Latest from West Coast

$6.5m Franz Josef wastewater bid shot down

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

Buller's Integrated Family Health Centre to be completed four years later than planned

Buller's Integrated Family Health Centre (IFHC) is set to be completed in the first half of 2019 - more than four years later than originally planned.

Westport eateries to re-open next month

Two Westport eateries which closed their doors in recent years will both reopen next month.

Smalley: An avoidable loss of life

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 retracts warning

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

Punakaiki freedom camping ban put on ice

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

Westport schools' decile request denied

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: Geotech in the firing line

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

Smalley: Impossible Pike River decision

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?

Suicide data fuels fresh call for probe

West Coast had highest rate

Ferry traffic pours through Murchison

An alternative inland route for ferry traffic has been established running from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass.

Nick Smith tells Pike River supporters: 'We will seal mine'

A last-ditch bid to allow Mines Rescue to explore the Pike River Mine drift before it is sealed permanently has been abandoned.

Driver ends centre stage in Ngahere crash

The old Ngahere Hall has survived the indignity of a car crashing through the wall to end up wedged under the stage.

Police urge extra care on Lewis Pass

West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on SH7 and SH65 as traffic numbers build up.

Tourism rush for West Coast after quakes

Tourists are heading to the South Island's West Coast in their droves after the devastating east coast earthquake.

West Coast update: Traffic increases after heavy rain, roads damaged

Heavy truck traffic is expected to increase through the West Coast after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Explained: The science behind the quake

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

'There are people that survived'

There is no doubt in Daniel Rockhouse's mind that he and Russell Smith were not the only two who survived the first Pike River mine explosion.