West Coast
Overstayers won't be reported for getting vaccine - Minister
The Covid-19 vaccine is being offered to all residents in a small West Coast town, while overstayers who get the vaccine will not have their details shared and a new ad campaign has launched targeting…
Significant natural area inspections to begin on West Coast
Field inspections will begin on the West Coast this winter to decide if significant natural areas (SNAs) spotted by researchers using maps, are in fact worth protecting.
Quarry company wants access through DOC land of 'lower value'
The company hoping to reopen the old Sugarloaf quarry in South Westland says it needs access to stewardship conservation land to minimise visual impact, maximise the resource and do the job safely.
Private dumps now toeing line but still under scrutiny
The West Coast Regional Council has taken no further action against two private dumps that were found to be bending the rules of their resource consents.
Reefton company pulls out of Christchurch waste deal
The Reefton company that had been planning to take contaminated waste from Christchurch has now pulled out of the deal.
Fiordland could become the next Dark Sky Park
Fiordland's brilliant night sky could become the second largest Dark Sky Park in the world. Work is already underway with hopes this will bring domestic and international visitors into the region. The… Audio
West Coast firm Coastwide Flooring fined $160k after worker killed by solvent fumes
A West Coast flooring company must pay out more than $160,000 after a worker was killed by solvent fumes.
Government approves $9.3m for scaled-down Franz Josef flood scheme
The government has approved a scaled-down version of the Franz Josef flood protection plan, but one which will still be a major shot in the arm for the stricken tourist town.
Gerry Beckley: 'We now actually have a horse named No Name'
Founding member of the band America, Gerry Beckley, splits his time between Sydney and California — but due to Covid-19 has had to stay put for the time being, giving him the opportunity to focus on… Audio
New Zealand tourists welcome on West Coast, dogs not so much
A surge of New Zealand visitors to the West Coast has been a boon to communities, but the increased presence of dogs poses a problem for the wildlife-rich region.
Health reforms: Cautious support from West Coast leaders
Sweeping reforms to the public health system have been met with cautious optimism on the West Coast.
Council chair demands apology over 'anti-competitive' allegation
A claim the West Coast Regional Council is being anti-competitive in its dealings over quarries and rock supply contracts is being angrily rejected.
Franz Josef emergency services on Alpine Fault must be moved - Westland mayor
Emergency services based on top of the Alpine Fault in Franz Josef must be urgently moved, the mayor says, after experts forecast a higher likelihood for a devastating quake in the next 50 years.
Spirits are up for maker of Blue Agave Tequilana Drink
Golden Bay is a long way from home for the Agave tequilana plant, a native of Latin America and most commonly found in Mexico. Terry Knight is growing several thousand of the succulents to produce a… Audio
Māori purpose zones on ancestral whenua to be created
The new combined district plan for the West Coast will recognise the land rights and rangatiratanga of Poutini Ngāi Tahu by creating Māori purpose zones on ancestral whenua.
Buller council supports coal mining, Councillor asserts
Anyone who thinks the Buller District Council supports an end to coal mining should read the full submission to the Climate Change Commission, says John Bougen.
Apartments could breathe new life into Greymouth centre - planners
Residential development in Greymouth's commercial area could kickstart the revival of the town's down-at-heel CBD, according to experts working on a new district plan for the West Coast.
RMA reforms pile pressure on West Coast to speed up regional plan
The government's RMA reforms have forced West Coast councils working on a combined district plan to speed up their process and finish a year early.
Poutini Ngāi Tahu warn council over mapping of wetlands on Māori land
Poutini Ngāi Tahu has settled its legal action against West Coast Regional Council over the mapping of Māori land as protected wetland.
Pike River families say police told them charges were likely
Two families of Pike River mine victims say they have been told by police that charges over the disaster are likely.
