Latest fromWest Coast
Whitebait festival runs at $100k loss
The much vaunted Great West Coast Whitebait Festival in Christchurch has left the Hokitika organisers $100,000 out of pocket.
$46k fine for contractor
An Australian contractor which lost three staff members in the Pike River Mine disaster has been fined $46,800 after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety Act.
Pike River: Contractor to be sentenced
Pike River contractor Valley Longwall will be sentenced today for failing to ensure the safety of workers who died in explosions at the mine.
Tornado hits small West Coast town
A tornado flattened an old wooden theatre, tore roofs off houses and shattered windows as it ripped through a small West Coast settlement overnight.
Coast's controversial slogan
The sometimes wet West Coast is about to play on its reputation with a new $100,000 marketing slogan. Guess what it is?
Pike River: PM 'doesn't want to listen'
Pike River Mine families' spokesman Bernie Monk said he was gutted after the PM refused to help with a mine re-entry, after the mine's owners agreed to an attempt.
Boy survives night in bush
An 11-year-old Christchurch boy survived the night in dense bush on the West Coast at the weekend, while wearing just a pair of shorts and singlet.
Southern shock therapy rate highest
Southern District Health Board's rate of electroconvulsive therapy, at more than double the national average, is the highest in the country.
Police left three drunks in car with keys
Police got a rap in the Greymouth District Court yesterday for leaving three drunk men in a vehicle and the keys in the ignition, in the 'wilderness' in the middle of the night.
Farmer sentenced for starving cows
A West Coast farmer has been sentenced to community service after 60 cattle were found dead and dying.
Editorial: Jobs with a future needed
This month's toll of job losses is striking - but it's a reflection of a slowing of the Chinese economy. It's time to look for jobs that have a future.
500 breadwinners out of work
Close to 500 breadwinners will lose their jobs, and more than $50 million a year will be sucked out of the Greymouth economy, as Spring Creek Mine is moved into care and maintenance.
'Hell no', say miner wives
Miners were emotional after a meeting with the Minister of State Owned Enterprises, saying he had made up his mind over their proposal before the meeting began.
Pike River: No reopening of hearing
The Pike River Royal Commission of Inquiry will not be reopened for more evidence and there will be no delay in the commission's report being published, a court has ruled.