Latest fromWest Coast

Shooting murder accused enters no plea
A 41-year-old Hokitika man has appeared in court to face a charge of murdering an elderly man found shot dead yesterday.

Two men gunned down in house
A 41-year-old man will appear in court today on one count of murder after a double shooting in Hokitika yesterday.

Mayor backs $300m hydro dam plan
Mayor Pat McManus says there's no shortage of water on the West Coast and the 'silent majority' of locals support the proposed Mokihinui dam.

Double murder charge over Hokitika deaths
A man in his 40s has been charged with two counts of murder and will appear in the Greymouth District Court tomorrow.

Key: Government must prove mining is worthwhile
The Prime Minister believes most New Zealanders would support mining on conservation land if the Government can prove it will benefit the country.

Neo-Nazi's estranged wife admits kicking police
A 28-year-old woman has admitted spitting into a police officer's mouth and kicking two officers in the groin.

Ancient ice rivers march onward
Jim Eagles discovers quaint towns and glacier movements on the West Coast.

No open cast mining on conservation land - PM
There will be no open cast mining on Great Barrier Island or Coromandel, John Key assured Parliament today, while under attack over the Govt's mining plan.

Severe gales to lash parts of NZ
Severe gales powerful enough to damage trees and power lines are set to lash the east coast of the South Island and the parts of the North Island.

West Coast: Charms of old? Take your pick
The romance of steam trains and gold prospecting make Shantytown a rare delight, says Jim Eagles.

Famous journey steeped in contrasts
Warm tunnels allow Jim Eagles to savour the TranzAlpine rail experience longer.

Tsunami fears over as alert downgraded
The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.

Tsunami warning downgraded, but surges may still hit
Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.

Tsunami threat: Warning stays in place for entire east coast
New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.

Evacuation warnings as tsunami wave hits Chatham Islands
The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.