Residents from birthplace of Labour on this year's election

Residents from birthplace of Labour on this year's election

Blackball, the West Coast town of about 300 people played an important role in New Zealand's labour movement, with the 1908 miners' strike a foundation stone in the formation of the Labour Party in 1916.

Wed, Sep 13

Gore District Council drops independent inquiry over leadership stoush

Gore District Council drops independent inquiry over leadership stoush

It comes after information about the relationship breakdown between the country's youngest mayor Ben Bell and chief executive Stephen Parry leaked in March.

Tue, Sep 12

Active front expected to bring heavy rain to West Coast

Active front expected to bring heavy rain to West Coast

MetService has issued a number of heavy rain watches and warnings for the west of the South Island.

Sun, Sep 10

Landsborough Valley kākā population doubles since last year

Landsborough Valley kākā population doubles since last year

The Department of Conservation says it’s good news, and evidence the extensive management of introduced predators is working well.

Thu, Sep 7

Solved: Origin of mysterious 'help' sign at West Coast lake revealed

Solved: Origin of mysterious 'help' sign at West Coast lake revealed

The sign was spotted by a helicopter flying over Lake Ahaura, east of Greymouth, last week.

Mon, Sep 4

Healthcare staff gifted free trips to Milford Sound as a thank you

Healthcare staff gifted free trips to Milford Sound as a thank you

Fiordland tourist operators came up with the idea and delivered an adventure no one will ever forget.

Sat, Sep 2

Police remain puzzled by mystery help sign at West Coast lake

Police remain puzzled by mystery help sign at West Coast lake

Police said a team had conducted a search of the area but nothing of significance had been located.

Sat, Sep 2

August 2023
Buller Health staff shortage: 'A matter of time' before someone dies

Buller Health staff shortage: 'A matter of time' before someone dies

One Westport local says people don't know if they're going to get the care they need "if anything serious happens health-wise".

Wed, Aug 23

'Hit me Frank' - Taunt by former West Coast council chairman

'Hit me Frank' - Taunt by former West Coast council chairman

Allan Birchfield and fellow councillor Frank Dooley got into an altercation at the Ashley Hotel, in Greymouth.

Thu, Aug 17

Harold the Giraffe's trailer up for sale in charity auction

Harold the Giraffe's trailer up for sale in charity auction

The Life Education Trust charity operates a travelling classroom that helps inform schoolkids on tricky topics like relationships, human biology and drugs.

Tue, Aug 15

Security of West Coast highway a 'grave concern'

Security of West Coast highway a 'grave concern'

Though SH6 clings to a cliff at the Epitaph Cutting underslip in Westland, it is a lifeline that has become increasingly vulnerable.

Tue, Aug 15

Rogue West Coast councillor formally censured

Rogue West Coast councillor formally censured

Former West Coast Regional Council chairman Allan Birchfield has been censured as a result of a formal inquiry into an allegation he leaked details of the former chief executive's employment.

Tue, Aug 8

Watch: Multi-lightning strike captured in wild West Coast storm

Watch: Multi-lightning strike captured in wild West Coast storm

Avid weather photographer Trudy Wills said she has seen the phenomena before but never managed to capture it on video.

Wed, Aug 2

Gloriavale Overseeing Shepherd in court for alleged indecent assaults

Gloriavale Overseeing Shepherd in court for alleged indecent assaults

The name of the South Island man accused of indecently assaulting 10 girls, over a period of more than 20 years, can be revealed.

Wed, Aug 2

Ōtira Tunnel on West Coast to celebrate milestone birthday

Ōtira Tunnel on West Coast to celebrate milestone birthday

It was the longest rail tunnel in the British Empire when it opened on August 4, 1923.

Wed, Aug 2

July 2023
Gloriavale: Judge declares ex-residents were employees, not volunteers

Gloriavale: Judge declares ex-residents were employees, not volunteers

The lengthy case lifted the lid on conditions in the secretive West Coast commune.

Thu, Jul 13

June 2023
Revealed: The significant cost of the Pike River investigation

Revealed: The significant cost of the Pike River investigation

It has found success, with the discovery of the remains of up to 12 of the 29 miners, but it has come at a significant cost.

Fri, Jun 23

Pike River: Remains of up to three miners located

Pike River: Remains of up to three miners located

Police said the remains were located in the crib room area during the final stages of the second borehole drilling programme.

Fri, Jun 23

Warning for residents as dump fire closes road in Westport

Warning for residents as dump fire closes road in Westport

Craddock Drive was expected to be closed for several hours, a police spokesperson said this morning.

Sun, Jun 18

KiwiRail confronted over passenger 'safety risk' in century-old tunnel

KiwiRail confronted over passenger 'safety risk' in century-old tunnel

Regulators nearly halted part of KiwiRail's popular TranzAlpine tourist service after the state-owned company struggled to address the "safety risk" of a potential evacuation.

Fri, Jun 9

Heaphy Track should be fully reopen by October - DOC

Heaphy Track should be fully reopen by October - DOC

The popular great walk was severely damaged by Cyclone Dovi in February last year.

Wed, Jun 7

Heavy snow, rain and winds to bring chills to the South Island

Heavy snow, rain and winds to bring chills to the South Island

Cold southerly winds and a moist northwesterly flow is expected to bring the snow level down to around 500m in parts of the South Island.

Sat, Jun 3

May 2023
Fibre cables enable unprecedented study of Alpine Fault zone

Fibre cables enable unprecedented study of Alpine Fault zone

It is hoped the experiment will enable scientists to better model possible seismological scenarios in the event of a major earthquake.

Fri, May 26

Mining giant sets sights on NZ, including conservation land

Mining giant sets sights on NZ, including conservation land

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has been described as a “human bulldozer” when trying to get what he wants. 

Thu, May 25

How West Coast internet cables are shaking up earthquake research

How West Coast internet cables are shaking up earthquake research

A fibre optic cable down south just happens to cross over the Alpine Fault - a golden opportunity that seismologists couldn't let slip.

Sat, May 20