West Coast council defends its flood plan after critics say it doesn't go far enough
The West Coast Regional Council has defended its plans for flood protection in Westport, with its chairman saying it's time for action “not hand-wringing”.
It has presented two options for the town, which was inundated with floods on July 17 and 18 that forced more than 2000 of its 4500-odd residents to evacuate and left more than 460 homes damaged.
The Buller District Council criticised the two options for floodwalls and stopbanks along the Buller and Orowaiti rivers, saying the regional council did not take climate change or liquefaction into account and one of the options was no better than doing nothing.
Regional council chairman Allan Birchfield and acting chief executive Heather Mabin said the working group made the deliberate decision to design the floodwalls and stopbanks to the current climate scenario rather than a future scenario because affordability for ratepayers was key.
“This is time for action, not hand-wringing and engaging more and more experts," Birchfield said.
Read more here.
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.4% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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