News

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.