West Coast
Council carpark made sea erosion worse
In 2017, a scientist advised removing a West Coast beachfront car park, saying it was making erosion worse. He was ignored, and then storms washed it away.
Climate change 'a rort' – West Coast Regional Council chair
Climate change caused by human activity, sea-level rise and the need to prepare for it - it is all a load of hogwash, the chairman of the West Coast Regional Council says.
Rental shortage in Westport despite vacant properties
Westport locals are describing a dire shortage of rental properties in their town, despite dozens of vacant houses and more than 100 rooms listed on Airbnb.
Shane Jones promises NZ First support for 'extractive' industries
Minister for Regional Economic Development Shane Jones has told West Coast councils that DOC stewardship land will be open for business if New Zealand First has any say in it after the election.
West Coast's leaders want lockdown rules relaxed
One West Coast mayor - Bruce Smith - says the alert level 3 restrictions are based on fear, not facts.
West Coast Regional Council reverses wetlands decision
The West Coast Regional Council has reversed its controversial vote against a wetlands plan years in the making.
Calling Home: Chris Long in Tromso, Norway
A member of the 'most isolated family in New Zealand', Chris Long grew up at Gorge River on the West Coast. He now resides in Norway, where he works at the Tromso Wilderness Centre taking visitors on… Audio
West Coast districts may end up with differing rules to regulate Airbnbs
West Coast districts will eventually have one plan to rule them all - but they could still end up with very different rules for Airbnbs.
West Coast may borrow to fund Te Tai o Poutini Plan
The West Coast Regional Council may borrow money to avoid a rate rise this year, its chief executive says.
Rural MPs in lockdown
We speak to former Speaker David Carter at home on his farm in Banks Peninsula and the Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor on his eight hectare lifestyle block in the Tasman district. Audio
Conservation Minister affirms local board’s right to meet – despite iwi boycott
The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board is bringing in a facilitator to help resolve a stand-off with its Māori members.
Govt urged to invest in West Coast wetlands
The Nature Heritage Fund's $6m budget needs a boost if it's to be used to buy up wetlands on private property, West Coast Regional Council's CEO says.
Hospital opening date confirmed, but still dependent on Covid-19 status
The West Coast will have its new base hospital finished next month and open by August, officials confirmed today.
Wild weather for West Coast
Civil Defence is warning heavy rain, swells and strong winds are headed for the West Coast over the next 36 hours.
West Coast in lockdown – but rates are not
Local councils are trimming their budgets but stopping short of a rates freeze due to Covid-19.
Goldmining on hold during Covid-19 lockdown
Goldmining should be considered an essential service, West Coast Regional Council chairman and alluvial claim owner Allan Birchfield says.
The West Coast's Covid-19 'war room'
An employment hub is being set up on the West Coast to help businesses and workers affected by the Covid-19 lock down.
Running the West Coast during lockdown
From midnight tonight civil authority on the West Coast will be vested in just two men and those they command.
Restoring Granity's Lyric Theatre
Volunteers in a small West Coast town have been working hard to restore a heritage theatre. The Lyric Theatre stands in the heart of Granity, a small seaside mining town about a half hour north of… Audio
Greymouth hospital opening delayed again to repair earthquake restraints
The West Coast's new hospital opening has been delayed until September after defects in its non-structrural earthquake restraints were discovered.
