One of the kiwi pukupuku chicks

Two kiwi chicks give hope for species once thought extinct on mainland

The discovery followed the revelation earlier this year that the kiwi pukupuku species, which had been thought extinct on mainland New Zealand for nearly 50 years, had survived in the West Coast wilderness.

Sun, Dec 7

Klondyke Valley Track

Tramper dies, another rescued from remote West Coast track

Police said they were notified of a personal locator beacon being activated close to the Klondyke Rahu saddle in Victoria Forest Park at around 6.30pm on Friday.

Sun, Dec 7

The West Coast hazards map shows the risk of flooding, storm surge, liquefaction and landslides in different areas (file photo).

New report maps landslide risks on West Coast

Coasters will be able to find out if their home – or one they’re planning to buy, may be at risk of damage or even demolition in a landslide.

Thu, Dec 4

Paul Elwell-Sutton says Haast has some of the purest water in New Zealand.

Haast anti-chlorine campaigners push for fee waiver

The water regulator can exempt a supplier from chlorinating a community water supply, if it was impractical or too costly, and there was a safe alternative.

Thu, Nov 27

Escaping Utopia.

Gloriavale documentary series returns for second season

The second two-part series would "continue to expose life inside one of New Zealand’s most secretive communities, giving voice to those breaking free".

Tue, Nov 25

Before: A Ruatapu waterway infested with Parrot's Feather.

Coast council winning battle, not war, against pesky weed

West Coast Regional Council staff have had some wins in the ongoing war on the pestilential water weed, Parrot's Feather.

Fri, Nov 21

Smoke coming out of the Pike River Mine. Photo: NZ Police

15 years on, Pike River families still pushing for criminal charges

The anniversary also comes after the release of the Pike River feature film, which has brought the families' ongoing fight for justice back into focus.

Wed, Nov 19

MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino says the collision of two fronts has caused them to become "stuck" over Canterbury and Westland.

'Stuck' weather system brings heavy rain warnings to parts of NZ

Two slow-moving fronts are expected to deliver downpours and strong winds across both islands, with MetService urging caution as watches and warnings expand.

Tue, Nov 18

Gold has soared in value in 2025.

Miners awaiting consents chafe as gold price soars

West Coast councillors are at odds over why a working group addressing the issue hasn't been set up.

Mon, Nov 17

West Coast council: 'Minister... we need to talk about deer'

West Coast council: 'Minister... we need to talk about deer'

Controlling the plague of feral deer on the West Coast is going to take a combined effort — and funding — from farmers, industry, and central government.

Fri, Nov 14

The new timber tank on Zeilian Hill.

Remote Haast township challenges need to chlorinate its 'pure' water

Settlement in one of New Zealand’s most pristine environments enjoyed water straight from the bore until a new set of safety standards were ordered.

Wed, Nov 12

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says he values Conservation Boards.

Conservation Boards set to lose functions under new law

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the boards and the New Zealand Conservation Authority will continue to play an important role in managing conservation land.

Thu, Nov 6

Farmers say pasture and forests are under threat from deer (file photo of Westland).

Wild deer plunder pasture, plants and profits in Westland

The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board was warned this month that the deer problem is escalating in the region.

Wed, Nov 5

Lotto (illustration).

Two Lotto winners share $1m as Powerball climbs to $36 million

Two Lotto players from Auckland and Westport are celebrating $500,000 wins as the Powerball jackpot rolls over to $36 million for Wednesday night’s draw.

Sun, Nov 2

October 2025
Methven Water Treatment Plant.

Suspected lightning strikes knocked out two water plants

Both Methven's water supply plant and Greater Greymouth’s water treatment plant were shut down on Thursday.

Fri, Oct 24

The West Coast is cut off following closures on State Highways due to damage from the severe weather.

Greymouth running out of water after weather damages treatment plant

Grey District Council is urging people to keep the taps turned off while engineers try frantically to fix the fault.

Thu, Oct 23

A downed powerline in Canterbury.

Over 6000 without power as winds lash Canterbury

It comes after thousands of households across the South Island were left without power this morning.

Thu, Oct 23

A survey last year asked people what was important to them on West Coast conservation lands and waters.

West Coast conservation plan paused amid uncertainty

Long-awaited strategy officially on hold – pending new laws controlling what can and can’t be done on public conservation land.

Wed, Oct 22

A truck-trailer rolled in high winds in the Mackenzie District.

Flights cancelled, power outages as severe gales lash South Island

Severe weather strikes the South Island and part of the lower North Island, in what MetService calls a precursor to a "potentially more impactful" system later this week.

Mon, Oct 20

Heavy rain was forecast for regions including Fiordland, Otago, Westland, Canterbury, Buller, Tasman, and parts of Marlborough.

Heavy rain, severe gales to hit South and lower North Island

MetService has issued some orange-level weather warnings for the coming week as a humid northwest flow moves across the country.

Sun, Oct 19

What happens if votes are tied in local elections?

What happens if votes are tied in local elections?

Westland’s mayoral race is separated by just four votes.

Tue, Oct 14

The races in the Westland and Kaipara Districts were both down to single-digit margins.

Single-digit margins leave mayoral hopefuls in suspense

Special votes could swing razor-thin races in Westland and Kaipara, where just a handful of ballots separate leading candidates.

Mon, Oct 13

A swollen Lees Stream pictured in Grey this afternoon.

Emergency operations centre activated on West Coast amid slips, flooding

Grey District Council said an emergency operations centre had been activated, and warned people to stay out of floodwaters as river levels rise in the area.

Fri, Oct 10

Gloriavale

'Serious concerns': Gloriavale school told it could lose its registration

It comes amid concerns the school is not meeting its obligation to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for students.

Thu, Oct 9

Police at the scene on Chapel St on Tuesday.

Greymouth homicide: Teen charged with murder of Donald Baikie

Police were called to a property on Chapel St in Greymouth at around 12.15pm on Tuesday where they found Baikie dead on arrival.

Sat, Oct 4