Local Democracy Reporter
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Grey council asks ministry to investigate dump above water supply
Grey district mayor: 'Who builds a dump above a water supply these days?'
SNAs great if you have the space: West Coast farmer
Ken Ferguson, of Waipuna Station, has 60ha set aside in significant natural areas.
'You may not get the ambulance': The Kiwi town hit hard by anti-vaxxers
'The tearooms have lost so many staff they can't actually open Mondays and Tuesdays.'
Smokefree NZ: 2025 goal 'unlikely' to be hit
The Government aims to slash smoking rates to 5 per cent of the population.
Farmer prosecuted after excavating drain near wetland
The farmer had to pay $20,000 to a local community group.
Council distances itself from vax comments by employee
Couple closed their gym because they don't want to exclude unvaccinated people.
Leak sleuths arrive in Reefton as water loss continues
Reefton households have been on an 'essential use only' notice since the weekend.
West Coast Regional rates soar by 30% with more to come
The rates will also jump by 10 per cent next year..
Three resign from conservation board over Ngai Tahu conflict
Board members Neil Silverwood, Inger Perkins and Suzanne Hills have all quit.
'Dominant issue': Councils at odds over new rules for Airbnbs
Councils and iwi working on a new combined plan to cover the whole West Coast.
Westport floods: Three patients in makeshift ward, more hospital staff arrive
The size of the flood has revived concerns about the location of a new medical centre.
'Incredibly infectious': RSV cases now in West Coast
There have been seven confirmed cases of RSV in the region.
'Disgraceful outcome': Councillor challenges government shutdown of gold venture
The owner of the land was working under an exploration permit.
'Killing for the hell of it': 32 sheep mauled near Kaikōura
The farmers returned to find a third of their in-lamb Perendale ewes dead.
Former council chairman pinged over waste-dumping
The West Coast Regional Council has thrown the book at the operators of a private dump.
Race bigotry alive and well on West Coast, health study finds
A study of Māori living in the region finds racial bigotry poses a challenge for whānau.
Iwi step in to avert coup at West Coast Regional Council
Four of the council's seven members were set to remove the chairman from the role.
Forest and Bird rejects council chair's 'conspiracy theory'
Chairman Allan Birchfield is set to lose the leadership at a meeting next Monday.
'Bullying behaviour': Leadership crisis at council could cost ratepayers
The council chief executive has been on leave for two weeks after he was stood down.
Farmer threatens to burn forest over plunging values, biodiversity rules
A farming couple in financial strife say they're prepared to take drastic measures.
Mayors, Poutini Ngāi Tahu reject mention of other iwi in new West Coast district plan
Mayors reject suggestion that councils should deal with iwi other than Poutini Ngāi Tahu.
West Coast councils divided over Airbnb regulation
Some are urging a crackdown on Airbnb while others prefer a hands-off approach.