Buller District Council to welcome new Westport Ward councillor

The final result for Buller District Council’s Westport Ward By-election that closed on Friday 16 October 2026 was made available on council’s website on Monday night.

Paul McCormack received 542 votes, which secured him the vacant Westport Ward seat, left by the departure of former councillor Colin Reidy in June this year.

The council’s Electoral Officer, Anthony Morton says: “It’s good to see that over 2,000 Westport Ward electors took the opportunity to vote and have their say on who their replacement councillor should be.”

Mr McCormack will be sworn in during the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 28 October at the Clocktower Chambers in Westport. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the start of the meeting at 3:30 pm. Once sworn in, he can take part in his first meeting.

The swearing-in will also be livestreamed to the council’s YouTube channel, Buller District Council.

Mr Pickford says: “We look forward to supporting Paul as he completes his induction and gains a good understanding of the complex issues and challenges our district faces as we work together to improve the long-term wellbeing of Buller’s community.”

The final result for the by-election can be viewed on council’s website.

-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.