West Coast
Westland, Buller residents warned ahead of heavy rain: 'Start thinking about a getaway bag'
Civil Defence emergency operation centres have opened in Westport and Hokitika as the region prepares for a deluge of heavy rain that could bring slips and flooding.
West Coast gears up for days of heavy rain, severe weather
A severe weather forecast for the South Island could herald the end of the golden weather. Audio
Body of overdue tramper located on West Coast
Police say the body of an overdue tramper has been found in the Mt Adams wilderness area, south of Harihari on the West Coast.
Haast Pass to close Monday night
Haast Pass on the South Island's West Coast is scheduled to be closed overnight from Monday into Tuesday.
West Coast reaches 90 percent vaccination target
Almost a year after the first Covid-19 vaccinations were administered, the West Coast DHB has hit the 90 percent vaccination target.
Stolen Westport courier van had 60 packages inside
People on the West Coast are being encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for a parcels after an unmarked courier vehicle was stolen in Westport.
First West Coast vaccine clinic for tamariki Māori
A West Coast kaupapa Māori health provider is holding its first vaccination clinic for tamariki near Hokitika this weekend, as the vaccine rollout is extended to children.
TranzAlpine train service resumes after five-month hiatus
TranzAlpine train journeys between Christchurch and Greymouth have resumed, after a five-month break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail
Keen biker Dave Ritchie from Cycle Journeys joins Jesse to share some of the best cycle tracks in Hokitika this summer. Audio
Investigation underway into West Coast helicopter crash
Air Accident investigators are travelling to the West Coast today, to find out why a helicopter crashed.
Heavy rain forecast for West Coast from Boxing Day
Areas of the West Coast are in for a bout of heavy rain over the next few days, with warnings in force from Fiordland to Buller.
'I started crying': Dad emotional over possible find of teen's remains in Pike River Mine
The father of the youngest person to die at Pike River says the possible discovery of his remains has brought him solace.
West Coast less than 1500 vaccinations away from 90 percent target
It has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the South Island, but West Coasters are now less than 1500 shots shy of being 90 percent fully vaccinated.
Franz Josef floodwalls have 20 years left
Franz Josef township has about 20 years before the massive stopbanks protecting the community will no longer be up to the job of holding back the wild Waiho (Waiau) River, experts warn.
Lawyer engaged over West Coast stewardship land
West Coast councils have engaged a specialist lawyer in the hope of gaining the government's ear as it launches the long-awaited review of stewardship land.
Clarity coming on flood-hit West Coast farms - O'Connor
West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor says landowners on the south side of the Waiho (Waiau) River at Franz Josef Glacier should have a clearer picture of the options for their future in the new year.
Lavender bush NZ flag to be flagged
The small West Coast town of Reefton is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most fragrant attractions. Local man John Bougen planted thousands of lavender bushes six years ago to create a floral… Audio
'Appalling state of affairs' in Reefton due to anti-vaxxers - ICB chair
The irrational attitude of anti-vaxxers is damaging Reefton's hospitality, health services, and reputation, says Inangahua Community Board's chairperson.
'We need a critical mass here': Tourist spots prepare for summer
Businesses in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are hundreds of staff short for the summer season with many struggling to find and afford workers.
2025 smokefree goal 'unlikely' to be hit
The West Coast District Health Board is the only one in the country meeting the national target of advising people to quit smoking - but the advice is largely falling on deaf ears.
