Fox Glacier access decision next week
Fox Glacier access decision next week
The Department of Conservation says it will decide next week on reinstating access to Fox Glacier, but it has already warned of future damage.
Laura Mills
Govt backs plans for new health centre
Govt backs plans for new health centre
Health Minister David Clark flew to Westport yesterday to announce that plans for a new $20 million health centre to replace the ageing Buller Hospital have been accepted.
Rainfall washes out access road
Rainfall washes out access road
Heavy rain at the weekend washed out the access road to Fox Glacier, just as the tourist season is ramping up.
Progress made on waste-to-energy plant
Progress made on waste-to-energy plant
Buller Mayor Garry Howard says progress is being made by Renew Energy Ltd and China Tianying Inc to establish a waste-to-energy plant in Westport.
Feedback sought on Franz Josef gondola plan
Feedback sought on Franz Josef gondola plan
Skyline Enterprises is seeking feedback on its proposal for a gondola at Franz Josef Glacier, as part of public consultation to the draft Westland Tai Poutini National Park management plan.
Public's views on whitebait fishery sought
Public's views on whitebait fishery sought
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage has invited anyone with an interest in whitebait to share their views on management of the fishery, via an online survey and drop-in sessions spanning the country.
Pugh forgives Bridges for "f****** useless" comment
Pugh forgives Bridges for "f****** useless" comment
Despite being described by National Party leader Simon Bridges as "f***ing useless" in a covert recording - MP Maureen Pugh says she has forgiven him and will stand again.
Environmental groups want wild lupins gone
Environmental groups move to rid valley of wild lupins
A determined bid has been launched to rid the Arthur's Pass area of wild lupins, which fill the Waimakariri River Valley with a colourful display but choke the nesting habitat of several bird species.
Fatal crash court dates set
Fatal crash court dates set
Three years after seven people died in a helicopter crash on Fox Glacier, a case brought against the helicopter company has almost made it to court.
Moa and Haast eagle plan ditched
Moa and Haast eagle plan ditched
Controversial plans to bring moa and giant Haast eagles back to Oparara have been dropped, with the focus now on improving the road and safeguarding the area.
Park proposals opposed
Park proposals opposed
Forest and Bird says a proposal to allow dogs in Westland Tai Poutini National Park breaches the National Parks Act and puts endangered kiwi at risk.
Hopes high for Tasman Mining-Oceana Gold project
Hopes high for Tasman Mining-Oceana Gold project
The man behind the proposed $500 million underground gold-mine development at Waiuta said he expected it would be producing within about five years.
Teen charged with Greymouth murder named
Teen charged with Greymouth murder named
A Reefton teenager accused of murdering a Greymouth man in June has been named.
Hospital project delays cost DHB $50,000 a month
Hospital project delays cost DHB $50,000 a month
Delays over the new Greymouth Hospital are costing the West Coast District Health Board about $50,000 a month.
Truck convoy will be part of protest
Truck convoy will be part of protest
A protest on the West Coast this weekend will include a large procession of trucks.
Miner to go to court over Govt decision
Miner to go to court over Govt decision
Stevenson Mining intends mounting a court challenge to the Government's decision to decline access for its proposed Te Kuha coalmine near Westport.
Mayors asked to name top six projects
Mayors asked to name top six projects
West Coast mayors were yesterday given one week to come up with half a dozen key projects for the $1billion provincial growth fund.
Mayors make bid for provincial funding
Mayors make bid for provincial funding
The West Coast mayors and Development West Coast were in Wellington today to make a case for a good share of the Government's $1 billion provincial fund.
Escapeway tunnel an option at Pike River
Escapeway tunnel an option at Pike River
Driving a second tunnel into the Pike River mine to act as an escapeway during the impending re-entry of the drift tunnel remains on the cards.
Teacher sacked but supported
Teacher sacked but supported
A Cobden early childhood teacher who is HIV positive and lost her job on Friday, says she has no regrets about telling staff, and she still loves Greymouth.