Annual Report shows progress on Buller infrastructure and services
Buller District Council's 2025 – 26 Annual Report highlights progress on essential infrastructure, community facilities and emergency preparedness, while identifying areas where services and performance need to improve.
The report covers the year from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 and is the first Annual Report under Council's 2025 – 2034 Long-Term Plan. This will be the first of council’s recent Annual Reports to be completed by the 31 October deadline.
It sets out what council delivered during the year, how services performed against agreed targets, and how public money was managed.
Highlights from the year include:
Completion of Stage 2 of the Westport water trunk main replacement programme, from McKenna Road to Queen Street, at significantly less than the budgeted cost.
Solar power and battery storage installed at six community facilities used as emergency welfare centres, improving resilience during emergencies.
Completion of 10 self-contained housing units at the Reefton Campground, supported by external funding.
Progress on Westport Harbour improvements, including additional marina berths, Fisherman's Wharf upgrades and a planned roll-on/roll-off freight facility.
Road maintenance achievements, with 91.6% of reported potholes repaired within 24 hours, exceeding the 85% target.
Continued investment in stormwater infrastructure, including improvements to drainage in northern Westport.
Buller District Mayor Chris Russell says the report reflects a year of practical work across the district.
"People want to see their rates going towards things that make a difference. Whether that's more reliable water supplies, better roads or improvements to our community facilities, these are investments that matter to Buller.
"We know there are pressures on households and businesses, and every dollar counts. That's why it's important to show people what we've achieved, what it has cost and where we still have work to do."
The report also identifies areas where council did not meet its performance targets, including aspects of drinking-water compliance and response times for some water and wastewater faults.
Group Manager Corporate Services Lesley Crichton says the Annual Report is an important part of holding council accountable.
"It's not simply a list of projects we've completed. It's an opportunity to look at how well we're delivering services, where we're meeting expectations and where we need to lift our performance.
"We've made good progress in several areas, particularly infrastructure renewal and emergency preparedness. But we also have targets we haven't met, and we need to be clear about those. The important thing is using that information to improve how we work and the services our communities receive."
The report also identifies differences between some performance measures used by council-controlled organisations and those in council's Long-Term Plan. These will be reviewed through the development of the 2027 – 2037 Long-Term Plan.
Mayor Russell says making this information publicly available is fundamental to building community confidence.
"Residents deserve a clear picture of how their council is performing. That includes celebrating progress, being open about challenges and making sure we learn from the results."
The full 2025 – 26 Annual Report, including financial statements and detailed performance measures, will be available on council's website www.bullerdc.govt.nz following adoption.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.