawakawa/Buller Hospital in July has found no fault with hospital staff.
Farmers hopeful for cattle river grazing renewals
But conservation groups have long opposed the practice of allowing cattle in the braided river valleys.
Fears of fatal fall for missing climbers on Aoraki Mt Cook
Friends and family of three climbers lost on Aoraki Mount Cook have been told to expect the worst with equipment found on the mountain suggesting the group may have suffered a catastrophic fall. One… Audio
High-profile Westport councillor dies suddenly
Frank Dooley was elected as a Buller representative on the West Coast Regional Council in 2022 after a passionate campaign for Westport's flood protection.
Two towns’ news under pressure, copyrights and wrongs
The tale of two towns - Taupo and Westport - which face losing their only local newspaper. Also: new bid to change the law so parody and satire doesn't run the risk of breaking it - and to clear up… Audio
SH6 from Haast to re-open following storm damage
The main highway along the West Coast will open overnight from Friday following safety checks.
Doctor shortage nearly saw hospital close doors, advocate warns
The health of patients could have been compromised, Malcolm Mulholland says: "Coasters, frankly, have had a gutsful." Audio
‘We’re stuffed’: Franz ratepayers’ anguish over flood walls deal
Franz Josef ratepayers have grudgingly agreed to a government finance deal for flood protection which they need but can ill-afford.
Can an entire town be moved?
A draft master plan proposes relocating Westport to government-owned farmland southwest of its current location.
Millions lost but storm-hit SH6 on West Coast is reopening
Westland's mayor says the district's economy has taken a massive hit, losing more than $1m each day since the road closed. Audio
Council deal threatens Westport News
One of New Zealand's smallest newspapers is fighting for its life after the local council decided to move most of its advertising to an out-of-town publication.
SH6 close to reopening after critical rock removal work finishes
Crews have worked hard over the weekend to remove rocks fallen at the Epitaph Slip, Waka Kotahi says.
Work to clear dangerously large, unstable rocks above road continues
Torrential rain last weekend caused flooding, slips and closed roads on the West Coast.
Accountant loses defamation case against Mayor
Westport accountant Frank Dooley has lost his defamation case against Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine.
