Stories by Lois Williams
News
District plan goes out for first look with apology for complex language
Councils and iwi working on a new district plan for the West Coast have signed off on the first draft, which is to go public on 26 January.
Franz Josef floodwalls have 20 years left
Franz Josef township has about 20 years before the massive stopbanks protecting the community will no longer be up to the job of holding back the wild Waiho (Waiau) River, experts warn.
Lawyer engaged over West Coast stewardship land
West Coast councils have engaged a specialist lawyer in the hope of gaining the government's ear as it launches the long-awaited review of stewardship land.
SNAs great if you have the space: West Coast farmer
A West Coast farming family is happy to 'lock up' some land for posterity and the birds, but they sympathise with other farmers who are upset at the prospect of having parts of their land labelled…
Clarity coming on flood-hit West Coast farms - O'Connor
West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor says landowners on the south side of the Waiho (Waiau) River at Franz Josef Glacier should have a clearer picture of the options for their future in the new year.
'Appalling state of affairs' in Reefton due to anti-vaxxers - ICB chair
The irrational attitude of anti-vaxxers is damaging Reefton's hospitality, health services, and reputation, says Inangahua Community Board's chairperson.
Separate rules for Grey district suggested to retain SNA deals with landowners
Planners writing new regulations to protect native bush on private land are suggesting one set of rules for Grey district and another for Buller and Westland.
Decision by Christmas on ilmenite mine
Barrytown JV Ltd wants to mine 63ha of farmland on the Barrytown Flats for ilmenite and other minerals. Councils have recommended granting consent under certain conditions.
Surgery waitlists grow on West Coast
The number of West Coast people waiting for surgery or a specialist's assessment has soared in recent weeks because of Covid constraints, the vaccine mandate and staff shortages.
Covid-19: West Coast workshops prepare community for self-isolation
Community workshops are under way to help West Coast residents prepare for Covid-19.
First wetland prosecution by West Coast Regional Council
In its first prosecution involving damage to a protected wetland, the West Coast Regional Council took John Cowan to court earlier this year for excavating a 270m-long drain adjoining Department of…
Steep rise in regional governance costs queried
Governance costs for the West Coast Regional Council have nearly doubled in the past three months, prompting a "please explain" from the council's finance monitors.
Buller council distances itself from employee's anti-vaccination comments
Reefton's economic development officer Rachel Fifield says she and her husband would close the gym they operate rather than exclude people not vaccinated against Covid-19.
'A significant step for the West Coast': Greymouth mental health unit a step closer
A new mental health unit for the West Coast is back on track after getting the nod from the government's capital investment committee.
'It's causing a lot distress': rates rises too much for seniors, Greypower says
Soaring rates bills on the West Coast are forcing some homeowners on low incomes to consider selling up.
Most farmers not clearing native bush ahead of new SNAs rules- West Coast Councillor
Most farmers have no intention of destroying native bush just to get in ahead of new rules protecting significant natural areas, according to Grey Valley farmer Anton Becker.
West Coast mayors all vaccinated against Covid-19
Only West Coast Regional Council chair Allan Birchfield has declined to reveal if he was vaccinated saying that was no one's business but his own.
Barrytown company submits more info on ilmenite mine proposal
Barrytown JV Ltd wants resource consents from the Regional and Grey District Councils to mine privately-owned farmland for ilmenite and other minerals, over an eight-year period.
Mapping of West Coast SNAs to go ahead despite objections
Councillors who voted to forge ahead with mapping significant natural areas on the West Coast are likely to lose their seats at the next election in retaliation, the regional council chairman says.
Council chair fails in bid to ditch SNAs on West Coast
West Coast Regional Council chairman Allan Birchfield has lost his bid to bar significant natural areas from private land.
Power boss defends $100,000 donation to Westport floodwalls
Buller Electricity Trust chairman Frank Dooley is urging Westport people to get in behind the plan to protect the town with floodwalls and stopbanks.
Iwi withdraws opposition to ilmenite mine on West Coast
Manawhenua have dropped objections to a mining venture on the Barrytown flats after the original plans were modified.
Leak sleuths pore over clues in Reefton as water loss continues
The elusive leak draining Reefton's water supply is still evading discovery but could be revealed soon, with the arrival of a team of expert leak detectives.
Reefton's new toilets plan causes a stink
Reefton's public toilets could come crashing down in an earthquake - but replacements have been delayed in part because of debate and indecision about what the new loos should look like.
Westport floods triggers emergency management rethink
This week's meeting of the region's emergency management committee agreed to carry out a debrief on how the crisis was handled, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency.