West Coast

Leo Lozano had gone to Buller Hospital complaining of stomach pain, but was sent home. He died hours later.

Local principals expressed dismay about the change, unsure how it would work or what it would mean for staff.

Only two people have complained about the service, but a patient advocate says others are reluctant to trust it.

The former West Coast Regional Council chair has made a point of trying to attend meetings he is banned from, claiming a right to be there as an elected councillor.

An 84-year-old was sent home from hospital without diagnosis, before dialling 111 and waiting hours.

Ratepayers who pay for flood protection in the Harihari district are nervously awaiting a consultants' report on revamping the stopbank system.

Two men operating a large cannabis growing operation in a huge underground bunker have been jailed.

Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine says ratepayers have paid out $20,000 for a defamation suit - but the true cost is much higher.

The Buller District Council has reached an agreement with Nelson-based Originair, which will start services from 3 January.

Claims by Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine that Westport accountant Frank Dooley assaulted former deputy mayor Sharon Roche are untrue and defamatory, Dooley's lawyer says.

Winter and a wetter-than-usual spring have kept West Coast regional council staff on their toes this year.

"Some witnesses saw a fist, others did not," Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine's lawyer told the court in his closing submission.

The document, meant to cover the the planning rules for Buller, Grey and Westland, has cost has cost the West Coast Regional Council $5.6 million since 2019.

Frank Dooley allegedly threatened Sharon Roche at a public meeting in Westport in February 2022.

Leo Lozano had gone to Westport Hospital complaining of stomach pain, and was sent home. He died hours later.

Council planners are being told to speak in plain English when they communicate with the public.

Frank Dooley is suing Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine for defamation after claiming he raised his fist to the former Buller deputy mayor.

Frank Dooley is suing Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine for defamation.

Jamie Cleine was motivated by ill will when he accused Frank Dooley of physically assaulting the deputy mayor at a public meeting, the Westport District Court has been told.

A front is expected to move up the South Island on Tuesday.