Solid Energy has reiterated its decision not to re-enter the Pike River mine on day 23 of the protests.

Westpower's estimated $100 million hydro scheme on the Waitaha River in Westland has been backed by both Development West Coast and Westland Mayor Bruce Smith.

The Paparoa National Park Management Plan has been approved, paving the way for the creation of the Pike 29 great walk and mountain bike track.

An abandoned house at Runanga went up in smoke early today - the fourth building fire in the area in a month.

Owners of South Westland salmon farm have "no idea" why someone tampered with water supply, killing $20,000 worth of fish.

Fewer than half of councils have enough staff trained to respond to marine oil spills.

A blaze that destroyed an empty West Coast home is being treated as suspicious.

South Island police are investigating the incident that occurred at the Paringa Salmon Farm Café, South Westland.

The size of Westport's proposed integrated family health centre (IFHC) has been cut by 300sq m compared to previous plans - which were already carved to the bone.

Submissions from all over New Zealand have poured in opposing Westpower's Waitaha River power scheme, forcing a four-day hearing in Hokitika next week.

Responsible visitors such as those travelling in certified self-contained motorhomes should "not have the door slammed in their face", says the NZ Motorcaravan Association.

The West Coast DHB says it's not responsible for ensuring its own birthing facility in Westport has enough midwives.

Pike River Mine protesters ramped up their action this morning, fired up after a frustrating meeting with Solid Energy management in Greymouth yesterday.

A Greymouth man who told a German tourist that he would supply him with cannabis was convicted in the Greymouth District Court yesterday of obtaining money by deception - and ordered to pay the money back.

Pike River families say a meeting with Solid Energy's new boss over re-entering the mine was "insulting".

One of Westport's two resident midwives is leaving, saying her job is financially unsustainable.

One person died in a mid-morning crash between two trucks on the busy State Highway 65 near Springs Junction.

The new Westland District Council has rejected plans for a $6.5 million wastewater treatment plant at Franz Josef Glacier.

COMMENT: That a skipper with so much experience attempted to tackle that bar in such a huge swell just doesn't make sense.

Civil Defence said "contrary to some reports there is no 'imminent threat' to the West Coast from earthquakes".

The Buller District Council has delayed until next year a decision on whether to ban freedom camping at Punakaiki.

Four Westport schools will lose thousands of dollars of yearly funding after again failing to convince the Ministry of Education to overturn their decile ratings.

Pike River protest action entered its 12th day today with Geotech in the firing line and further court action under way.

COMMENT: It's one of the toughest calls. Do you have some sympathy for the families of those who died? Or do you push them to one side and seal the mine?

Solid Energy is "disappointed" that Allied Concrete has decided not to supply the company to help seal the Pike River mine.

The pursuit of a Greymouth man through the Karoro Lawn Cemetery while brandishing a pool cue was recounted in the Greymouth District Court yesterday.

A Coal Creek family has lost everything when fire tore through their home at 3am.

The Department of Conservation has discovered a further 2864 submissions on the Waitaha River hydro scheme caught in its email spam filters.

Early morning fire badly damages Greymouth home.

The West Coast Wildlife Centre at Franz Josef Glacier has hatched its 101st Haast tokoeka kiwi chick.