West Coast
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.
Greymouth landfill investigation 'the most complex ever'
West Coast Regional Council is taking legal advice around consents it issued to enable a controversial private landfill.
Censured councillor's ban overturned
The censured former chairman of the West Coast Regional Council has been allowed to return to a council committee.
Family bach owners allowed to remain on conservation land
Family baches on West Coast conservation land will be able to remain - for now - after fears they would be pushed out.
Deluge, lightning strikes hit Westland
Some parts of the South Island's West Coast received 200mm of rain overnight, and 300 homes near Dunedin Airport have been without power.
West Coast ratepayers have direct debits charged twice
A West Coast Regional Council rates mess has reared its head again with the council admitting an "administration error" caused some ratepayers to be charged twice through direct debit.
Emergency meeting as Westland braces for another downpour
The already sodden West Coast is tipped to get another 150 to 200mm of rain - but one mayor says they're used to it. Audio
