West Coast
Wild weather: tornado in the south, lightning in the north
The tornado, north of Hokitika, was one of a series of wild weather events across the country today. Video, Audio
Hokitika's waterfront makeover aims to curb erosion
The West Coast town of Hokitika is set to have its waterfront revamped, with the local council adopting plans for a new design.
Dredging boat's loss raises flood fears
Westport is at risk of a dangerous flood if its dredging boat is sold, a retired seafarer and former harbourmaster says. Audio
Fleeing Gloriavale: Life inside the religious community
Lilia Tarawa fled Gloriavale after years of believing that to do so would mean she would go to hell. She describes what life is like in the religious community, and her fears for the family members… Video, Audio
'Shoe-box' health centre won't help Buller, locals say
Some Buller residents on the South Island's West Coast are fighting the development of a new health centre, which they say is not fit for purpose. Audio
Buller council to sell dredge
Councillors in Buller District has agreed to sell the dredging vessel used to help keep the entrance to the port of Westport open for larger vessels.
Insight: How Safe is Your Drinking Water?
As warnings over threats to drinking water supplies continue to grow, Philippa Tolley asks what the final answer might be, how willing communities are to accept change such as universal chlorination… Audio
Buller considers selling dredger, port company
Questions remain over the future of the port of Westport a year after cement firm Holcim pulled out of the region.
SH6 closed between Westport and Greymouth
State Highway 6 between Westport and Greymouth is closed following a slip at Meybille Bay.
Beachcombed Hats
In the South Island there's a different type of rubbish being cleared off beaches, hats. Te Ananu bus driver Bruce Fraser has amassed many hats, picked along the shoreline around Milford sound. Audio
Political parties commit to Pike River re-entry
Pike River families have hailed today as a moral victory after Labour, the Greens, United Future and the Maori Party signed a commitment to re-enter the West Coast mine. Craig McCulloch reports. Video, Audio
Political parties commit to Pike River re-entry
Pike River families have hailed today as a moral victory after Labour, the Greens, United Future and the Maori Party signed a commitment to re-enter the West Coast mine. Craig McCulloch reports. Audio
West Coast battered by thunderstorms
The West Coast is being battered by thunderstorms, and motorists in the region are being warned to drive with extra care.
Full steam ahead towards post-coal jobs
Insight - Despite affordable housing and friendly people, the West Coast has struggled to attract new residents. Is there finally light at the end of the tunnel? Audio
Insight: Turning the West Coast Around
Tracy Neal explores how the West Coast is planning to re-invent its economy. Audio
No conviction for father after toddler's river death
A West Coast man who accidentally caused the death of his two-year-old daughter after their vehicle got stuck in a river has been discharged without conviction.
Labour: 'It's the best of a bad bunch'
In Checkpoint's latest 'pass the phone around poll', John Campbell asks Blackball locals what they think about the current situation. Video, Audio
Blackball locals on Labour's leadership, polling and hopes
Patrons at 'Formerly the Blackball Hilton' pub in Blackball, the birthplace of the Labour party, pass the phone around to talk to John Campbell to share their thoughts on the party's position in the… Video, Audio
Govt to pay mine's environmental cost - Forest and Bird
The cost of toxic waste from a West Coast coal mine soon to be sold to private owners will be borne by taxpayers in years to come, Forest and Bird says.
Solid Energy gets OIO approval for asset sale
The defunct state-owned coal miner Solid Energy says the sale of its key assets has been approved by the Overseas Investment Office.
