West Coast
Return of tourists raises frustration on roads
A return to pre-Covid levels of tourists driving on the West Coast is raising concern.
Heavy rain lashes East Cape, Westland
Heavy rain hit the eastern part of the North Island and Westland overnight, and weather warnings remain in place for Gisborne / Tai Rāwhiti. Audio
Recap: No mandatory evacuations in Westland yet, heaviest rain still to come
Westland's mayor says there will be no mandatory evacuations across the district tonight, with officials confident rivers are handling the deluge well.
Westland residents warned to be ready to move at short notice
Westland remains under a red heavy rain alert until 8am Saturday, with another heavy rain band due to hit from 10pm.
Summer Series: Country Life for January 19
Country Life visits Pamu's deer milking operation near Taupo, learns about farming by the Maori lunar calendar - maramataka - and hears about the potential for banana-growing on the West Coast. Audio
West Coast prepares for up to 700mm of rain
Civil defence, council staff and other agencies are bracing for an incoming deluge.
Australian miner buying Reefton mine
Australian-based Federation Mining is buying the Snowy River Gold Mine near Reefton on the West Coast.
Cop comes a cropper tackling sheep
A police officer needed medical attention after attempting to contain three escaped sheep in Westport on Saturday evening.
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.
Look out for heavy rain in western parts of NZ, strong winds in Canterbury
Cooler temperatures and rain are on the way for the South Island and the lower North Island, bringing some respite from the summer heat.
The duchess and her Stubbies-wearing hubby
In the 1980s, Carters Beach, south of Westport, had a dairy, a playing field, a kids’ fort and miles of beach. As far as Glen Scanlon was concerned, it was a small slice of heaven.
The Punakaiki petrel patrol: Helping an endangered bird
A dedicated group of conservationists are spending their nights rescuing the Westland petrel from a stretch of State Highway 6 on the West Coast. Audio
NIWA suggests ways to protect flood-prone Mōkihinui into future
Managed retreat and restricting new developments have been flagged as potential ways to help protect a West Coast township into the future.
The story of pounamu, and the West Coast
There's a new reason to get along to the wonderful West Coast of Te Waipounamu. Audio
A 75 percent majority of residents support Waiho Flat abandonment
Significant support from affected landowners to abandon Waiho Flat area at Franz Josef.
Heavy rain set to hit Fiordland
A heavy rain warning has been issued, with the region set to be soaked.
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.
Heavy rain warning for Buller, Westland - MetService
Up to 120-160 mm of rain is expected, and thunderstorms are possible.
Rain, possible thunderstorms over the weekend
MetService has issued severe weather warnings for parts of the South Island.
