Buller District Council
Te Kaunihera O Kawatiri

Buller District Council extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former councillor Graeme Neylon, a much-valued stalwart of the Reefton and Inangahua community.

Buller District Council’s Animal Management team is pleased to announce a winner has been drawn in this year’s inaugural dog registration competition.

An Extraordinary Council meeting will be held next week for West Coast Regional councillors to consider the next steps in resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS).

The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) is remaining resolute in its determination to deliver flood protection for Carters Beach after a recent government decision not to allocate Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) funding to the stopbank.

West Coast Emergency Management monitored and responded to yesterday's orange heavy rain warning, with local Emergency Response Teams, partner agencies, and emergency management staff remaining vigilant throughout the event.

Buller District Council is introducing 30 km/h variable speed limits outside all schools in the Buller District to improve safety for students during drop off and pick up times.

Buller District Council has completed the sale of the Kawatiri dredge, removing substantial ongoing costs and reducing the financial risks associated with retaining the ageing vessel. 

Buller District Council has welcomed confirmation that the Karamea Special Purpose Road will continue to receive a 100% NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Funding Assistance Rate through to 2030.

The West Coast Regional Council wants to categorically assure the Westport community that Council is committed to building structural flood protection at Snodgrass Road, and the money pledged by local businesses last year will be shared evenly between Carters Beach and Snodgrass Road.

A Special Consultative Procedure on the changes proposed to the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) will begin on 21 September 2026.

Westport Harbour's dredge Kawatiri will depart for Australia mid-morning on Saturday 29 August, weather permitting, marking the end of more than four decades of service at Westport Harbour. The public and media are welcome to gather at public viewing areas around the harbour to farewell one of the West Coast's most recognisable maritime vessels.

Buller District Council has welcomed a briefing from West Coast Regional Council [WCRC] on the proposed reset of the Westport Flood Protection Scheme but says significant questions remain around affordability, delivery risks and the time taken to reach this point.

At an Extraordinary Council meeting today West Coast Regional councillors were given an update on the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) and voted to approve the next set of actions to progress the reset of the scheme.

A section of Stephen Road will be strengthened and resealed, with works scheduled to commence in September.

The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) has issued a Request for Tenders (RFT) in relation to Organs Island near Westport.

Buller District Council (BDC) has welcomed the West Coast Regional Council’s (WCRC) decision to cancel the abatement notice for the Reefton Wastewater Treatment Plant and extend the timeframe for the Westport notice while further upgrades are completed.

Buller District Council’s collaborative project to install photovoltaic (solar power) systems and battery banks at key community buildings throughout the district has come to fruition, with the official handover of the completed venture taking place at Westport’s NBS Theatre on Wednesday last week.

The Mayors, Chairs and Iwi Forum (MCIF) has reaffirmed its commitment to progressing the West Coast Head Start local government reform proposal, following decisions made by the region's councils this week. 

The Little Wanganui Bridge is scheduled to undergo safety improvements in late 2026 to extend the bridge’s service life and load-carrying capacity, allowing it to accommodate a wider range of vehicle types and transportation activities.

With less than two days until the nomination period closes, no nominations have yet been submitted for the vacant Westport Ward councillor position. Buller District Council Electoral Officer Anthony Morton is encouraging those intending to submit a nomination to do so as soon as possible to allow time for documents to be checked

The West Coast Head Start Outline Proposal will be submitted to the Government's Head Start local government reform programme following decisions by the Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils today. 

The Buller District Council (BDC) has resolved to sell the Kawatiri dredge and has a company interested in buying it 

Council has identified a historic error where some properties in the Zone 1 solid waste area were excluded from the kerbside recycling service and were not charged the targeted rate that funds it. Council will correct this from 1 July 2027, when all eligible Zone 1 properties will receive recycling bins and be charged the appropriate solid waste targeted rate.

The search is underway for a Chief Executive for the new joint West Coast council-controlled organisation for Local Water Done Well - Coast Waters Ltd. 

Elected members from Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils today took part in Head Start workshops ahead of formal decisions on whether to submit the West Coast's Head Start Outline Proposal to Government at their respective council meetings on 3 August.

The first phase of community engagement for the West Coast Local Government Reform Head Start Project has been completed, with the Community Feedback Report now publicly available.

A by-election will be held for Buller District Council’s Westport Ward to fill the seat left by the recent resignation of former councillor Colin Reidy.  

Work on building the Avery’s stopbank in Westport is likely to start in January 2027.

Buller District Council (BDC) has awarded WestReef Services Ltd contracts to set up sewer, stormwater, streetlights, footpaths and drinking water services for the proposed new Alma Road housing developments.

The community engagement phase of the West Coast Local Government Reform Head Start Project has now concluded. The final community drop-in session was held in Franz Josef on Friday and online feedback closed on Monday 6 July.

With community feedback drawing to a close on Monday, more than 100 pieces of feedback have now been received from across the West Coast.

Buller District Council yesterday adopted a 5.8% overall increase in total rates, deferred senior housing rent rises and proceeding with Westport’s stormwater integration project next year as they finalised the Annual Plan 2026/27. 

Councillor Colin Reidy has resigned as an elected member of the Westport Ward, effective immediately.

Charges to dispose of waste in Buller are to increase tomorrow after a 41% increase in transportation costs and 17% in onwards refuse disposal.

Buller District Council (BDC) has completed installation and commissioning of a new, fit-for-purpose wastewater system at the Mokihinui Campground, with the replacement system capable of supporting a peak load of 400 users per day.

The three directors for the new joint West Coast council-controlled organisation for Local Water Done Well - Coast Waters Ltd have been selected from 50 applicants.

Flood protection works adjacent to the O’Conor Home are being built to a higher design standard than the rest of the Westport Flood Protection Scheme in recognition of the risk posed to residents if evacuation was necessary.

Rock protection will soon be installed to stabilise and reinforce the riverbank adjacent to the Little Wanganui wastewater oxidation ponds, following inspections conducted earlier this year.

Buller District Council (BDC) is seconding its harbourmaster to the role of regional harbourmaster in July following the Ministry of Transport’s allocation of a $1m Regional Maritime Safety Grant to West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) last year.

West Coast communities are continuing to engage strongly in the Head Start local government reform process, with over 69 people already taking the opportunity to share their views.

Buller District Council has completed its investigation into a non-compliant drinking water sample detected in the Reefton supply on 5 March 2026, confirming there is no evidence of a wider issue with the town’s water system.

Buller dog owners who have previously registered their dogs in the district will receive their dog registration forms in the mail towards the end of June.

First sentence here to display below heading in overview.

Reports of doggy-do on sportsgrounds and play areas have prompted the Buller District Council to remind dog owners that they need to keep their pooches off these public areas.

The future of local Government discussions continue tomorrow in a Buller District Council workshop focused on understanding who does what and options for different models.

The waste services contract between Buller District Council (BDC) and Smart Environmental has been extended and zone one residents will use pre-paid rubbish bags for another year. 

The Avery’s stopbank in Westport has been granted Resource Consent from the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) and Buller District Council (BDC). 

Buller District Council (BDC) has entered into a partnership with Mitre 10 and Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) to improve battery recycling across the district. 

Movie screenings at the Reefton Cinema will temporarily be on hold from Thursday 18 June to allow for staff leave. Normal screenings will resume on Thursday 2 July 2026 in readiness for the school holidays.

Development West Coast (DWC) has approved an extension of its support package for the Westport–Wellington air service, helping maintain flights while Central Government continues to consider longer-term support options for essential regional air routes.

From Karamea to Haast, West Coast communities are being invited to help shape the future of local government on the Coast. 

West Coast councils are continuing to progress work on the Government’s Head Start local government reform pathway, with all West Coast Councils supporting participation in the process so the Coast can help shape its own future, rather than waiting for a centrally led process.

Work has started on the installation of solar power at key Buller community facilities.  

The Buller District Council (BDC) has received West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) Abatement Notices relating to wastewater discharges in both Reefton and Westport. 

Buller District Council has published its Draft Reserve Management Plan 2026 and is seeking community feedback on the future management of council-administered parks and recreational reserves in Buller.

Senior housing rent rises planned for July this year will be deferred to the 2027-2037 Long-Term Plan, the Buller District Council decided during last week’s 26/27 Annual Plan deliberations. 

Buller District Council’s recycling bin audit programme has shown a reduction in contamination across the district but needs further improvement, staff say. 

West Coast councils will, over the next two weeks, consider a coordinated regional approach to enter into the Government’s Head Start local government reform process.

Buller District Council will meet next week to consider 69 submissions on the Draft Annual Plan 2026/27.

Buller’s deal with the government for 20 homes at an average cost of $60,000 is a huge boon for the community, Mayor Chris Russell says.

An interim agreement allowing the vital air service between Westport and Wellington to continue has been struck, with support from Development West Coast (DWC) and consideration from Government.

Fifty people have applied from around New Zealand to be one of three directors for the new joint West Coast council-controlled organisation for Local Water Done Well - Coast Waters Ltd. 

The e-waste recycling initiative Buller District Council runs in partnership with Smart Environmental Ltd and TechCollect NZ is expanding - from 1 May 2026, Buller residents can recycle a wider range of devices, including mobile phones and DVD players.

Buller District Council (BDC) approved the new Gambling Venues Policy at its Regulatory and Hearing Committee Meeting on 22 April 2026. 

A public meeting in Westport last night attracted around 150 locals to hear about the Westport Emergency Management environment and enhanced evacuation planning for the area.

Driving within speed limits on state highways to save lives will be the main focus for the Buller part of the national Better Together campaign.

Encouraging the people of Westport and surrounds to think ahead in the face of a flooding emergency is at the heart of a campaign being promoted this week. This includes an opportunity to find out more at a public event at the NBS Theatre on the evening of 23 April 2026.

Construction works for replacement of the sewage treatment system at the Buller District Council-owned Mokihinui Campground are set to start on Monday.

Buller District property owners will soon receive new three-yearly rating valuations in the post.

Buller District Council is asking the community for feedback on its Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 between Tuesday, 7 April 2026, and 4:30 pm Tuesday, 5 May 2026. 

Buller District Council (BDC) has approved the draft Coast Waters Ltd Shareholders’ Agreement and Constitution. 

Westport Airport runway has been given an early spring-clean in anticipation of a visit by new Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft.

The Buller District Council made decisions last week impacting the forecast 9.05% rates rise outlined for 2026/27 in the 2025-2034 Long-Term Plan.

The Clocktower Chambers in Palmerston Street will be bathed in purple light on Thursday, 26 March in support of Epilepsy NZ’s Purple Day.

The three West Coast district councils have agreed a name for the West Coast Water Services CCO – Coast Waters Ltd.  

Buller District Council is increasing rents for most of its senior housing units from the start of July this year, following a Council resolution to that effect in July last year. 

Buller District Councillors yesterday agreed that Buller would remain the administrative council for the shared Coast water council-controlled organisation (CCO), but would ask other Councils to share the debt financing. 

Originair has today announced that it will cease operating flights to and from Westport Airport from 1 May 2026, unless financial support from the Government is confirmed by late March. 

A Resource Consent Application was lodged on Friday (13 March 2026) with West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) and Buller District Council (BDC) for the Floating Lagoon stopbank in Westport.

Buller District Council (BDC) discussed a revised draft budget for the Annual Plan 2026/27 at its public workshop this week

The popularity of different evening opening hours last year has prompted the Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library to trial slightly adjusted weekday and Saturday opening times. 

Buller District councillors yesterday told Department of Internal Affairs representatives they have real concerns about the ability of Buller people to afford increased water charges along with other current Council commitments. 

Council has resolved to appoint Rachael Dean as the independent chairperson of its Risk and Audit Committee.   

People living in in Zone one including Westport, Reefton, and surrounding areas, will continue to dispose of their rubbish using pre-paid rubbish bags until mid-2027. 

The proposed EPIC Laneway project will no longer proceed and $50,000 allocated from the Buller District Council Community-Led Revitalisation Fund will be returned in full. 

Following the detection of E. coli in the Reefton water supply yesterday and the subsequent boil-water notice issued for the township, the council has carried out further investigations.

Westport’s NBS Theatre is currently operating at reduced capacity, with the 20-seat Fred Gregory Screen Room out of action due to a projector equipment failure last Thursday. 

Young people swimming over to the jetty in Westport Harbour’s Floating Basin from the boat ramp are putting themselves at risk in a working commercial environment.

Buller District Council (BDC) held its first public Annual Plan 2026/27 workshop on Wednesday as it continues to develop a draft budget for the Annual Plan 2026/27.

Buller District Council adopted its 2023/24 Annual Report at the full council meeting held this week. 

A combined Resource Consent Application is being lodged today for the Carters Beach and Upper Buller stopbanks near Westport.

Buller District Council is open to exploring alternative options for simplifying local government, and its main focus continues to be solutions that work best for Buller people.

An increasing amount of damage to public facilities due to vandalism is being noted around Westport.

Buller District Council and Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) will be partnering for another round of recycling bin audits, starting on Monday 23 February 2026.

Local West Coast company Rosco Contractors Ltd has successfully tendered to carry out the work to build a rock revetment wall on the Buller River near the O’Conor Home in Westport.

Buller District Council (BDC) will soon begin works to renew and upgrade a section of the Hughes Place/Disraeli Street stormwater main near the Buller River, at the western end of Hughes Place and The Esplanade.  

Buller District Council (BDC) acknowledges the recent release of the West Coast Regional Council’s (WCRC) review of the regional Wastewater Treatment Plant consent compliance report for the coast’s three Territorial Authorities, being Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils.

The Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils expect to have a board in place to oversee the set-up of a new West Coast water organisation by autumn.

Private property inspections signalling the start of Buller District Council’s stormwater and wastewater separation programme will commence in February 2026.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) granny flat building consent exemption takes effect tomorrow, Thursday 15 January 2026.