West Coast
Punakaiki seeks freedom camper free zone
Residents in busy West Coast town Punakaiki are calling for an urgent crack-down on freedom campers as the tourist season nears.
Barbara Anderson: moths and citizen science
Kim Hill talks to Dr Barbara Anderson is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow at Landcare Research in Dunedin. She is the coordinator of Ahi Pepe MothNet, a citizen science project that has seen teachers… Audio
Police use of taser on Hokitika man 'unjustified'
A police officer who tasered a man in Hokitika twice in 2015 used unjustified force and another officer failed to call a doctor, a police watchdog has found.
Fatal street race: Organisers 'adhered to every safety code'
All safety precautions were taken at a Greymouth street race where a motorcyclist died in a crash, the Grey District mayor says.
Motorcyclist killed in Greymouth street races
A motorcyclist has died following a crash at an organised street racing event in Greymouth.
The Mixtape: Mel Parsons
Singer-songwriter Mel Parsons makes a mixtape of favourites and talks about her roots in the shearing sheds of Westport. Audio
Thigh bone of missing tourist found three years on
The thigh bone of a missing tourist whose campervan was swept off SH6 near Haast Pass by a large slip in 2013 has been found.
Anna Osborne reflects on the life of her friend Helen Kelly
Anna Osborne, the widow of Milton Osborne who died in the Pike River, got to know Helen Kelly in the aftermath of the tragedy. She talked to Checkpoint about her friend, and her loss. Video, Audio
'Massive response' needed in Haiti - UN
Hurricane Matthew has wiped some towns and villages in Haiti off the map and a 'massive response' is needed, according to the UN.
6.2 million dollar waste water plant proposal could be scrapped
A proposed $6 million wastewater treatment plant for Franz Josef may be scrapped - and residents say the whole thing has been a waste of time. Audio
Fisherman pleads guilty over albatross deaths
A commercial fisherman has admitted failing to take proper steps to prevent the deaths of 38 albatrosses while fishing off the West Coast.
Police sergeant criticised for 'flagrant abuse of power'
A West Coast police sergeant showed a "flagrant abuse of his power" when he illegally detained a man and woman so they could later be interviewed.
West Coast to get 500 road signs in summer safety boost
The NZTA is installing nearly 500 new roadside arrow signs along the West Coast's state highway, in preparation of a busy summer season.
Rare limestone bluffs to be added to national park
Over 150 hectares of forested land near Inangahua on the West Coast is set to become part of Paparoa National Park.
Piri Sciascia: performing arts, language and Te Māori
Kim Hill talks to Professor Piri Sciascia, ONZM, retired recently as Deputy Vice Chancellor Maori at Victoria University of Wellington. He was one of four recipients of Nga Tohu a Ta Kingi Ihaka at… Audio
Concern over timing of West Coast 1080 drop
DOC and health officials have moved to reassure the public that 1080 poison drops on the West Coast are being done safely and are within the rules. Video
Road sign tourist pays $4000 in reparation
A French tourist who admitted damaging a road sign on the West Coast has also pleaded guilty to shoplifting. Video
DoC says today's 1080 drop is within the rules
The Department of Conservation and health officials have moved to reassure the public that 1080 poison drops on the West Coast today are being done safely and are within the rules. Video, Audio
Take shelter: Bus stop 'stolen'
A small West Coast town wants its bus shelter back after it vanished from its spot sometime in the past few months.
Govt must 'walk the walk' for West Coast - mayor
The government has released a study on improving the West Coast economy, but a plan to put the research to use will likely not be ready until next year.
