Waiho River
West Coast residents lose ‘lifeline’ south of Franz Josef
It usually takes just 25 minutes to travel between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, but it's now a 12-hour drive after the Waiho Bridge was washed away by the rising river. Video, Audio
Westland District Council plan to remediate stop-banks
After a three hour meeting today, the Westland District Council says a plan is in place to remediate the stop-banks which burst in Franz Josef last week. Video, Audio
Franz Josef locals meet in wake of flood disaster
Frustrated Franz Josef locals are expected to pack out a meeting this morning on how to stop the Waiho River smashing through its stop banks again. Audio
Westland mayor calls on Govt to step up
The Finance Minister Bill English says the Government is yet to decide whether to help pay to keep Franz Josef safe from future flooding. Audio
English fields call for government assistance for Franz Josef
I asked the Finance Minister and acting Prime Minister Bill English what they are planning to do to help. Audio
Warnings river could claim lives at Franz Josef
Westland's mayor and civil defence say people could be killed the next time the Waiho River near Franz Josef roars through its stopbank. Audio
Civil Defence warns future Franz Josef floods could claim lives
Local government and civil defence officials on the West Coast say lives could be lost the next time the Waiho River near Franz Josef bursts its banks. Audio
Guests evacuated after Waiho river floods
DOC Conservation Services Manager Wayne Costello helped evacuate guests after the Waiho river burst its banks. Audio
Franz Josef declares state of emergency after flooding
A state of Emergency has been declared and up to 200 people, many of them tourists, have been evacuated from Franz Josef, after the Waiho river breached its bank last night. Rob Jewell is the chair of… Audio
200 people have been evacuated after river breaches bank
Up to 200 people have been evacuated from tourist accommodation on the West Coast after the Waiho River breached its bank near Franz Josef just before midnight. Adriana Weber has the details. Audio
More than 100 tourists evacuated as river breaches bank
A state of Emergency has been declared and up to 200 people, many of them tourists, have been evacuated from near Franz Josef, after the Waiho river breached its bank last night. Andy Thompson is the… Audio