West Coast

About six to 10 yellow-bellied sea snakes are seen each year, mostly around the northeast coast of the North Island.

In 1995, 13 Polytechnic students and a DOC worker died after a viewing platform collapsed at Cave Creek, on the West Coast. Audio

Climate activist Adam Currie said protesters would continue to fight the mine.

It cannot be lifted until the water regulator Taumata Arowai is satisfied the council has complied with directions. Audio

Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson said the government's fast-tracking process for mining was good for the region.

Police have arrested one person and are considering charges as protesters try and disrupt coal production.

Heavy rain has continued to pelt central New Zealand, as the holiday weekend comes to a close.

Greymouth and the wider district remains under a boil water notice.

Some schools and businesses in the West Coast town have been forced to shut due to the notice. Audio

Authorities are trying to determine exactly how the town's water supply became contaminated. Audio

The mayor admits some feel "forgotten" but the plan is needed to provide a "glimmer of hope" in the face of increasingly damaging flooding.

On Wednesday, councillors would decide whether to endorse the plan or not.

The party's comments are a cheap shot at councils trying to make ends meet against near-impossible odds, Tania Gibson says.

Downpours may hit Westland and Fiordland, while Central Otago and Canterbury are in for a hot day. Audio

Police say they have been told of new sightings of David Robinson shortly before his body was found.

The West Coast Regional Council's core debt has risen to $24 million, as it embarks on the largest infrastructure programme in its history.

The mother of a man who was murdered 27 years ago says she is still hopeful investigators can find out more about what happened to him.

Helen Lash raised questions about Peter Haddock's family connection with one of the council's main contractors.