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Changes to alcohol licensing

There have been some changes made to the licensing process in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Act 2023 (the Amendment Act) makes it easier for communities to have a say in alcohol regulation in their area, by making targeted changes to the alcohol licensing process in the Act.

There are two sets of changes coming into effect - the first came into force on 31 August 2023 and the second will take effect on 30 May 2024.

Roadmap to recovery for Buller’s roads

In December 2022 Council received $13.2M funding approval from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for the reinstatement of the roads in the Buller District that were damaged by the two significant rain events.

These two storm events where significant, in total approximately 150 damaged sites have been recorded through Buller’s local road network. Of these, 68 damaged sites involved minor clearance of debris and trees which were addressed immediately.

The funding support enabled Council to put a team together and create a plan to best restore the more complex damages to our local road network until mid 2024.

How we’re shaping our district

Our goal is to promote the well-being of our local communities. We have a wide range of responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Local government affects you daily. We encourage you to get to know us and to find out more about how you can participate in local decision-making.

Funding for the Arts

Buller District Council is calling for applications to the Creative Communities Funding Scheme.

The project must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Participation – Create opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate.
  • Diversity – Support the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities.
  • Young people- Enable young people (under 18) to engage with, and participate in the art

Applications close Tuesday 24 October 2023 4:30pm. Late applications will not be accepted.

Get out and about in Buller

Our 8,574 square kilometers boasts two national parks, one forest park, and two heritage areas, all offering the opportunity to experience peace and tranquility or excitement and adventure. Our district is unbeatable in its diversity, and a great playground to work, live and explore.

Meetings and Mayor chats

Council's monthly meetings are open to the public unless there is reason to consider some items “public excluded”.

You can meet our Mayor, on a first come, first seen basis, during one of the regular Monday Mayor chats at the Clocktower Chambers, 9am - 12pm. Drop-in days in Reefton and Karamea are also available.

Need a good read ?

Our community newsletter Connect is always worth a look to stay up to date with what Council is doing in our community.

Connect is printed on a bi-monthly basis and delivered throughout the district.

You can sign up to our newsletter online and receive your issue straight and conveniently into your inbox.

Living in Buller

With an enviable climate, laid-back lifestyle, and friendly community vibe, the Buller district is a great place to live, work, and visit.

Buller has so much to offer. You will be surrounded by national parks, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of outdoor activities. The added bonus of never worrying about traffic or parking, leaves plenty of opportunity to get out and explore, creating exceptional work life balance.

Request a recycling bin online!

Do you need a new glass crate, a replacement recycling bin, an additional wheelie bin to deal with your recycling, or did you moved into your new property and want to get your recycling containers? 

Eligible properties in refuse and recycling zone one in Buller can request glass crates and recycling wheelie bins easily and conveniently through or online form.

Zone one covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the MĹŤkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton including Blacks Point, and Reefton to Ikamatua.