West Coast
Storms to subside overnight into Sunday, after power cuts, trees down
Storms and strong wind that caused power cuts and traffic snarls are expected to ease overnight between Saturday and Sunday, MetService says.
Franz Josef residents may have to dig long drops, councillor says
There are concerns a shifting river could threaten Franz Josef's sewerage ponds.
Greymouth landfill investigation 'the most complex ever'
West Coast Regional Council is taking legal advice around consents it issued to enable a controversial private landfill.
Censured councillor's ban overturned
The censured former chairman of the West Coast Regional Council has been allowed to return to a council committee.
Family bach owners allowed to remain on conservation land
Family baches on West Coast conservation land will be able to remain - for now - after fears they would be pushed out.
Deluge, lightning strikes hit Westland
Some parts of the South Island's West Coast received 200mm of rain overnight, and 300 homes near Dunedin Airport have been without power.
West Coast ratepayers have direct debits charged twice
A West Coast Regional Council rates mess has reared its head again with the council admitting an "administration error" caused some ratepayers to be charged twice through direct debit.
Emergency meeting as Westland braces for another downpour
The already sodden West Coast is tipped to get another 150 to 200mm of rain - but one mayor says they're used to it. Audio
Franz Josef river shifts radically after storm
With further bad weather forecast, West Coast Civil Defence has swung into action over the river change and the potential risk.
Return of tourists raises frustration on roads
A return to pre-Covid levels of tourists driving on the West Coast is raising concern.
Heavy rain lashes East Cape, Westland
Heavy rain hit the eastern part of the North Island and Westland overnight, and weather warnings remain in place for Gisborne / Tai Rāwhiti. Audio
Recap: No mandatory evacuations in Westland yet, heaviest rain still to come
Westland's mayor says there will be no mandatory evacuations across the district tonight, with officials confident rivers are handling the deluge well.
Westland residents warned to be ready to move at short notice
Westland remains under a red heavy rain alert until 8am Saturday, with another heavy rain band due to hit from 10pm.
Summer Series: Country Life for January 19
Country Life visits Pamu's deer milking operation near Taupo, learns about farming by the Maori lunar calendar - maramataka - and hears about the potential for banana-growing on the West Coast. Audio
West Coast prepares for up to 700mm of rain
Civil defence, council staff and other agencies are bracing for an incoming deluge.
Australian miner buying Reefton mine
Australian-based Federation Mining is buying the Snowy River Gold Mine near Reefton on the West Coast.
Cop comes a cropper tackling sheep
A police officer needed medical attention after attempting to contain three escaped sheep in Westport on Saturday evening.
Health NZ's 'credibility's gone' after repeated promises to Reefton - councillor
Health NZ West Coast says it intends to restore Reefton's health services, including reopening the Ziman House aged care wing.
Look out for heavy rain in western parts of NZ, strong winds in Canterbury
Cooler temperatures and rain are on the way for the South Island and the lower North Island, bringing some respite from the summer heat.
The duchess and her Stubbies-wearing hubby
In the 1980s, Carters Beach, south of Westport, had a dairy, a playing field, a kids’ fort and miles of beach. As far as Glen Scanlon was concerned, it was a small slice of heaven.