West Coast
Pike River families want bodies recovered
Families of Pike River victims are to protest against authorities' refusal to retrieve their families bodies. Organiser Anna Osborne speaks to Checkpoint. Video, Audio
Pike River Mine still too dangerous to enter - Solid Energy
Solid Energy is standing by its statement that there will be no re-entry to the Pike River Mine, despite claims part of it is safe to enter.
Part of Pike River safe to enter - Bernie Monk
A spokesperson for some of the Pike River families plans on writing to the Prime Minister as he believes part of the mine is safe to enter.
House fire causes building to partially collapse
Seven fire crews have been battling a house fire in the town of Stillwater, east of Greymouth, which the Fire Service says is not fireworks related.
Punakaiki seeks freedom camper free zone
Residents in busy West Coast town Punakaiki are calling for an urgent crack-down on freedom campers as the tourist season nears.
Barbara Anderson: moths and citizen science
Kim Hill talks to Dr Barbara Anderson is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow at Landcare Research in Dunedin. She is the coordinator of Ahi Pepe MothNet, a citizen science project that has seen teachers… Audio
Police use of taser on Hokitika man 'unjustified'
A police officer who tasered a man in Hokitika twice in 2015 used unjustified force and another officer failed to call a doctor, a police watchdog has found.
Fatal street race: Organisers 'adhered to every safety code'
All safety precautions were taken at a Greymouth street race where a motorcyclist died in a crash, the Grey District mayor says.
Motorcyclist killed in Greymouth street races
A motorcyclist has died following a crash at an organised street racing event in Greymouth.
The Mixtape: Mel Parsons
Singer-songwriter Mel Parsons makes a mixtape of favourites and talks about her roots in the shearing sheds of Westport. Audio
Thigh bone of missing tourist found three years on
The thigh bone of a missing tourist whose campervan was swept off SH6 near Haast Pass by a large slip in 2013 has been found.
Anna Osborne reflects on the life of her friend Helen Kelly
Anna Osborne, the widow of Milton Osborne who died in the Pike River, got to know Helen Kelly in the aftermath of the tragedy. She talked to Checkpoint about her friend, and her loss. Video, Audio
'Massive response' needed in Haiti - UN
Hurricane Matthew has wiped some towns and villages in Haiti off the map and a 'massive response' is needed, according to the UN.
6.2 million dollar waste water plant proposal could be scrapped
A proposed $6 million wastewater treatment plant for Franz Josef may be scrapped - and residents say the whole thing has been a waste of time. Audio
Fisherman pleads guilty over albatross deaths
A commercial fisherman has admitted failing to take proper steps to prevent the deaths of 38 albatrosses while fishing off the West Coast.
Police sergeant criticised for 'flagrant abuse of power'
A West Coast police sergeant showed a "flagrant abuse of his power" when he illegally detained a man and woman so they could later be interviewed.
West Coast to get 500 road signs in summer safety boost
The NZTA is installing nearly 500 new roadside arrow signs along the West Coast's state highway, in preparation of a busy summer season.
Rare limestone bluffs to be added to national park
Over 150 hectares of forested land near Inangahua on the West Coast is set to become part of Paparoa National Park.
Piri Sciascia: performing arts, language and Te Māori
Kim Hill talks to Professor Piri Sciascia, ONZM, retired recently as Deputy Vice Chancellor Maori at Victoria University of Wellington. He was one of four recipients of Nga Tohu a Ta Kingi Ihaka at… Audio
Concern over timing of West Coast 1080 drop
DOC and health officials have moved to reassure the public that 1080 poison drops on the West Coast are being done safely and are within the rules. Video
