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Police remain puzzled by mystery help sign at West Coast lake

September 2, 2023

Police have conducted a helicopter search of Lake Ahaura and its surrounds on the West Coast, after a 'help' sign was spotted drawn in the sand.

The sign was spotted by a helicopter flying over the lake, east of Greymouth earlier this week.

Today, police said a team had conducted a search of the area but nothing of significance had been located.

"Additionally, no information has been received that would suggest anyone is in immediate danger," a police spokesperson said.

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Police said they did not condone the behaviour but there was not enough evidence of the alleged offences to take further action.

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Companies polluting land or water are now risking fines of $3000 – four times the amount they’ve been up for in the past.

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MetService has issued multiple orange warnings for heavy rain and strong winds, with weather watches also in place across several regions.

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Statue bro? Shane Jones meets his match at West Coast camp

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones opened cabins to help accommodate an influx of goldmine workers, and was rewarded with a colourful life-size likeness of himself.

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After five terms as a Grey District councillor, Peter Haddock stood for the regional council in 2022, and just months later, found himself – unexpectedly – at the helm.

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