West Coast
West Coast ports zoning debate raises 'reverse sensitivity' concerns
Tourist attractions or industrial sites? The future rules for West Coast ports have come under close scrutiny this week from the Tai o Poutini Plan Committee.
Hard-hit businesses see 'ripple effect downstream'
Businesses near Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have issued a plea for government support after a recent survey found widespread job losses and many people abandoning struggling communities.
Ngāi Tahu reject other iwi involvement in district plan
A proposal that councils should deal with iwi other than Poutini Ngāi Tahu over historic sites and wahi tapu has been rejected.
Freshwater not so fresh in parts of West Coast
The West Coast may have the cleanest rivers in the country but a six-monthly review has shown the regional council is struggling to meet some of the goals it has set in relation to freshwater.
Early morning fire damages two homes on West Coast
A fire has ripped through two houses in Runanga, north of Greymouth, overnight.
150 Buller properties caught in council rating error
About 150 properties in Buller have been affected by a council error that wrongly classified them - and saw some facing potential rate increases of up to 300 percent.
Free bowel screening tests on way for hard hit West Coasters
The National Bowel Screening programme is coming to the West Coast with free tests for people aged 60 to 74.
Fox Glacier bridge closing for night time repairs
A bridge south of Fox Glacier will close overnight for repairs from tonight.
Compliance checks keep West Coast Regional Council busy
Summer has seen no let-up in the number of dodgy environmental deeds investigated by West Coast Regional Council.
Reefton mega rates rises leave residents outraged
Some property owners in Reefton are in for whopping rate increases of more than 200 percent if the Buller District Council adopts a proposed new rating formula.
Dogs causing a nightmare for rare penguins
The Department of Conservation is reminding pet owners of their obligations after the recent death of a rare penguin on the West Coast.
Cameras being sent into Pike River Mine as part of police inquiry
Cameras will be sent into Pike River Mine as part of the police investigation into the 2010 explosion which killed 29 men.
Gasfitter, company fined $120,000 after 12-year-old's death
An Otago gasfitter has been fined more than $120,000 for incorrectly installing a gas water heater, leading to the death of a 12-year-old boy.
West Coasters ask - where's our $24m?
Pressure is mounting on the government to release $24 million earmarked for the hurting tourism town of Franz Josef.
Wheelchair barriers to be investigated - Buller Council
Complaints that wheelchair users face barriers to access a community meeting room will be looked into, the Buller District Council says.
Mayor rejects MP's claims over future of Franz Josef township
Westland Mayor Bruce Smith is rejecting a claim by the region's MP Damien O'Connor that there is no long-term plan for the future of Franz Josef township.
$24m flood protection and bridge project in Franz Josef under review
Government officials have put the brakes on the $24 million project to shore up the floodwalls around Franz Josef Glacier village and build a new bridge over the wild Waiho (Waiau) River.
Transport agency to build safety crossing for Reefton’s Broadway
Wheelchair users in Reefton will soon have a safe way of crossing the town's main street, State Highway 7.
West Coast DHB reports five adverse events, one fatal
A West Coast patient died last year because hospital staff failed to realise the person's condition had deteriorated and did not transfer them in time to a tertiary-level hospital.
Fox River landfill to be cleared away next week
An old landfill that spewed rubbish along 100 kilometres of West Coast coastlines will be removed.
