West Coast

Severe heavy rain and gale warnings have been issued for parts of the lower North Island and much of the South Island, from Saturday into Sunday.

Returning to the West Coast town of Karamea after dropping two hunters in the bush, 71-year-old pilot Tony Ibbotson heard a severe bang from the rear of his helicopter.

A 100-year-old gold miner's cottage at Waiuta will be opened in March after a $100,000 restoration by the Department of Conservation.

Land swaps between the Department of Conservation and West Coast private landowners are still on the cards.

Tourist operators are concerned the Hokitika Gorge walkway may struggle with an influx of summer visitors following its bridge closure.

Volunteers spent about three hours searching bush near Westport last night after someone heard what sounded like distress calls.

A series of fronts are expected to bring rain to much of the country over the rest of the weekend.

A major police investigation into abuse at Gloriavale has identified more than 100 potential victims over four decades of alleged offending.

The West Coast mineral sands resource is "world class" with the potential to create about 300 jobs, Westland Mineral Sands managing director Ray Mudgway says.

Ratepayers effected by the blunder are being urged to pay something by 30 November to avoid penalties.

Te Anau-Manapouri Airport has been running at a loss since inception but the Southland District Council is hoping to see the airport financially viable and sustainable.

A woman who accused a man of raping her at Gloriavale was told there was no way she would ever marry. Audio

Jonathan Benjamin is charged with various sexual offences against children and young women.

Development West Coast (DWC) is investing $3 million in Westland Mineral Sands.

Westport's flooding disaster "could have been avoided" if funds had been available sooner to reduce the risk.

Evacuation plans for residents and visitors along the Waiho (Waiau) River at Franz Josef have been questioned by the Mayor of Westland.

The remote region is facing some major decisions in keeping the lights on and electricty affordable.

It's the same name, but new spelling for the West Coast tourism spot as the New Zealand Geographic Board proposes to correct a more than century-old typo.

There are 56 nesting pairs of kōtuku or white heron at Aotearoa's only breeding spot for the birds on the West Coast this year. Audio