News

Last week, as part of their ecology and conservation studies, Tai Poutini students spent time being educated by conservation experts from the Paparoa Wildlife Trust and the Predator Free Te Kinga project.

Buller High School students explored nature-based career opportunities at Westport’s Floating Basin.

Planning is progressing on the design of the new combined Grey District Library and commercial development on Richmond Quay.

Conservation Volunteers New Zealand’s Corporate Planting Challenge for World Environment Day at Barrytown Flats

The New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZ Arb) is delighted to announce The Walking Tree as the winner of the 2024 Tree of the Year New Zealand award.

A forest is being born alongside the Kawatiri Coastal Trail thanks to a massive volunteer effort that is being supported by generous funders.

South Westland has seen a resurgence in birdlife, with increased sightings of the kākāriki (yellow-crowned parakeet) underscoring the success of local conservation work.

Close ties between the West Coast Penguin Trust and Westland High School are bringing benefits for penguins and students.

It is the last week to vote for Tree of the Year NZ 2024, and competitors are hot on the heals of early leader - the Karamea Walking Tree.

Last week volunteers for the Tōtara Ōkari Kiwi Enhancement Project (TOKEN) were out on the Kawatiri Coastal trail (KCT), checking predator control traps.

West Coast innovators will be in the spotlight this week as the region joins a national week celebrating technology.

A partnership involving the Paparoa Wildlife Trust, Motukiekie Wilderness Trust and the Rainy Creek Ecological Trust continues to protect native wildlife in the Grey District.

Reefton has been received a big plug on American television on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert thanks to guest, New Zealander Phil Keoghan.

This week sees the launch of Tree of the Year NZ 2024. The competition invites New Zealanders to select their favourite from a shortlist of six much loved trees spread across the country.

Federation Mining is pleased to provide an update on the funding of the Snowy River Mine project on the West Coast of the New Zealand South Island.

The Coaltown Museum in Westport has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as The Museum of Kawatiri, the second experience centre to open along the Pounamu Pathway.

Dion Arnold, the owner of White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa, recently had a delightful surprise during one of his tours when a rare Pacific Heron made an unexpected appearance.

In a year-end report unveiled by the Roady App, the West Coast emerges as a standout destination, securing top ratings and attracting a significant number of visitors.

Cameron Dickey has been awarded one of the 2024 Development West Coast (DWC) tertiary scholarships.

Charlotte Sweney from Hokitika is one of this year’s Development West Coast (DWC) Tertiary Scholarship recipients.

Jack Dennehy-Coles from South Westland has been awarded one of the 2024 Development West Coast (DWC) Tertiary Scholarships.

Emily O’Loughlin from Reefton is this year’s Buller District recipient of the Development West Coast Tertiary Scholarship.

We have produced a series of “market snapshots” that will give operators insight into:

Ōkārito’s population of 38 has swelled with the influx of volunteers for GorseBusters 2: Return of the Pricks.

Mining tunnels, ghost towns, stamper batteries, shipwrecks, all in mind bogglingly beautiful locations. When it comes to heritage, the West Coast has plenty of iconic hot spots and hidden gems that await discovery.

A new shared housing facility for older people is a step closer to being built in Greymouth, thanks to a $500,000 commitment from Development West Coast and land donated by the Grey District Council.

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.

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

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.

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.

Once a year, the famous Hokitika Wildfoods Festival brings a wide array of exotic (and wild) foods to the Cool Little Town, for visitors to test their taste buds on.

Here are some must-do adventure activities to put on your list when planning your travel through the West Coast.

It's easy to step back in time on the West Coast of New Zealand, a place steeped in gold and coal mining history. These are the 12 must-visit spots for a history fix.

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are home to some truly memorable views. From world famous mirror lakes to awe-inspiring glaciers.

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

Weta Workshop leads design concept phase for Pounamu Pathway

DWC runs month-long celebration of West Coast food.

Development West Coast holds wellbeing workshop in Fox Glacier.

If you visit the West Coast of New Zealand, your drone will definitely be put to good use. There are specific requirements for drone flights in the region that you need to know.

The West Coast is officially home to the country’s best toastie, with the Hokitika Sandwich Company winning the inaugural Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover competition.