West Coast
Former Gloriavale members say apology for abuse 'insincere'
Gloriavale leader Howard Temple delivered an apology to the community on Monday, acknowledging historic abuse.
DOC cashes in on West Coast's skink 'insurance' population
Nearly a decade after almost going extinct, Aotearoa's endemic cobble skink population is making a surprising comeback.
Hanging from cliffs to keep highways open
When Wayo Carson was a boy, he loved throwing rocks. That thrill has never left.
'They don't even know the geography' - Telehealth consultation comedy of errors
A Westport woman says her appointment with the West Coast's new telehealth provider, Ka Ora, had her being told to "pop down" to a pharmacy a two and a half hour drive away.
West Coast bucks trend with increase in retail spending
Data from Worldline NZ shows the West Coast is bucking that trend with a 4.2 percent increase in retail spending in December, as people got out and about in the region. Development West Coast chief… Audio
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.
