As he reflects on a long career, West Coast DOC boss Mark Davies notes the impact of the darkest of days for the Department: the Cave Creek disaster. The Cave Creek disaster occurred on 28 April 1995 when a viewing platform in Paparoa National Park .
West Coasters 'love their environment' but the region can be smarter in attracting tourists for longer stays by utilising the outstanding natural environment, the retiring DOC boss for the region says. The DOC estate contributes 45% of the region's GDP .
The public can now view a massive rimu, at least 1000 years old, discovered almost by accident in South Westland. This week the tree has been formally recognised as the largest known rimu in the South Island, with public access to the site opening .