Police got a rap in the Greymouth District Court yesterday for leaving three drunk men in a vehicle and the keys in the ignition, in the 'wilderness' in the middle of the night.

A West Coast farmer has been sentenced to community service after 60 cattle were found dead and dying.

This month's toll of job losses is striking - but it's a reflection of a slowing of the Chinese economy. It's time to look for jobs that have a future.

Close to 500 breadwinners will lose their jobs, and more than $50 million a year will be sucked out of the Greymouth economy, as Spring Creek Mine is moved into care and maintenance.

Miners were emotional after a meeting with the Minister of State Owned Enterprises, saying he had made up his mind over their proposal before the meeting began.

The Pike River Royal Commission of Inquiry will not be reopened for more evidence and there will be no delay in the commission's report being published, a court has ruled.

A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake has rocked much of the West Coast and Otago this morning.