Latest fromWest Coast

Heavy rain triggers flooding on West Coast
The West Coast's Fox River burst its banks today, forcing some residents and bach owners to evacuate, some of them carrying off possessions they wanted to save.

Govt denies Pike River cover-up
The father of a miner who died at Pike River has accused police and the Government of withholding information that shows bodies may be recovered intact from the explosion-hit coal mine.

Closing mine could see inquiry evidence lost , lawyer says
Sealing the Pike River mine could see vital evidence lost, the lawyer for the families of those killed says.

Westport: Built on black gold
Liz Light explores Westport; a town that owes its prosperity to the earth's bounty.

Spat over 'wire' on mayor
A police staff member wound up in a spat with Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn after finding him "wired" with a television recording device.

Great NZ Beaches: Daniel Kereopa
Nzherald.co.nz is celebrating the best things about New Zealand. Today surfer Daniel Kereopa shares his favourite NZ beaches. What do you think?

Expanding foam to seal mine cracks
Attempts will be made this weekend to seal cracks around the ventilation shaft at the Pike River Coal mine and stop gases leaking out - a critical step in the process towards stabilising the mine.

Conman posing as Pike River miner in custody
A man who allegedly posed as a Pike River miner to steal from a family who befriended him was remanded in custody when he appeared in court today.

Thief posing as Pike River miner 'pulled heartstrings'
Police are on the lookout for a man who posed as a Pike River miner to steal from a family who befriended him on Christmas Eve.

Pike River families thank public and recovery crews
Families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River Coal mine tragedy have publicly thanked everyone involved in the rescue and recovery operation.

American tenor to sing for families of Pike River miners
A former New York policeman, who sang at the funerals of colleagues killed in the 9/11 terror attacks, will perform for the bereaved families next month.

Contractors' families will be paid
Payouts will be made to the contracting companies that employed the men who died in the massive explosions at the Pike River coal mine, receivers announced today.

PWC: Four months to re-enter mine
Pike River Coal's receivers say it could take up to four months to re-enter the mine in which 29 workers died in an explosion last month. Receivers PricewaterhouseCooper (PWC) today presented a draft plan for re-entry.

Pike River Coronial Inquest date set
The Coronial Inquest into the deaths of 29 men in the Pike River Coal mine will be held early next year, the chief coroner Judge MacLean says.