West Coast
West Coast lockdown hotline: food shortages most common concern
Running out of food during the Covid-19 lockdown was the reason most Coasters called the Civil Defence hotline for help, it has emerged.
Level One relief at the Criterion Bar in Westport
Day one of level one and things are able to get back to normal. We're heading to the Criterion Bar in Westport to find out how different things are compared with the past nine weeks in lockdown. Glen… Audio
Fiordland re-directs focus to domestic market
Fiordland's regional tourism organisation is repositioning itself to attract more New Zealanders to visit.
Huge funding boost for predator control on West Coast mountain
The Government plans to spend $15.7 million to eradicate predators around Lake Brunner/ Kotuku Whakaoho in the South Island.
Okarito gecko species rediscovered decades later
DOC rangers have found the Okarito gecko, a lizard species last encountered decades ago, on the West Coast.
Hokitika township needs to retreat from sea, councillor warns
Hokitika township must start planning to move back from the coast, West Coast councillor Stuart Challenger says.
Council carpark made sea erosion worse
In 2017, a scientist advised removing a West Coast beachfront car park, saying it was making erosion worse. He was ignored, and then storms washed it away.
Climate change 'a rort' – West Coast Regional Council chair
Climate change caused by human activity, sea-level rise and the need to prepare for it - it is all a load of hogwash, the chairman of the West Coast Regional Council says.
Rental shortage in Westport despite vacant properties
Westport locals are describing a dire shortage of rental properties in their town, despite dozens of vacant houses and more than 100 rooms listed on Airbnb.
Shane Jones promises NZ First support for 'extractive' industries
Minister for Regional Economic Development Shane Jones has told West Coast councils that DOC stewardship land will be open for business if New Zealand First has any say in it after the election.
West Coast's leaders want lockdown rules relaxed
One West Coast mayor - Bruce Smith - says the alert level 3 restrictions are based on fear, not facts.
West Coast Regional Council reverses wetlands decision
The West Coast Regional Council has reversed its controversial vote against a wetlands plan years in the making.
Calling Home: Chris Long in Tromso, Norway
A member of the 'most isolated family in New Zealand', Chris Long grew up at Gorge River on the West Coast. He now resides in Norway, where he works at the Tromso Wilderness Centre taking visitors on… Audio
West Coast districts may end up with differing rules to regulate Airbnbs
West Coast districts will eventually have one plan to rule them all - but they could still end up with very different rules for Airbnbs.
West Coast may borrow to fund Te Tai o Poutini Plan
The West Coast Regional Council may borrow money to avoid a rate rise this year, its chief executive says.
Rural MPs in lockdown
We speak to former Speaker David Carter at home on his farm in Banks Peninsula and the Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor on his eight hectare lifestyle block in the Tasman district. Audio
Rural MPs in lockdown
We speak to former Speaker David Carter at home on his farm in Banks Peninsula and the Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor on his eight hectare lifestyle block in the Tasman district.
AudioConservation Minister affirms local board’s right to meet – despite iwi boycott
The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board is bringing in a facilitator to help resolve a stand-off with its Māori members.
Govt urged to invest in West Coast wetlands
The Nature Heritage Fund's $6m budget needs a boost if it's to be used to buy up wetlands on private property, West Coast Regional Council's CEO says.
Hospital opening date confirmed, but still dependent on Covid-19 status
The West Coast will have its new base hospital finished next month and open by August, officials confirmed today.