West Coast
Funding concerns over Westport flood
An urgent $10m flood protection scheme for Westport could grow larger, with the cost falling on ratepayers if central Government doesn't contribute.
Tourism staffing concerns ahead of border reopening
The Tourism Minister has acknowledged businesses are concerned about staffing ahead of the border reopening, but says support will be there.
Civil Aviation Authority issues warning to paramotor pilots after investigation into death
A paramotor pilot who died on a flight on the West Coast was seen flying at a low height before the fatal accident. The CAA's now warning pilots to be aware of height requirements.
West Coast DHB slashes home-care
Some elderly, disabled and frail housebound West Coast residents have had their home-based care services cut for up to three months, apparently due to Covid-19.
Hector's dolphin calf found dead on West Coast
Eleven of the endangered species have been found dead around the South Island since November - eight of them calves.
West Coast DHB under fire from Reefton residents
Reefton residents voiced their dismay amidst shouts of "bulls**t" at a protest last night at the sudden closure of the town's hospital aged-care wing, after some residents suddenly moved out of the…
West Coast council defends floodwall progress
Lack of progress on Westport flood protection is being blamed on "insufficient appetite" to actually get on and do it.
Buller faces long list of urgent repairs in flooding aftermath
Extreme rainfall and flooding has left roading and infrastructure across the Buller District in a fragile state and in urgent need of repair before further heavy rain hits the region.
West Coast bull's adventure attracts international attention
Maruia farmer Tony Peacock shares the remarkable survival story of a young bull that got swept away in recent flooding. Audio
Boil water notice for parts of the West Coast
The Buller District Council says Westport and Carters Beach residents should boil all water before drinking and using it for food preparation, until further notice.
DOC team to fly in to assess flood-damaged Heaphy Track
The Department of Conservation will fly in a four-person team to assess the damage caused to a Great Walk during recent flooding on the West Coast.
Government gives $200k to South Island flood cleanup effort
The Government is giving 200,000 dollars to the West Coast and the top of the South Island to help with the cleanup from two large floods in recent weeks.
SH6 to Westport reopens, river levels drop
The coast road to Westport State Highway 6 has reopened as the West Coast town appears to have escaped another flood with river levels dropping. Audio
State of emergency declared in Buller
A state of emergency has been declared in Buller after heavy rain has cut off Westport. Some of the worst affected Northern areas of town have already evacuated and more residents are braced for… Audio
West Coast forecast to get more heavy rain, orange warning issued
MetService has upgraded its heavy rain watch for Buller and Westland to an orange warning.
The women of the New Zealand goldfields
Frustrated by the lack of information about the many women who made a living on the New Zealand goldfields in the 1800s, Canterbury Museum researcher Julia Bradshaw went in search of them and speaks… Audio
West Coast turns to recovery and repairs after heavy rains
The clean up begins today in parts of the West Coast, after hundreds of people were evacuated on Friday night over fears of flooding.
Evacuated West Coast residents able to return home
Civil Defence says the effects of heavy rainfall on the West Coast have not been as severe as feared. Audio
West Coast update with mayor Jamie Cleine
It's been another tough day for those on the West Coast as the red heavy rain warning remained in place. Last night Westport residents were urged to self-evacuate and today Civil Defence ordered a… Audio
Buller District mayor announces Westport evacuations as more heavy rainfall expected to hit
Civil Defence has ordered a partial compulsory evacuation of Westport after days of rain and more heavy falls expected tonight.
