Articles tagged with West Coast
Record Mineral Permit Applications Boost New Zealand’s Gold Mining and Exploration in 2025
1 month ago | 214 viewsNew Zealand’s mineral exploration and mining sector is experiencing strong growth, with record permit applications and approvals in 2025, particularly for gold projects concentrated in the South Island’s West Coast. The diverse mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits, along with the conversion of small-scale permits to a more suitable regulatory class, indicates healthy progression and increased confidence in the sector. This momentum, driven by multiple mid-sized projects and active permit management, supports regional economic growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy.
Tags: New Zealand Shane Jones mining exploration mineral permits gold West Coast New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals regional economic growth mining projects$5.3M Investment Boosts Greymouth & Westport Ports for Coastal Shipping Growth
1 month ago | 266 viewsA $5.3 million investment, including $4.3 million for upgrades to the Port of Greymouth and $1 million for a regional safety program shared with Westport Port, aims to boost coastal shipping and economic growth on the West Coast. The project will reconstruct unusable wharf sections, build a roll-on, roll-off facility, and establish a shared Regional Harbour Master program with upgraded navigational aids to enhance resilience and support commercial shipping by early 2028. Funded through the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund with local council co-investment, the initiative is part of a broader government effort to strengthen New Zealand’s freight system and infrastructure.
Tags: James Meager Maureen Pugh Greymouth Port Westport Port West Coast Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund Grey District Council West Coast Regional Council Eastland Port Regional Harbour MasterNew Rural Health Training Program Boosts West Coast Workforce and Care
1 month ago | 266 viewsA new coordinated rural hospital medicine and specialist GP training programme has launched on the West Coast to strengthen the home-grown rural health workforce by increasing registrar numbers from two to three to eight to ten. The programme, accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training, offers six to twelve-month placements with strong supervision, support, and aims to retain trainees long-term by fostering community connections. This initiative aligns with the National Rural Health Strategy’s goal of ensuring accessible healthcare for all New Zealanders, particularly those in rural areas.
Tags: Simeon Brown Matt Doocey West Coast rural health workforce rural hospital medicine specialist GP training New Zealand Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine National Rural Health Strategy rural generalistsDiscover Different: Explore Canterbury & West Coast This Autumn 2026
2 months ago | 328 viewsCanterbury and the West Coast’s regional tourism organisations will receive $1 million to launch the Discover Different campaign, promoting the regions' attractions during autumn and targeting Australian visitors. The initiative highlights the natural beauty, local food and drink, and unique experiences across Canterbury and the West Coast, aiming to support local businesses and boost regional tourism. Delivered through a collaboration of regional bodies, this campaign is part of a broader $3.69 million Regional Tourism Boost funding to attract international visitors to New Zealand’s regions in autumn and early winter 2026.
Tags: Canterbury West Coast Louise Upston Aoraki Mount Cook Kaikoura Hanmer ChristchurchNZ Destination Kaikōura Visit Hurunui Venture TimaruConservation Minister Approves Protection for 80% of West Coast Stewardship Land
3 months ago | 344 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that 385 out of 576 stewardship land reclassification proposals on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island will proceed, protecting over 190,000 hectares under the Reserves Act and more than 300,000 hectares under the Conservation Act, with some land added to National Parks or considered for disposal. This significant reclassification, the largest since 1987, aims to provide clarity and certainty for land use, respecting conservation, cultural values, and existing rights such as tourism and mining concessions, while maintaining access for Ngāi Tahu’s pounamu gathering. The process, involving extensive consultation and collaboration with panels and communities, culminates in the creation of new reserves like the 181,000-hectare Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve and referrals of key stewardship areas for national park additions to ensure long-term protection.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ngāi Tahu Tarahanga e Toru New Zealand Conservation Authority DOC West Coast South Island Cave Creek Pike River National Parks$5M Upgrade Enhances Resilience of SH6 Gates of Haast Bridge in South Island
3 months ago | 293 viewsThe Government is investing $5 million in critical resilience improvements to State Highway 6 around the Gates of Haast, including installing a micro pile wall and upgrading existing protections to guard against river erosion and landslides. The project, led by Moore Construction, aims to secure a vital tourism and transport link between Haast and Wanaka and is expected to be completed in five months. This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to enhancing the reliability of state highways to support local communities, tourism, and freight operations on the West Coast.
Tags: James Meager South Island State Highway 6 Gates of Haast Haast River Moore Construction West Coast SH6 Epitaph Slip tourism government investment$2.31M Upgrade for Jackson Bay Wharf Boosts West Coast Resilience and Fishing
3 months ago | 364 viewsOver $2.31 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will upgrade Jackson Bay Wharf, enhancing disaster resilience and supporting the local fishing industry by ensuring reliable seafood transport. The $3.3 million project, led by Westland District Council, includes structural improvements and digital surveillance to maintain the wharf’s safety and functionality. This upgrade, part of a $7.81 million investment across West Coast ports, exemplifies strong local and central government collaboration, boosting regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.
Tags: Mark Patterson Jenny Marcroft Jackson Bay Wharf Westland District Council Regional Infrastructure Fund West Coast Westport Greymouth fishing industry disaster resilienceGovernment Advances $7M SH6 Epitaph Landslide Resilience Project in South Island
3 months ago | 389 viewsThe Government is advancing a series of roading resilience projects in the South Island, including the SH6 Epitaph Landslide Resilience Improvements, to safeguard key freight and tourism corridors from natural hazards like landslides and flooding. The SH6 Epitaph project involves realigning the road inland, removing unstable materials, and constructing a haul road, with $7 million approved for detailed design and an estimated construction cost of $102-123 million planned for 2027-30. This initiative is part of a broader programme targeting six high-priority corridors to enhance regional connectivity, economic growth, and community safety through improved infrastructure resilience.
Tags: James Meager Maureen Pugh Helen Lash NZ Transport Agency SH6 Epitaph Slip South Island West Coast Otago Southland NZTA BoardSouth Island Health Improvements: Faster Access to Care and Timely Treatments
5 months ago | 481 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown highlights improved healthcare access in the South Island, with a focus on patient-centered care and meeting 2030 targets. Key improvements include faster cancer treatment, higher childhood immunization rates, and reduced emergency department wait times. Despite progress, efforts continue to reduce waitlists for elective procedures and specialist assessments, supported by increased health funding and a commitment to patient-focused care.
Tags: Canterbury Otago Southland Nelson Marlborough West Coast Simeon Brown healthcare patients South Island quarterly resultsCommunity Partnership Boosts Local Economy with New Accommodation in Buller
6 months ago | 588 viewsRegional Development Minister Shane Jones praised the collaborative effort between Buller District Council, Development West Coast, and Endura in building 10 new units at Reefton Campground using local labor and businesses. The project aims to enhance accommodation options for both locals and tourists. The initiative not only provided employment for 50 local workers but also boosted the local economy, with Endura leasing the units initially for its staff before repurposing them for visitor accommodation.
Tags: Shane Jones Buller accommodation local labour local procurement local businesses Reefton Campground Development West Coast Endura tourism industryNew Cycle Bridge Boosts West Coast Wilderness Trail, Boosting Local Economy
8 months ago | 1274 viewsA new cycle bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail will bring more visitors to the region and boost the local economy. “I’m thrilled to be supporting the construction of the Totara River Rail Bridge, ensuring visitors can once again ride this popular trail from start to finish,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is one of our Great Rides and attracts both international and domestic visitors alike, showcasing the stunning scenery of the West Coast.
Tags: Louise Upston West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail Totara River Rail Bridge Tourism Economy Infrastructure Ross Trail Investment VisitorsAttendance rates rose in Term 1 2025
9 months ago | 1322 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour says this Government has prioritised student attendance and as a result we’ve seen every term since Term 1 2024 record higher attendance than the same term of the previous year. In Term 1 of 2025 65. 9 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 4.
Tags: David seymour Marlborough Ministry Ministry of education Response Seymour West coast