Our population is growing, so why are NZ's towns dying?
While New Zealand's population is rising, many small rural towns are dying. Why?
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Latest fromWest Coast
Dead, washed up rats to be sent for toxicology testing
The theory that it was 1080 is highly unlikely, a DOC manager says.
'Drunk as a skunk' – how a serial drink-driver got let off
Police "stubbornness" resulted in the offender getting off the hook.
3300 lightning strikes, Auckland Airport grounds flights
Stormy cold front passing over NZ brings wild weather, overnight lows forecast to drop.
Rugby: NZ Heartland XV lose to Vanua XV in second clash
Errors and penalties in slippery conditions prove costly in rematch with home side.
Rugby: NZ Heartland XV defeats Vanua XV in Lautoka
Humid conditions and committed opposition means victory had to be grinded out.
Haunted by his horror: Murderer claims he has PTSD, still refused parole
Murderer thought to be suffering from PTSD as result of stabbing pensioner to death
South Canterbury's Willie Wright wrangles West Coast weather for Lochore Cup win
Excellent goal kicking performance in adverse conditions for victory in Greymouth.
Another day in the mid-latitudes: Warm for some, wet for others
As usual it's a mixed bag weather-wise, with heat for some, and rain for others.
Hot, hot, hot: Break out summer gear for weekend
Some areas will have temperatures 8C above average, MetService says.
Police told bullying victim to retract statement or face legal action
Former constable who says he was victim of bullying has been threatened with legal action.
Rugby: Meads and Lochore Cup finalists found in Heartland Championship
North Otago and Wanganui will battle for the ultimate prize of the Meads Cup.
Rugby: Heartland Championship sorts out final Meads and Lochore Cup placings with exciting matches
Some old favourites return to prominence, while others wonder what might have been.
Rugby: Heartland Wanganui must win with a bonus point
In a Heartland mathematical nightmare, Wanganui must win with a bonus point against HK.
Rugby: Both Heartland Championship table leaders upset in penultimate round
Top four completely rearranged again in one of the most competitive seasons in 14 years.
Holi-yay: Sunshine on way after bleak week
It's good weather news for most Kiwis, after a dire start to the school holidays.
'We haven't forgotten, we're coming for you': Widows re-enter Pike River mine
Pike families enter the drift up to 170m barrier on an emotional day.
Pike River families to travel into drift
Families of the 29 men will walk into the drift of the Pike River Mine today.
'Contagious personality': Givealittle set up for family of swept away Emily
A fundraising page aims to support Emily's family and preserve her memory.
Rugby: Top sides win inter-island games in sixth round of Heartland Championship
South Canterbury and West Coast hold off low-ranked home sides to keep top spots
'Incomprehensible': Family in shock after Emily, 9, swept away
Couple's only child had been spending holidays with extended family in Hokitika.
The only place in New Zealand with a population decline
The population here has slipped 1.8 percent, close to where it was 13 years ago.
Pike River Mine tragedy families invited to go underground
The Pike River Recovery Agency is trying to recover the 29 dead men.
Rugby: Heartland Championship's week five sees teams upset across board
Only one team gets a victory over a side who was ranked below them on the points table.
Return of 'Blob': Marine heat wave resurges in Pacific
New 'Blob' is starting to form in Pacific Ocean, leading to fears of mass sea life death.
Cannabis bunker bust: Police seize $5m in assets
Police have found a very large underground bunker for a cannabis-growing operation.
Heartland rugby: Week 4 sees big changes on points ladder
Robbie Smith the hero for North Otago with fulltime penalty kick maintaining unbeaten tag
Heartland comeback thrillers by unbeaten West Coast and North Otago
Teams welcome back their NZ Heartland XV players for games going right down to the wire.
Tug of war over body: Family fights for a big send-off
Colin McCormick, 44, died last month after being hit by a car.
Rugby: Manu Samoa pull away to beat NZ Heartland XV
Rugby World Cup squad with some Super Rugby regulars is too strong for the amateurs.
Rugby: West Coast on top of Heartland Championship
Only West Coast and North Otago still unbeaten after two games.
Saving Aroha: Rare kiwi scales mountain, sparks rescue
Mountain rescue team pluck rowi kiwi from cliff after adventurous bird goes wandering.
Govt rejects hydro bid for pristine West Coast river
Environmentalists hail Govt move to reject hydro scheme on pristine West Coast river.
Gloriavale escapees open up about harrowing ordeal
Family says the Christian community tried to separate them to control them.