The West Coast needs to double its weekly vaccination rate and reach at least 3200 more people in just over three weeks if it is to meet Government targets.
Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson says road blocks on the alpine passes may buy more time to get vaccination rates up on the West Coast, with fears Covid-19 is already circulating in the South Island.
The Conservation Minister has announced almost $9 million of funding for 45 new West Coast jobs in weed control, tree planting and whitebait habitat restoration.
No phones, no internet, no medical alarms, no eftpos, no cash machines - Westland Mayor Bruce Smith is putting the 34-hour communications blackout south of Hokitika on the agenda.
Preliminary insurance claims for the Westport flood in July show 355 vehicles were damaged, and 1297 domestic claims were lodged totalling more than $85million.
Preliminary insurance claims for the Westport flood in July show that 355 vehicles were damaged, and 1297 domestic claims were lodged totalling over $85 million. Commercial claims numbered 110.
The West Coast Whitebaiters Association says pilot research projects will be conducted on the Buller, Mokihinui and Hokitika rivers this season, which opens today.
The Buller District Council has rejected two proposed floodwall options for Westport, saying the walls would probably not have stopped the devastating July flood.
Development West Coast has reported a net profit of $14.2 million for the year, prompting calls for it to open its wallet and help struggling South Westland.
Patched gang members who helped themselves to Greymouth's coveted 'Big Rock' — the best whitebaiting spot on the Grey River — have been moved along by police.
As health authorities try to increase Covid-19 vaccination rates on the West Coast, at least 600 people will miss out — at Gloriavale Christian Community.
After being brought back from the brink of extinction, the rowi kiwi has now been detected outside its Okarito forest sanctuary, at a new site 24km away at Whataroa.