West Coast

Floods have seen the river's stopbank washed away and water take a direct path through two local farms.

Material from a diseased Nelson site was briefly dumped at the Taylorville Resource Park landfill, it has been confirmed.

TiGa contends it will earn the West Coast millions but have only a light environmental impact.

A mouse has been at play at the West Coast's premier visitor site, the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.

The latest information had not arrived before the proposed plan was publicly notified.

Westland Milk Products is to invest $70 million to expand its manufacturing of dairy protein lactoferrin.

A "sickening" smell from the controversial new private landfill at Coal Creek is being investigated by West Coast Regional Council after numerous complaints in the past week.

Stopbanks have "strangled" South Westland's Wanganui River so much over decades the riverbed is now filling with gravel at twice the natural rate, an engineer says.

The Environment Court has overturned a decision to allow the development of a new coalmine at Te Kuha, behind Westport.

A long-standing councillor has resigned, and the mayor and chief executive are not on speaking terms.

The West Coast can expect a greater focus on "resilience" in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Allan Birchfield left abruptly after losing the vote for the chair at an extraordinary council meeting on 28 March - his first day back after four months' leave of absence.

The West Coast Regional Council will undergo a full "reset" under new chairman, councillor Peter Haddock.

Two farms severely flooded last week when the Wanganui River broke through a hole in the stopbank face a repair bill of at least $1 million - and with no insurance.

Allan Birchfield said the way his departure unfolded was something he "fully expected" and he was grateful for a clear vote.

A plan change is already being signalled for the proposed Te Tai o Poutini Plan.

The Christian community appeared with a lawyer for closing submissions, despite previously saying they could no longer afford a legal team.

Allan Birchfield hurried out of the West Coast Regional Council chambers today, seconds after five of six councillors voted to sack him from the job.

Bernie Monk, whose son Michael died in the disaster, said for 10 years they have fought for truth and accountability.

All six of Allan Birchfield's fellow councillors are moving to sack him from the role.