West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on SH7 and SH65 as traffic numbers build up.

Tourists are heading to the South Island's West Coast in their droves after the devastating east coast earthquake.

Heavy truck traffic is expected to increase through the West Coast after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

There is no doubt in Daniel Rockhouse's mind that he and Russell Smith were not the only two who survived the first Pike River mine explosion.

The sealing-off of the Pike River mine has been delayed for a week to allow families to mark the sixth anniversary of the disaster.

It's beginning to feel like summer in some parts of the country, with pohutukawa bursting into bloom. "People have been getting a

Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse are calling for the mine not to be sealed in the hope the bodies of their loved ones will one day be recovered.

Family and friends of the Pike River 29 are protesting at the gates near the ill-fated West Coast mine in one final attempt to stop it from being sealed.

A new book casts doubt on the history of the discovery of the West Coast's first payable gold.

Emergency works to reclaim the Hokitika spit, which is rapidly being eroded by the sea, are set to start this week.

Phoenix Coal has agreed to pay $46 million cash for Solid Energy's Stockton, Rotowaro and Maramarua mines.

Westland's new mayor has broken the mould by appointing two deputy mayors. Bruce Smith has appointed Latham Martin, the highest-polling

About 20 per cent of West Coast dairy farms could be in serious financial trouble, Federated Farmers heard at its quarterly meeting in Greymouth.

Filled with genuine photos of the MP, there were a few hints the Facebook page was not the official one.

Solid Energy says it remains in discussions over the future of the Spring Creek underground coalmine at Dunollie, and the small Reddale open-cast mine near Reefton.

Anna Harrison embarks on four days of cycling to explore the rugged West Coast.

Justine Tyerman learns the pin-step on a famous South Island river of ice.

The Buller man who escaped from police custody on Saturday night will spend a month behind bars awaiting his next court appearance.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled that using the Taser on the man was a breach of policy, and that policy should be reviewed.

Cannabis 'grow room' fire results in conviction for man who has lived 'under the radar'.

A 26-year-old Buller man wanted by police after he escaped custody has handed himself in.

The Labour weekend road toll stands at two today, after a woman critically injured in a Paekakariki crash died in hospital.

The person was critically injured in the crash at Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races, and died on their way to hospital.

Raw sewage poured out of the sewer outlet of a Greymouth river to the disgust of whitebaiters fishing on a Sunday afternoon.

Five people have been charged after the "aggressive robbery" of several overseas tourists in campervans parked in Greymouth.

The mother of Trent O'Connell - who was 17 when he died on State Highway 7 on October 9 last year - recalls that day.

A partnership agreement was signed yesterday as delegates of the Chinese Government group were hosted in Hokitika for the day.

Man in court after house fire thought to have started from a cannabis oil explosion in the kitchen.

Photos of the victim of a serious assault which were splattered over a private Facebook page are being investigated by police.