West Coast
Staff shortage leaves more kids needing emergency dental treatment
"By the time they come to us they've got toothache, or abscesses... they're in pain by the time they come to us." Audio
The town with only one dentist for 10,000 people
A year-long search for a new dentist has attracted little interest as residents are forced to wait up to six weeks for appointments. Audio
Council staff kept busy by information requests
Requests for official information are on the rise on the West Coast, including some described as 'vexatious'.
Denniston Plateau protesters charged with trespass
Two protesters have ended their three-week stint in a giant coal bucket above the native bush.
From the Archive: Mud and blood
A trip to the archives where tradition meets passion as four South Westland teams compete for the region's foremost rugby prize, the Woodham Shield. Audio
Search for person on grounds during 'arson' at abandoned hospital
The fire at the now abandoned hospital and asylum is being treated as suspicious.
Gloriavale leader Howard Temple resigns
He was convicted of sexual offending against girls and women at the West Coast Christian community.
Fire at former Seaview Hospital in Hokitika treated as suspicious
The building was formerly a jail, then a psychiatric hospital.
DOC offers olive branch to Punakaiki locals over parking fees
The Conservation Department has offered a compromise over parking fees at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, after strong objections from locals.
Climate activists compared to medieval crusaders by minister
Shane Jones says climate change debates are turning into a holy war, but protesters say it is the government that is stuck in the dark ages.
Climate protestor claims mining employee fired warning gunshot
The company's boss rejects the accusation, saying he hasn't employed 'anyone stupid enough' to commit such an act.
Veteran councillor diagnosed with motor neuron disease
Graeme Neylon said that's why he had not sought re-election to the Inangahua Ward.
The handwritten note missing tramper Roy Arbon left behind
Search teams have spent more than 750 search hours looking for the West Coast beekeeper.
Trespassers force coal mine to use trucks
A West Coast coal mine says it is having to transport coal by trucks because of trespassers.
Search continues for drug scam survivor who braved Erebus
The 75-year-old has been missing for four days after failing to return from a walk at Mount Davy.
Search resumes for beekeeper missing on West Coast
Roy Arbon, known for his role in two of New Zealand's worst tragedies, went missing during a solo tramp near Greymouth. Audio
Missing tramper helped retrieve Erebus and Cave Creek victims
Roy Arbon, who was later the victim of a drug smuggling scam, has gone missing on a tramp near Greymouth. Audio
West Coast Regional Council chair defends rate rises
The council is contesting figures put out by Taxpayers' Union showing it topped the country for rate hikes over the past three years.
'Taken away my life': Companies fined after workers collapse in toxic gas pit
Paul Smith Earthmoving and Taylorville Resource Park Limited split more than $685,000 in fines, fees and reparation.
Gecko spotted alive and well after harrowing ordeal
A previously poached West Coast green gecko has been seen alive and well more than a year after being released back into the wild.
