Radar out for ‘extended period’
A destructive lightning bolt — strong enough to power an average home for two years — has knocked out Metservice’s rain radar in Hokitika for some time.
West Coast
Planners tackle hazards chapter of ‘One Plan’
Planners tackle hazards chapter of ‘One Plan’
Council and iwi leaders agonising over the West Coast "One Plan" have tackled what planners describe as its most complicated and emotive chapter — the one on natural hazards.
Woman charged with arson over Hokitika hospital fire
Woman charged with arson over Hokitika hospital fire
A woman has been charged with lighting a fire that destroyed the Seaview Hospital complex in Hokitika in August.
Growing frustration over Westport flood scheme delay
Growing frustration over Westport flood scheme delay
A crucial part of Westport’s $25 million flood protection plan is on hold because the Department of Conservation is "overworked", West Coast Regional Councillors have heard.
Council chairman retiring on a high note
Council chairman retiring on a high note
West Coast Regional Council chairman Peter Haddock is bowing out of local government next month after 18 years.
Hazards portal will not stop ‘stupid’ builds: councillor
Hazards portal will not stop ‘stupid’ builds: councillor
West Coasters will soon be able to find out online if their property or one they are thinking of buying, is at risk from liquefaction — or a host of other damaging events.
Mayor unhappy at police response to death threats
Mayor unhappy at police response to death threats
West Coast police say there is not a lot they can do about online death threats to Grey District councillors.
Consent hearing for controversial dump begins
Consent hearing for controversial dump begins
The lawyer for a controversial private dump near Greymouth says the run-off from the site will not adversely affect the town’s public water supply.
Police, OT failed West Coast baby killed by meth-using dad - Coroner
Police, OT failed West Coast baby killed by meth-using dad - Coroner
Government agencies failed in their duty to protect a 10-month-old baby who was murdered by his father while high on methamphetamine.
Phone lost overboard recovered by trawler
Phone lost overboard recovered by trawler
When Matt Butterfield's son lost his phone and ID overboard during a West Coast fishing trip, they resigned the belongings to the watery depths.
Warning safety reforms risk another Pike River
Warning safety reforms risk another Pike River
Plans to reform workplace safety rules risk repeating the deadly failures of the Pike River mine disaster, officials warn.
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Man rescued after mine fall
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Man rescued after mine fall
A person who tumbled about 30m down a historic coalmine shaft near the Brunner Mine Historic site between Stillwater and Dobson east of Greymouth was pulled out shortly before 1pm yesterday after a...
Laughter over rates increase ‘nervous’ type
Laughter over rates increase ‘nervous’ type
A Greymouth local body election candidate has called out Grey district councillors for laughing at a meeting when they were asked about pushback over recent rate increases.
Person seriously injured in West Coast mine shaft fall
Person seriously injured in West Coast mine shaft fall
A person has been seriously injured after falling about 30m down a mine shaft on the West Coast.
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Trio reel in 140kg swordfish
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Trio reel in 140kg swordfish
They are usually a long way from the sea, but they were in the right place at the right time over the weekend.
'One dentist can't keep up': Buller mayor
'One dentist can't keep up': Buller mayor
The Buller mayor says people in Westport are having to wait up to six weeks for dental appointments because there is only one dentist.
Manslaughter charge laid after motel death
Manslaughter charge laid after motel death
A man is now facing a manslaughter charge following a death in Westport earlier this year.
Flood schemes increase council debt
Flood schemes increase council debt
The West Coast Regional’s core debt is about to rise by another $3 million to $27.15 million, as the council continues to draw down loans to fund flood protection.
Protesters leave coal bucket above Denniston Plateau
Protesters leave coal bucket above Denniston Plateau
Two protesters who spent three weeks in a giant coal bucket high above native bush of the Denniston Plateau have now descended.
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Couple defrauded people they knew: police
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Couple defrauded people they knew: police
A couple accused of a $1million fake cancer swindle used stories of expensive treatment and locked overseas funds to string their victims along, police say.