News

DWC is seeking a Maori Business Capability Advisor to join the team.

DWC support helps transition the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge into West Coast ownership and maintain local employment.

Understanding how New Zealanders see our region and opportunities for growth.

Small West Coast town defies the pandemic with tourism growth

Photos and videos from the 2022 Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards.

Development West Coast received a Gold Award for ‘Best use of media relations’ at the 2022 Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) Awards held at the Civic Centre in Auckland on Friday evening.

Franz Josef-based Waiho Hot Tubs has taken the Supreme Award at the 2022 Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards, held at Shantytown on Friday evening.

Development West Coast has teamed up with Digital Natives Academy, Victory Up, Drive Safe West Coast and Go With Tourism to hold a Tech roadshow for Techweek22.

The West Coast regional economy grew 5.3% in the March 2022 quarter, leaving annual growth up 9.3% in the 12 months to March 2022, according to data released by Infometrics.

Join us at the 2022 Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards.

Business pitches and collaboration marked the recent celebration night in Karamea for the participants of Development West Coast’s Co.Starters programme.

Development West Coast is looking for a Chief Financial Officer to join its team.

Over the past year there has been 278 new filled jobs on the West Coast, and 81 less Coasters receiving Jobseeker benefits.

The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand has announced the finalists for the 2022 PRINZ Awards, with Development West Coast in the running for two national awards.

Work has started on a West Coast Renewable Energy Strategy.

Exciting Trustee role with Development West Coast, candidates will have proven governance experience, strong commercial acumen and be an innovative, future-focussed strategic thinker.

Two West Coast destinations feature in Australian Geographic’s recently released 2022 bucket-list for global adventures.

Georgina Harding from Wellington is the first winner of Development West Coast’s autumn visitor campaign.

The Tai Poutini West Coast Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) is consulting on a draft plan that identifies and addresses labour supply and skills needs in the region.

DWC is proud to support an exciting new initiative to help Whataroa farmers develop a freshwater farm plan.

Supporting existing events to continue to operate or supporting new events to form.

Results from Development West Coast’s 2022 client feedback survey show a significant rise in satisfaction levels with DWC’s services compared to previous years.

Sometimes it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. A feeling I can get at times when I see 500 friendly cows looking at me while waiting patiently in the yard ready for daily milkings!

West Coast business owner, Patrick Volk, has harnessed the iconic flavours of the West Coast for a new line of chocolates.

South Island tourism regions most impacted by the absence of international tourists are getting support to gear up for the return of visitors with a special “kick-start” fund.

Ōkārito GorseBusters are offering a week of free accommodation, food, entertainment and kayaking on the stunning Ōkārito Lagoon. But there’s a catch – you’ll have to help clear gorse!

Tourism operators can look forward to welcoming international manuhiri, following the announcement that New Zealand’s borders are reopening

Development West Coast is undertaking its annual survey to gain a better understanding of how it can improve its services for West Coast businesses.

Key learnings from managing the Omicron outbreak within a large business.

Government announced yesterday the removal of requirements for travellers to self-isolate on arrival to New Zealand.

New Zealand has moved to Phase 3 of the Omicron response.

Despite the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and flooding in Buller, the West Coast economy grew strongly over the past year.

The West Coast has six new Pathway Advisors to help enable our youth to be better informed and to prepare for their future.

Development West Coast welcomes the announcement from Government of financial support for businesses during the Omicron outbreak.

A roadmap to guide economic development on the West Coast over the coming decades has been officially launched - Te Whanaketanga Te Tai Poutini West Coast Strategy 2050.

Harvey Sara, the winner of Development West Coast's 'Car up for Jabs' initiative, was lost for words when his brand new Ford Ranger arrived.

Nine judges from across New Zealand have narrowed down the finalists for the Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards.

It’s important West Coast businesses are well prepared for Omicron. There may be critical members of staff without whom your business will not be able to operate. Identifying these staff and looking at ways to manage their potential absence will be critical in the coming weeks.

Qualmark presents the West Coast Wild Life Centre – Franz Josef and Shantytown Heritage Park - Greymouth with Gold tourism sustainability business awards.

75 Westland businesses have accessed over $430,000 in support through MBIE’s Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan (SRR) via Development West Coast (DWC).

A partnership between Development West Coast (DWC) and the Community Energy Action charitable trust (CEA) has helped around 100 houses in Buller become warmer and healthier homes since the flooding in July.

TECNZ Update: Omicron - Self Isolating financial support - Traffic light guidance

DWC is seeking a Marketing and Campaign Executive to join its Destination Management team.

DWC is seeking a customer-focused, driven and results-orientated person to join its Destination Management team as a Tourism and Events Executive.

The inaugural Development West Coast Tertiary Scholarships have been awarded to Rachel Morris, Scarlett Hamilton, Clark Fountain, Jack Stead-Wilson and Ella Rae-Wood.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail to receive support from the government's cycle trail funding.

Tougher freedom camping laws will be introduced to prevent abuse which has placed an unfair burden on small communities and damaged our reputation as a high quality visitor destination.

DWC has partnered with Grey Ford in an effort to boost the West Coast’s lagging vaccination rate. Simply have both your vaccinations before 24 December and you’re automatically entered to win a brand new car!

Development West Coast, with support from the Glacier Country Tourism Group, conducted a survey of Glacier Country businesses to gain a better understanding of the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pool of leaders on the West Coast had another boost with the graduation of 17 participants from Development West Coast’s Leadership Programme.

The West Coast has been one of the hardest hit regions from the recent lockdowns, according to Infometrics’ latest provisional GDP estimates.

Dairy farmers Anna Hart and Siobhan O’Malley recently completed a six-month leadership and governance course with the help of co-funding facilitated through Development West Coast.

The Government has announced the next stage of the COVID-19 response plan to provide a pathway out of lockdown and give vaccinated New Zealanders more freedom.

CO.STARTERS graduate Tania Reynolds' startup business, Little Rock, is set to showcase big flavors of sweet chilli sauce.

CO.STARTERS graduate Pana Leontiadu uses West Coast waves as therapy in the social enterprise Wavewise.

Business pitches and collaboration marked the recent celebration night in Westport for the participants of Development West Coast’s Co.Starters programme.

Development West Coast (DWC) Trustees have approved in principle a $3.57 million package to support Westport’s flood recovery.

A Development West Coast led project, through the Kotahitanga ki te Uru partnership, will provide work for up to 21 people.

Support from Development West Coast enables Hokitika man to transition from employee to business owner with six staff.

Latham Martin has recently started in the role of Vocational Coordinator at Development West Coast for the MSD funded Mahi Tai Poutini: Education to Employment initiative.

Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards date to be confirmed

New business support for tourism operators in five South Island regions (including Westland) can be accessed from this week, with specialist local agencies now appointed to deliver the scheme.

DWC offers rebates of $10 per delivery to help West Coast businesses through Level 3.

Development West Coast has released its annual report for the year ended 31 March 2021. The report highlights a year of extremes - economic disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and record engagement and support for local businesses.

Presentation: West Coast Tourism FY 2022 strategy and our activity as we transition through different COVID-19 levels.

Domestic Visitor Perception Research August 2021

Visitor trend data for the West Coast, for the month of June 2021 has now been released.

For the months of April, May and June 2021 the West Coast received an increase in electronic card spending from Australian visitors of around $700,000 compared to the same period last year.

Entries are now open for the 7th Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards.

Community Hub established. Various agencies will be available to assist resident affected by flooding.

The government has pledged $300,000 to help the sodden Buller district, as 1000 people in Westport are unable to return home.

A new family-owned West Coast business is providing full cream milk direct from the farm, and has more big plans in the pipeline.

Information about updated settings to Essential Skills visas in response to COVID-19.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash announced details of how tourism operators and communities can access the help announced in May as part of the government’s $200 million Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan.

Development West Coast is looking for a coordinator to raise the profile and strengthen the pipeline of students coming into the vocational education system.

A report from TradeMe shows job listings on the West Coast have risen by 42 percent over the past year.

CO.STARTERS graduate Hannah Fitzgibbon delivers quality in-house workshops and coaching on the West Coast, enabling local business owners and their teams to thrive.

Development West Coast (DWC) is currently facilitating the development of a Tai Poutini West Coast Economic Development Strategy.

Newly released visitor trend data for the West Coast shows tourism spend for May rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, but the uneven impact of border closures remains.

Development West Coast partners with Radio Hauraki to generate awareness around the shortage of tradespeople on the West Coast.

The Government has appointed Graeme Neylon and Lisa Tumahai as the co-chairs of the West Coast/Tai Poutini Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) for the next three years.

In the face of uncertainty around the trans-Tasman bubble Development West Coast has launched a domestic marketing campaign giving Kiwis the chance to win a ‘Hands On’ West Coast adventure.

DWC business support services help Greymouth business, Grounded Garden Services, build capabilities and grow.

Support from Development West Coast helps West Coast High School students put their business skills to the test through the Young Enterprise Scheme.

According to a recent public survey, adding value to the agricultural/food sector is viewed as the most significant opportunity for improving prosperity on the West Coast, while retaining talented people is seen as the most pressing challenge for the region.

The Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards will be held this year on Thursday 18 November.

Development West Coast welcomes Rob Kennedy and Geoff Marks to the team.

March quarter figures show a better than expected result for New Zealand, while the West Coast's economic recovery faltered with the loss of international tourists.

The Government has announced its Clean Car Package with a range of measures aimed at increasing the uptake of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to help New Zealand meet its 2050 carbon neutral target.

Entries are open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards, returning for 2021 to showcase and celebrate the tourism industry’s individual and business successes.

Development West Coast is facilitating a review of the region’s economic strategy and is seeking public input.

Newly released visitor trend data further highlights the uneven impact COVID-19 border closures are having across the West Coast, with Reefton booming while Franz Josef continues to struggle.

Development West Coast hosts groups of buyers showcasing what the West Coast has to offer for business events.

Development West Coast and the Grey District Council have politely declined DB-Heineken’s offer to gift their Greymouth-based bottling plant and will instead collaborate on a community support initiative.

The latest provisional data from Infometrics shows that the West Coast’s economy declined by 4.4% over the year to March 2021, compared to a national decline of 3%.

Development West Coast has begun distributing cashflow support through its $5 million Glacier Country Business Support Fund to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 related border closures in Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and the surrounding settlements.

Tourism New Zealand is pleased to invite representatives of the New Zealand tourism industry to participate in Tourism New Zealand Virtual Travel Expo ‘21: Reconnect. Re-educate. Re-sell.

2021 marks the twentieth year of operation for Development West Coast (DWC). Looking back, we can reflect with pride on the significant achievements and contributions the Trust has made to the West Coast community, while also reflecting on lessons learned to ensure we can better serve the region going forward.

Development West Coast has welcomed Tourism Minister Stuart Nash’s announcement of a $200m tourism recovery package, more than half of which will go to support the five hardest hit South Island regions, including South Westland.

Co.Starters graduate Paula Kerr and her partner, Murray Malloch, have recently launched a new business in Greymouth, offering quality, safe and secure canine boarding facilities. Their business, New River Kennels, specialises in the behavioral, wellbeing and personal needs of every dog.

A new way for New Zealand’s tourism industry to connect with the international travel trade, anytime and anywhere, has been announced today at TRENZ Hui 2021.

RATES INFORMATION FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS: 50% Community Remission (application form attached, also remission policy)

Tourism New Zealand's Australian Marketing Team, have prepared a 'Playbook' for Regional Tourism Organisations and operator partners to digest, inform and better enable Destination New Zealand to show up in Australia with impact.

Tohu Whenua’s new Te Tai Poutini West Coast brochure is now available to order.

A programme to connect young people with nature aims to build skills and confidence, as well as increase their understanding of, and passion for, the natural environment.

Business pitches, product sampling and collaboration marked the recent celebration night in Hokitika for the participants of Development West Coast’s Co.Starters programme.

The New Zealand Rover Scouts have voted to bring their annual Moot to the West Coast for Easter 2022 with over 200 people expected to attend.

Development West Coast is undertaking a survey to gain a better understanding of how it can improve its services for West Coast businesses.

A review has looked at the current and future requirements of destination management and tourism and how to best set the West Coast up for success.

Development West Coast (DWC) trustees have approved a $5 million Glacier Country Business Support Fund (GCBSF) in response to the current crisis in Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and the surrounding settlements.

The establishment of new digital hubs in Greymouth and South Westland will improve opportunities for using the internet to boost productivity, creativity and well-being.

Volunteers from all over New Zealand sign up to clear gorse from around the edges of Okarito Lagoon.

Being spread over such a vast area, our region has extremely diverse landscapes – from the Nikau palm covered beaches up north to the glaciers down south. This diversity is also reflected in our economy and how each of our districts have been impacted by the pandemic.

An ambitious project to restore nature and sustain jobs in COVID-hit South Westland represents the biggest step yet on mainland Aotearoa towards the Predator Free 2050 goal, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says.

Media Release: 4 March 2021

Latest data shows economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt in vastly different ways across the West Coast.

Data shows the West Coast economy was tracking well for the year to March 2020. However, following the impact of COVID-19, forecasts going forward are painting a far more challenging picture.

Work to find out more about South Westland lizard species has been given a helping hand through Jobs for Nature.

Over the holiday break it was fantastic to see so many locals and visitors out and about enjoying all the Coast has to offer, from exploring our untamed natural wilderness to attending many brilliant events including race meetings, A&P shows, festivals, anniversary celebrations, street markets.

The following provides a very broad summary of multiple documents and hundreds of pages of analysis.

Development West Coast - West Coast marketing initiatives and media coverage

Weta Workshop leads design concept phase for Pounamu Pathway

Historic West Coast goldtown “Waiuta” joins Tohu Whenua , recognising it as one of New Zealand’s most treasured heritage places.

Punakaiki is set to benefit from two projects designed to enhance its status as one of New Zealand’s most unique environments.

Community spirit wins West Coaster Eric de Boer a First Steps in Governance award.

The West Coast's regional employment and training scheme, Upskill, was launched in July to support a robust and resilient West Coast economy that can respond to and recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

2020 was another busy year for business events on the West Coast.

Development West Coast promotes the region to business event buyers.

The pool of leaders on the West Coast has had another boost with the graduation of DWC’s Governance Programme.

Support from Upskill West Coast enables internationally-recognised experts to train the Hoki Dental team with cutting-edge processes.

DWC is working with the Grey District Council, landlords and SignLink Graphics to put scenic decals up around the Greymouth CBD.

West Coast entrepreneurial spirit on display

Upskill West Coast helps Glacier Country Helicopters get the training to diversify their business.

Although 2020 has been incredibly challenging for all Coasters, there has also been opportunities to explore.

Upskill support enables Greymouth business to bring industry recognised welding trainers into their workshop to train staff.

Development West Coast has released a report on its operations with unaudited financial information for the year ended 31 March 2020.

As a result of the Strategic Tourism Asset Protection Fund, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has funded two new positions at DWC.

DWC runs month-long celebration of West Coast food.

DWC is bringing community governance training to the West Coast.

Following the overwhelming positive feedback from the recent South Westland wellbeing workshop, DWC will be hosting another event on 4 November.

DWC’s Co.Starters business start-up and development programme is set to begin in Greymouth on 22 September.

For the past month DWC has had a roving Wikipedian working on the Coast to improve the region’s profile in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia.

The West Coast economy is showing signs of bouncing back after taking a substantial hit during the COVID lockdown, but the path ahead remains uncertain.

Development West Coast holds wellbeing workshop in Fox Glacier.

DWC acknowledges that education is a key component to long-term improvements in our region’s economic performance and has supported a range of educational projects since its establishment.

A historic track in South Westland is receiving an upgrade courtesy of skydiving staff who are splitting their time between track building and hosting domestic skydiving customers.

Construction of a purpose-built dental surgery in Hokitika is underway with support from DWC.

Kotahitanga ki te Uru (working together for the West) is the first of the regional leadership groups around New Zealand to be established in response to the social and economic impact Covid-19 has had on communities.

DWC has contributed $4.75m towards West Coast cycle trails

DWC has now contributed $2.43m towards West Coast theatres.

Iconic Hokitika business receives support through the COVID-19 business advisory fund.

Funding from DWC has helped Toki Pounamu provide over 2,500 Chromebooks to students.

Promoting the West Coast as a great place to work, live and play.

DWC support, via the West Coast community Trust, is instrumental in making WestREAPs leadership camps happen.

Support from DWC, through the West Coast Community Trust, enables Love Kawatiri to get office space.

DWC provides $14.1m in funding towards major sporting facilities across the region.

DWC has been actively working with West Coast moss farmers and growers to facilitate the establishment of a formal moss industry group.

A challenging year for West Coast tourism operators.

DWC has contributed over $4.75m to West Coast cycle trails.

Funding secured for three digital hubs on the West Coast.

DWC secures funding for a regional skills and employment programme

PGF allocates $9.4m to Kawatiri Coastal Trail

$17.9m secured for Pounamu Pathway project.

$3.5m secured to upgrade access to Paparoa Track

Over $17m invested in West Coast ports projects.

DWC support for Minerals West Coast

DWC helps sponsor race events

DWC support for Greymouth event.

DWC marketing support assists whitebait festival

DWC funded business case helps secure PGF funding for Oparara Arches project.

DWC support for cutting edge research institute.

DWC support, via the West Coast Community Trust, enables the Hokitika Golf Club to purchase new fairways/rough mower.

DWC support, via the West Coast Community Trust, helps New Coasters to provide services to newcomers.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage has announced a $2.5 million boost for South Westland to help a regional alliance of local businesses and government agencies provide nature based jobs.

Support from DWC to boost promotion of Wildfoods Festival

DWC support helps upgrading iconic shop.

Support from DWC helps get business off the ground.

Beach Camp installs eight new cabins with DWC support.

DWC collaborates with Property Brokers to hold roadshows promoting living and farming on the West Coast.

Support from DWC ensures students across the West Coast could participate in BP Business Challenge.

Co.Starters graduate Jan Fraser has turned her passion into a business. Through her business Lomah Felt, she turns raw wool and silk into high-end felted woollen garments, boots and accessories.

NZTE capability development vouchers help local plumbing business engage a business coach.

Business mentor enhances how Westport business operates and progresses.

Development West Coast - Tourism won the Industry Connections award at the 2019 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Development West Coast - Tourism has been nominated for an award in this year's New Zealand Tourism Awards.

DWC contributes $200,000 towards Whataroa Community Hall.

CO.STARTERS graduates Hannah Green and Lani Harvey join forces to create A Wild Peace Wellness Centre in Westport.

DWC commissions report on market demand for accommodation on the West Coast.

DWC sponsors i-SITE conference held at Shantytown.

DWC becomes major sponsor of the West Coast Life Education Trust

Support helps Friends of Waiuta produce a documentary.

Support helps Heritage park renovate a container

Commercial finance from DWC enables company to build warehousing operation on the West Coast.

Support helps Westport business meet demand for free-range eggs

To keep up with increasing demand for products, local business approaches DWC for assistance.

DWC support helps establishment and development of new tour.

DWC support contributes to successful festival

Next-generation gaming company developing exciting new and innovative gaming content from Westport.

Support from DWC allows Harihari business to create new jobs.

Entrepreneurial spirit strong in Greymouth at Business Mentor business startup workshop.

CO.STARTERS graduate Kate Duthie's new business Grounded Garden Services aims to transform gardens and properties on the West Coast to help make the region even more beautiful.

Coastpak Besgrow has taken the Supreme Award at the 2018 Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards.

CO.STARTERS graduates Sarah and Jason Johnson have made the leap into the world of entrepreneurship with their new craft brewery - Hopaholics.

West Coast cookie makers, contractors and everyone in between will be celebrated at the prestigious Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards next month.

CO.STARTERS graduates Cindy and Gavin Hopper offer eco-cruises, freedom kayaking and accommodation with their business West Coast Scenic Waterways.

DWC support is a “game-changer” for the Reefton Powerhouse project.

CO.STARTERS graduate Miriam Rees is using milk from her goats and beeswax and honey from her hives to handcraft a range of rustic beauty products with environmentally friendly packaging.

CO.STARTERS graduate Rita Costen and her husband are making the Coast shine one building at a time with their new exterior cleaning business – Wash Rite West Coast.

CO.STARTERS graduates Kelly Ginley is providing a unique barber experience with her business NZ Barber Shop.

CO.STARTERS graduate Tessa Lindsay is selling handmade eco-friendly baby products online from the comfort of her home.

CO.STARTERS graduate Rachelle Henham's business West Coast Rewards provides a unique marketing service that uses the collective appeal of local businesses.

CO.STARTERS graduate Kate Buckley is an artist, who not only creates amazing fine art but makes a living working with communities and groups teaching art, particularly in rural areas.

CO.STARTERS graduate Lena Fischbach developed an eco-friendly salon, Nature aHead, in the paradise setting of Karamea, New Zealand.