Garry Howard
West Coast mine dump at risk of spilling into sea
The mayor of Buller District Garry Howard says an abandoned state mine dump at Hector is at risk of being clawed open by the sea as stormy weather and high tides continue to hammer the West Coast.
He… Audio
Buller mayor angry at coal mine denial
A decision to deny consent for a coal mine on conservation land on the West Coast has angered the local mayor. Rangitira Developments had won High Court approval for the mine but the use of twelve… Audio
Shane Jones' Air NZ call-out wins regional mayors' support
Two mayors of towns that have lost their Air New Zealand connection are backing the championing of the regions by Shane Jones. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the Regional Development Minister he… Audio
Gita: Buller checks for damage after strong wind, rain
Buller District Mayor Garry Howard tells Susie Ferguson they're checking for damage in the area on Wednesday morning, but they've got away relatively unscathed. Audio
Buller hunkers down as storm Gita hits West Coast
The West Coast of the South Island is expected to once again be walloped by heavy rain, wild winds and surging tides. More than 200mm of rain is expected along with 150km/h winds, and swells of more… Audio
Weather: Buller faces big clean-up after storm Fehi
The West Coast has been battered on Thursday by the remnants of tropical cyclone Fehi. Buller District Mayor Garry Howard tells Guyon Espiner they're glad it's calmed down by Friday morning, but… Audio
100 evacuated amid Buller state of emergency
More than 100 people were evacuated from their homes in Westport today, and most will spend the night in evacuation centres. Buller District Mayor Garry Howard describes the flooding. Audio
Sale of West Coast dredging ship 'beginning of end' for harbour
West Coast dredging ship Kawatiri has been used to keep the local port open, but now the Buller District Council has decided to sell it; and one councillor says that decision is the beginning of the… Audio
Insight: Turning the West Coast Around
Tracy Neal explores how the West Coast is planning to re-invent its economy. Audio
Councillor says Westport might have to move further away from the sea
Councils around the country are having to wrestle with climate change - such as factoring the consequences of higher tides and more extreme weather in to their long-term town planning. Tracy Neal… Audio
Stockton sale a fillip to Buller District
The sale of the Stockton coal mine to a joint venture between Bathurst Resources and Talley's Group is being seen as a welcome boost to the Buller District. Audio
Stockton mine 'being prepared for sale' - mayor
Buller's mayor Garry Howard says the latest redundancies at Stockton Mine are proof the owners are readying it for sale. Audio
West Coast Mayors apply pressure on policing proposal
West Coast mayors are appealing to the Police Minister to step in and stop a plan to cut community constables and youth aid workers in the area. Police are proposing a major overhaul of policing in… Audio
Concerned West Coasters meet to discuss policing review
Buller's mayor says Karamea residents face an uphill battle to reverse a plan to do away with the town's lone constable. Audio
Future of SOE Solid Energy
Once a highly successful coal mining company, earning tens of millions of dollar in profit, the SOE Solid Energy is expected to go into voluntary administration later today. Analyst and commentator… Audio
Buller District Mayor on Stockton Mine
Stockton mine's axed more than a quarter of its workforce today and within months the entire coalmine could be forced to shut down. Audio
Warning of more rain to come
The Buller District Council Mayor Garry Howard is with us now. Audio
New deal secures flights for Westport
A new partnership is stepping in to the gap left by Air New Zealand pulling out of Westport. Audio
Cement plant closing in Westport
It's been confirmed 120 jobs will go when Westport's Holcim concrete plant closes in 2016. Audio
Stockton coal mine workers await restructure announcement
Workers at Solid Energy's Stockton coal mine will find out today just how many jobs are going to go at the open-cast coal mine. Audio