News

Rock protection will soon be installed to stabilise and reinforce the riverbank adjacent to the Little Wanganui wastewater oxidation ponds, following inspections conducted earlier this year.

Buller District Council (BDC) is seconding its harbourmaster to the role of regional harbourmaster in July following the Ministry of Transport’s allocation of a $1m Regional Maritime Safety Grant to West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) last year.

West Coast communities are continuing to engage strongly in the Head Start local government reform process, with over 69 people already taking the opportunity to share their views.

Buller District Council has completed its investigation into a non-compliant drinking water sample detected in the Reefton supply on 5 March 2026, confirming there is no evidence of a wider issue with the town’s water system.

Buller dog owners who have previously registered their dogs in the district will receive their dog registration forms in the mail towards the end of June.

Reports of doggy-do on sportsgrounds and play areas have prompted the Buller District Council to remind dog owners that they need to keep their pooches off these public areas.

The future of local Government discussions continue tomorrow in a Buller District Council workshop focused on understanding who does what and options for different models.

The waste services contract between Buller District Council (BDC) and Smart Environmental has been extended and zone one residents will use pre-paid rubbish bags for another year. 

The Avery’s stopbank in Westport has been granted Resource Consent from the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) and Buller District Council (BDC). 

Buller District Council (BDC) has entered into a partnership with Mitre 10 and Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) to improve battery recycling across the district. 

Movie screenings at the Reefton Cinema will temporarily be on hold from Thursday 18 June to allow for staff leave. Normal screenings will resume on Thursday 2 July 2026 in readiness for the school holidays.

Development West Coast (DWC) has approved an extension of its support package for the Westport–Wellington air service, helping maintain flights while Central Government continues to consider longer-term support options for essential regional air routes.

From Karamea to Haast, West Coast communities are being invited to help shape the future of local government on the Coast. 

West Coast councils are continuing to progress work on the Government’s Head Start local government reform pathway, with all West Coast Councils supporting participation in the process so the Coast can help shape its own future, rather than waiting for a centrally led process.

Work has started on the installation of solar power at key Buller community facilities.