It's the second major blow in a week for the West Coast town, which faces losing its only air service from May. "We know this will have a real impact on individuals, their families and the wider West Coast community, and that weighs heavily on all of us." Two rūnanga and Development West Coast are shareholders in the business, and we have worked hard to build strong relationships across the region," his statement said. Development West Coast paid $3 million in 2024 for a 1.84% share in WMS. We remain committed to the West Coast and to building a long-term, inter-generational minerals business in the region and for New Zealand.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 20, 2026 15:55 UTC