Historic Westport Clocktower targeted in latest act of vandalism

10 Nov 2026

Buller District Council is deeply disappointed by the senseless vandalism of the historic Westport Clocktower Chambers.

The Council is asking anyone with information about reported vandalism at Westport's Clocktower Chambers on Monday night, 9 November, to contact Police.

Council staff contacted Police after discovering damage to the bell tower.

The Clocktower Chambers, at 119 Palmerston Street, is a Category 1 heritage-listed building and one of Westport's most significant civic landmarks.

Buller District Council Chief Executive Simon Pickford says deliberate damage costs the whole community.

“Council and WestReef staff take enormous pride in maintaining our public spaces. They work hard to keep our town presentable, safe, and welcoming, and it is incredibly disheartening to see that effort deliberately undermined. These are facilities that belong to our community. The people responsible for damaging them are effectively taking money away from everyone else.”

Council has previously raised concerns about vandalism at public facilities, including destroyed locks and stolen supplies at the Palmerston Street and Brougham Street public toilets.

When public facilities are deliberately damaged, the cost of cleaning, replacing, and repairing them falls on ratepayers unless it can be recovered from those responsible or another source.

Repairing deliberate damage puts additional pressure on Council budgets and diverts staff and contractor time from planned work.

At this stage the costs to repair the clock are unknown.

How to report information or damage

  • Call 111 if a crime is happening or there is an immediate danger.

  • Call 105 to report non-emergency incidents or information that may assist Police.

  • Report non-urgent damage to Buller District Council using the online Request a service form so repairs and cleaning can be arranged.

People should not confront suspected offenders.

-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.