West Coast
Council whitebait debt: ‘We’re not a benevolent society’
The regional council says West Coast whitebaiters owe it more than $40,000 in unpaid fees.
Meat processor admits faking water quality reports
A meat processing plant is being investigated after the company admitted making up water monitoring reports.
Police expect to lay more charges after $5000 worth of drugs found
Two men have been arrested on the West Coast after a police operation into the sale and supply of illicit drugs in the area.
Frustrated farmer says grassland deemed ‘outstanding natural landscape’
Some landowners were recently caught by surprise when the proposed West Coast district 'one' plan deemed sections of land as Outstanding Natural Landscape.
'Big omission' in West Coast mine application - DOC
Mining company TiGa has reapplied for a resource consent for an open-cast mine at Barrytown, north of Greymouth.
Fatal house bus fire on West Coast not believed suspicious
Police are still investigating, but say the property had smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
Woman who died in house bus fire was tourist from China
The woman was travelling the South Island with her husband, who escaped the blaze unharmed.
Kea proof bins rolled out in Franz Josef
The Westland District Council has resorted to designing special kea proof bins in a bid to keep the cheeky taonga out.
Police decry spate of vandalism, swastikas at DOC huts
A swastika painted on Kirwans Hut was among the "mindless" vandalism at huts.
Sea level rise ‘still an hypothesis’
West Coast leaders have called for more detailed information backing an updated coastal hazards rule for the region after submitters overwhelmingly opposed it.
Pike Memorial Track opens: 'We haven’t forgotten the Pike 29'
Years of challenges to create an enduring memorial are finally overcome as families open a memorial track.
'An enduring legacy' - Pike 29 memorial walk and cycle trail opens
A walking track and cycle trail dedicated to the 29 miners who perished in the 2010 Pike River mine disaster opens today.
'Senseless, sickening': Swastikas painted on DOC hut
It came less than a year after the Backcountry Trust undertook a major revamp of the hut.
Around the motu : Ellen Curnow covering the West Coast
Buller District residents were warned a couple of months ago that they could be facing an astronomical rates increase, Westport News reporter Ellen Curnow says that's now been pared back a bit and… Audio
Fresh bid for mineral sand mine, despite local opposition
Company says its mine will bring more than 70 new jobs, but residents are worried about health and environmental risks.
Dream trip to NZ ends in tragedy
Lord of the Rings fan Joseph Snode always wanted to visit Aotearoa, but died not long after arriving in the country.
KiwiRail accused of holding up vital flood protection work
Delays caused by KiwiRail are "a risk" to quickly advancing a flood protection wall for Hokitika, a council meeting has heard.
Weather warning 'over-estimated' West Coast rain – council
The West Coast Regional Council is reviewing its use of MetService weather forecasts in its hydrology and emergency planning after what has been dubbed two "over-estimated" rain warnings for the…
Storms to subside overnight into Sunday, after power cuts, trees down
Storms and strong wind that caused power cuts and traffic snarls are expected to ease overnight between Saturday and Sunday, MetService says.
Franz Josef residents may have to dig long drops, councillor says
There are concerns a shifting river could threaten Franz Josef's sewerage ponds.