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.
'A nightmare': Despair as farm floods – again
Latest deluge caused Waiho River to flood the Frendrups' farm, wiping out 15 paddocks.
Clarity coming for flood-hit farms on Waiho River - O'Connor
Landowners on south side of Waiho River should have clearer picture of their options soon.
Grey area in West Coast SNAs
Grey District Council's independent stance throws spanner in the works for SNA process.
Farmer prosecuted after excavating drain near wetland
The farmer had to pay $20,000 to a local community group.
West Coast leaders 'stuck' on how to identify SNAs
Tai o Poutini Plan Committee at an impasse over legal requirement to identify SNAs.
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..
West Coast farmers upset at plans to sacrifice their land
Government and councils are proposing to let Waiho River have its way on the south bank.
DOC tahr control programme a third of the way through
DOC hunters have flown 60 of the 195 hours budgeted for the annual aerial cull.
'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.
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.