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Council's $8.6m payroll defended
The Westland District Council’s $8.6 million payroll figure was heavily defended this week when the increasing number and cost of staff was again raised around the table.
Regions
Showcasing work of ‘superstar ceramicist’
Showcasing work of ‘superstar ceramicist’
A new Hokitika Museum exhibition is set to launch showcasing the life works of internationally acclaimed ceramicist Chris Weaver, of Kaniere.
Driver dies in Westland crash
Driver dies in Westland crash
One person has died following a crash on State Highway 6 in Westland.
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Driftwood sign rebuild ‘futile’
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Driftwood sign rebuild ‘futile’
Hokitika’s widely photographed driftwood sign, which is visited daily in summer by flocks of tourists, will not be resurrected — for now.
Westport man clears tonnes of steel from beach
Westport man clears tonnes of steel from beach
A Westport man fed up with dumped rubbish piling up near a local beach has gone on a clean-up mission, clearing more than eight tonnes of steel in a couple of months.
Flooding affecting SH6 on West Coast
Flooding affecting SH6 on West Coast
Flooding and slips are affecting parts of SH6 on the West Coast, amid heavy rain and strong winds forecast for large areas of the South Island.
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Hokitika driftwood sign vandal sought
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Hokitika driftwood sign vandal sought
The deliberate vandalism of Hokitika’s often photographed driftwood sign is being investigated by police.
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Seaview hostel arson admitted
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Seaview hostel arson admitted
A Hokitika woman has admitted to lighting the massive fire that burned an abandoned Seaview Hospital hostel to the ground last year.
Pike River campaigners say bill risks another disaster
Pike River campaigners say bill risks another disaster
Two of NZ's best known workplace safety advocates are heading to Wellington in the hopes of persuading politicians to reject legislation they say risks a workplace disaster.
Pedestrian dies after collision in Westport
Pedestrian dies after collision in Westport
A pedestrian involved in a collision in Westport last week has died, police have confirmed.
Hokitika man facing online grooming charges
Hokitika man facing online grooming charges
A Hokitika man is facing charges of grooming, linked to a police operation targeting online offending against young people.
West Coast's $65m investment in flood defences
West Coast's $65m investment in flood defences
The West Coast Regional Council has a record $65 million worth of flood protection projects on its books. Among the most critical is a $25.8m project for the flood-prone town of Westport.
Mother, son fined for unlawful pounamu export attempt
Mother, son fined for unlawful pounamu export attempt
Two West Coast Ngāi Tahu hapū say the sentencing of an Auckland mother and son shows people trying to take pounamu out of the country illegally will be caught.
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Hunter rescued in orange alert
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Hunter rescued in orange alert
An American hunter was at the mercy of the weather on Saturday when hiking into mountains in southern Westland during an orange alert for up to 500mm of rain.
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Penalties for late rates
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Penalties for late rates
Tardy ratepayers will no longer receive a reprieve from the Westland District Council after it voted to stop refunding the 10% penalty interest levied on late rate payments.
Sewage deadline issued by WCRC
Sewage deadline issued by WCRC
The West Coast Regional Council has issued a deadline for all three West Coast district councils to fix outstanding issues with wastewater systems.
Supermarket’s liquor licence suspended
Supermarket’s liquor licence suspended
A Hokitika supermarket stripped of its ability to sell alcohol has failed to convince the district licensing committee it is a suitable licensee — for now.
Whitebaiters urged to wear lifejackets as father swept away
Whitebaiters urged to wear lifejackets as father swept away
A coroner is urging whitebaiters to wear lifejackets after a father of 12 died on the West Coast in 2024.
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What are you looking at?
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What are you looking at?
The spidey-senses of Hokitika photographer Kirsty Wilson gave her the winning edge at the Photographic Society of NZ's 2026 National Exhibition of Photography.
Chopper crash deaths 'a heartbreaking shock'
Chopper crash deaths 'a heartbreaking shock'
The deaths of two men in a helicopter crash in Mount Aspiring National Park have been described as devastating and ‘‘a heartbreaking shock’’.