West Coast
Lavender bush NZ flag to be flagged
The small West Coast town of Reefton is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most fragrant attractions. Local man John Bougen planted thousands of lavender bushes six years ago to create a floral… Audio
'Appalling state of affairs' in Reefton due to anti-vaxxers - ICB chair
The irrational attitude of anti-vaxxers is damaging Reefton's hospitality, health services, and reputation, says Inangahua Community Board's chairperson.
'We need a critical mass here': Tourist spots prepare for summer
Businesses in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are hundreds of staff short for the summer season with many struggling to find and afford workers.
2025 smokefree goal 'unlikely' to be hit
The West Coast District Health Board is the only one in the country meeting the national target of advising people to quit smoking - but the advice is largely falling on deaf ears.
Separate rules for Grey district suggested to retain SNA deals with landowners
Planners writing new regulations to protect native bush on private land are suggesting one set of rules for Grey district and another for Buller and Westland.
Public libraries in Nelson now subject to vaccine pass checks
People in Nelson need to show vaccine passes to enter public libraries after the Covid-19 outbreak in the region.
Tourism industry 'not flavour of the month' with banks
A major South Island tourism operator has warned that banks are running out of goodwill towards the industry as the impact of Covid-19 continues to bite.
Decision by Christmas on ilmenite mine
Barrytown JV Ltd wants to mine 63ha of farmland on the Barrytown Flats for ilmenite and other minerals. Councils have recommended granting consent under certain conditions.
Listening to the hum of the Alpine Fault
A team of scientists are installing an array of seismic sensors along the South Island's Alpine Fault. Claire Concannon joins them to find out how and why. Video, Audio
Our Changing World - The Southern Alps Long Skinny Array
Claire Concannon joins a group from Te Herenga Waka as they deploy a seismic sensor on the Alpine Fault, part of a project to better understand how a slip on one part will impact ground shaking… Video, Audio
West Coast prepares for more rain as slips and flooding block SH6
West Coast Civil Defence has set up an emergency operations centre in Hokitika and will open another in Greymouth this evening.
Survey shows extent of Covid-19 impact on south Westland
A new survey paints a grim picture of south Westland with more business closures, job losses, poorer mental health and community members leaving.
Covid-19: West Coast workshops prepare community for self-isolation
Community workshops are under way to help West Coast residents prepare for Covid-19.
High price of gold sees surge to prospecting in West Coast
The West Coast of the South Island has seen a surge of interest from players large and small in gold prospecting.
Pike River bodies find: 'It's very hard for our community at the moment to take it in'
People on the West Coast are coming to terms with the discovery of human remains deep in the Pike River , more than a decade after the deadly explosion.
West Coast responds to news of human remains in Pike Mine
People on the West Coast are coming to terms with the discovery of human remains deep in the Pike River Mine, almost eleven years after the deadly explosion.
Tomorrow's the anniversary of the deadly… Video, Audio
'Rollercoaster of emotions' on discovery of bodies in Pike River mine
Footage showing bodies inside the Pike River mine was what loved ones of the 29 men killed in the disaster had been waiting for - but it was coupled with knowledge that none would be recovered.
'It hurts, but it's a good thing': Human remains discovered in Pike River mine
A turbulent mix of emotions are being felt as - just two days shy of the 11th anniversary of the Pike River mine disaster- human remains have been discovered.
Cash and property forfeited following cannabis operation
Part of a rural property and $10,000 in cash have been forfeited after a police investigation into a cannabis operation in Greymouth.
Buller, Westport and Reefton see domestic tourism growth
The loss of international visitors to West Coast glacier towns has caused job cuts, businesses to close and people to leave, but further up the Coast, the picture is a bit rosier.
