West Coast
Pike River re-entry nears, but will police go in?
Tomorrow marks one year of the Pike River Recovery Agency, and work is in full swing ahead of a planned re-entry. But there is still no word as to whether the police will re-enter Pike River mine, as… Video, Audio
'Irresponsible' - Council rejects govt climate change bill
The West Coast Regional Council wants more scientific evidence to prove human-driven climate change is happening before it will commit to reducing emissions.
Heavy rain and strong wind warnings for the South Island
Heavy rain and strong wind warnings have been issued for parts of the lower South Island as a front sweeps the south then North Island this weekend.
Pike River recovery operation enters critical phase
Work to flush explosive gases out of the Pike River mine tunnel is set to begin today as the operation to re-enter the mine enters a critical phase.
MetService warns of heavy rain and thunderstorms
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast as a front hits the south of New Zealand and moves up the country.
Pike River team almost ready for re-entry
Pike River Recovery Agency is employing the last 3 people it needs and putting the finishing touches to its plans to re-enter the Pike River mine Audio
Pike River mine re-entry: Electrical technician sought for team
The Pike River Recovery Agency is looking for an electrical technician to help with the mine re-entry this year.
The curious case of the free money
Guests at Jesse Paley-Atkins' Gentle Annie Seaside Campground awoke to a fabulous surprise on Saturday morning - $200-300 fastened to their vehicles! About $6,800 was dished out overall, but nobody… Audio
Frittering away - Why whitebait is in decline
With four out of the five whitebait species under threat or in decline, Insight's Teresa Cowie heads to the West Coast to find out if we have to give up on our springtime whitebait treat. Audio
Xmas comes early for the West Coast as govt splashes cash
The West Coast has received an early Christmas present today with a $140m cash injection from the Government. Video, Audio
FMC says 'weak' DoC allowing tourism operators to flout law
Claims the Department of Conservation is allowing tourism operators to flout their own rules by allowing tourists to fly into restricted areas of Fiordland. Federated Mountain Clubs says several… Audio
Mayor promises fix for leaking sewage ponds
Westland's mayor is confident an upgrade of Franz Josef's sewage ponds will be done in time to meet a deadline imposed by the Environment Court.
Bernie Monk: Police involved in Pike re-entry must be independent
The father of one of the 29 Pike River victims wants trained police with cameras to join the team that will re-enter the mine. Video, Audio
Remembering Pike River miners, eight years on
A public service for the eighth anniversary of the Pike River Mine disaster is being held tonight in Blackball, West Coast. Reporter Conan Young joins Checkpoint live from the memorial. Video, Audio
Families mark anniversary of Pike River Mine explosion
The anniversary today of the Pike River Mine disaster has brought to the surface some raw emotions for families.
Police decision won't hinder Pike River re-entry - Andrew Little
Pike River Minister Andrew Little says police will be involved in the re-entry regardless of whether they commit officers to go underground, but that will not stop the project of recovering the drift… Video, Audio
Pike River miner’s mother ‘embarrassed’ about re-entry plans
Marion Curtin, the mother of one of the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine explosion says plans to re-enter the mine are futile and a waste of money, saying there are hundreds of ways to better… Video, Audio
How it could be determined if anyone survived first Pike River explosion
Former chief mines inspector Tony Forster believes there will be a "great deal" inside the mine that will be salvageable. He spoke with Checkpoint presenter Lisa Owen. Video, Audio
Pike River mine entry aims to recover bodies
A plan for re-entry to the Pike River mine was announced today, eight years after the explosion that claimed the lives of 29 men. The $39m operation will aim to recover the remains of the victims and… Video, Audio
The process of entering Pike River mine, but will police go in?
Police have not yet decided whether or not they will physically enter the Pike River mine or train miners to do their forensic works, Pike River Agency Chief Operating Officer Dinghy Pattinson says… Video, Audio
