Latest fromWest Coast

'Good bloke': Ex-minister surprised at top cop's porn allegation
Jevon McSkimming - already under criminal investigation - resigned abruptly yesterday.

Police deputy quits after porn allegedly found on work computer - sources
Pornography allegedly found while high-ranking officer suspended in separate inquiry.

Eighteen Lotto players win over $19k each – where tickets were sold
Two players shared the First Division prize, snagging $500,000 each.

'How they do it in the West Coast': Man disfigures family dog in drunken attack
Ronan Apiti said Buck the dog was like one of his children.

Heavy rain, gales and thunderstorms to lash north, Banks Peninsula state of emergency extended
A bunch of new alerts have been issued as wild weather hits the north tomorrow.

'Bittersweet': Pike River widow on permanent memorial plans
DoC is working with families of the victims on the memorial.

Pike River film to premiere in Sydney, images of movie's stars Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm released
Pike River families will attend the Sydney premiere alongside cast and crew.

Third venomous snake washes up: How storms are driving sea snakes to NZ shores
The snake was dead when it was discovered.

Property Insider: What could the future hold for ex-Auckland Star site? Architects explain champion Te Arai home design
'Somebody, please build something here – anything' debate on a site empty for 36 years.

Weather woes easing: 'Plenty of sunshine' forecast to bring relief to NZ
Heavy rain and winds are easing across Aotearoa this weekend.

'Big bang': Tourist recalls moment he escaped house bus fire that killed his wife
Jirong Wang was found dead inside the bus; Airbnb owner 'deeply shaken'.

'Catastrophic': Learner driver killed hitchhiker 79 days after getting licence
Family of British tourist angry over young driver's 'lack of respect'.

'Worst yet to come': Homes flooded, roads closed as wild weather strikes
Auckland commuters have been told to brace for severe winds, with bridge closures possible

Venomous sea snake found on South Island, second NZ discovery in a week
The Department of Conservation said the snake likely arrived due to recent weather events.

'Why are you being an idiot?': Young banned driver convicted again
'Eventually, we say ‘enough’s enough’, and you will go to jail.'

'Blown away': Auckland Harbour Bridge may close as severe winds hit rush-hour commute
Auckland faces severe gales at rush hour tomorrow, with harbour bridge closures possible.

Princess Kate debuts new hair on anniversary
It comes as she joined Prince William in Scotland on their 14th wedding anniversary.

'Flawed, searching, naive, brave': Marlon Williams bares his soul in new documentary
Kiwi singer talks to the Herald from the red carpet premiere of Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds.

Could Northland help power Auckland? $2m study to find out
If feasible, the project could unlock $1b in private investment in renewable energy.

Severe thunder, rain for top of North Island as winter blast hits south
Temps in parts down to single digits. Auckland is in line for rain tonight.

The Denniston mine protest: Blowback from the 'blow-ins'
Shane Jones says he can't understand coal mining protesters. They've responded.