NewsBank (West Coast Messenger, The)

Described as one of the "most iconic and beautifully preserved DC-3s flying today," the New Zealand-owned Spirit of Douglas has been confirmed to appear at the next Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow at Easter as part of its ambitious Global Tour.

A key route to the West Coast is due to be closed for a couple of days later this month as an essential culvert replacement is carried out.

It has been a decade since the Toki Pounamu programme launched, a joint effort by a cluster of West Coast schools to help students have access to digital learning by providing financial assistance to parents.

A nice sunny Reefton day greeted the volunteers as Who Cares House, which provides many services for the people of Reefton and surrounding districts, ranging from counselling to budget advice.

January

The final Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants have been awarded to projects exploring Maori heritage, social activism, wartime experiences and disability history.

With all major tenders now awarded, the Grey District Council last week released more information on the total cost of the new Richmond Quay development, which includes a library on the top storey and commercial premises on the ground floor.

It is 100 years since Edward Spark was killed working on the Cobden Quarry and members of the Spark family gathered at Kells Hotel before Christmas to mark the tragedy.

Summer holidays are an important and busy time of year for campgrounds and campsites.

West Coast Regional Council has released a leading-edge landslide modelling report for the West Coast that is ahead of many regions in New Zealand.

THE Reefton Jockey Club will race on Wednesday, January 7 on the middle day of the popular three-day West Coast New Year galloping circuit.

DECEMBER

The town of Reefton is spoilt for choice when it comes to live racing action over the Christmas/New Year holiday period with the trotting and jockey clubs holding their race days.

Chloe Stewart was one of the winners of the Best Dressed cars at the very festive edition of Cars and Coffee in Greymouth on December 7.

As 2025 draws to a close, it is a good chance to reflect on a year that brought its share of challenges but also genuine signs of progress for the West Coast.

With the school year drawing to a close, the junior and middle school classes at Paroa School have switched it up for Christmas by swapping their usual in-class Secret Santa for a toy drive to help bring Christmas cheer to children in need. Instead of buying gifts for each other, the pupils at the school brought in new and good condition preloved toys, books, games and puzzles to be donated to...

Conservator Emily Fryer, of Christchurch, works to clean the Hokitika statue of 'King Dick' outside the former Government Building.

A wave of talented young West Coasters is excelling in their studies and gaining valuable experience through Development West Coast's Tertiary Scholarship programme.

A will is often referred to as one of the most important documents a person can have in place. It is one of the best ways to ensure that, on your death, the people you love are looked after, and all that you own is divided in accordance with your wishes.

Southern Feast, a new, Kiwi-owned restaurant brand known for its Southern Feast chicken, is gearing up for a major milestone with the opening of its flagship restaurant in Westport. Located at 197 Palmerston Street, beside the NPD fuel site, the new dine-in and takeaway venue will also feature a convenience store, making it a one stop shop for locals to pick up grab-and-go essentials alongside a...

The West Coast Summer Racing circuit is about to get underway with the Summer Festival of Racing to provide a six day package of competitive galloping and trotting action for racegoers.

The festive season is a time of joy and spending time with loved ones, but it can also be one of the most stressful and lonely periods of the year. It is important to know how to care for your mental health and wellbeing.

As we work towards Christmas, making your way through the maze of tax rules can be difficult. I have summarised some of the festive-time rules below: Christmas Parties - If you shout your staff to a Christmas party the expenditure falls under entertainment rules. It doesn't matter if the party is on your premises or if everyone goes out to celebrate, the expenditure is only 50% deductible for...

A life-saving automated external defibrillator (AED) has been installed in the small farming community of Taramakau Settlement.

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

The West Coast-owned radio station Coast FM has new owners at the helm.

When a small little blue penguin was found floating alone off Whangamata in January, missing a flipper and injured around the eye, no one could have guessed she would survive let alone become a national symbol of resilience, hope and new beginnings.

All Great Walks across New Zealand are now officially open for the 2024-25 season.

Invasive willows continue to wreak havoc across New Zealand's waterways, but the summer months present the perfect window for action, according to local restoration expert Terence Stewart, the founder and owner of Native Restorations.

The Community Heart event was the result of multiple churches in Westport working together for six months to deliver fellowship and fun to their community in the lead up to Christmas.