News

Outcome of Te Kuha water conservation reserve assessment workshop

Buller District councillors held a workshop yesterday afternoon to discuss future provisions for the Te Kuha water conservation reserve.

Westport’s Master Plan gains national endorsement

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission - Te Waihanga has endorsed Westport's Master Plan in Stage One of the Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP), deeming the project to be nationally important.

Last section of Cats Creek bund has go-ahead

The final ten metres of the Cats Creek bund in Westport will now be completed after agreement was reached with KiwiRail.

Central government’s proposed rates cap

The coalition government has announced a national rates cap of 2–4% per capita, aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and ensuring councils remain focused on essential services and responsible financial management.

Tick of approval for West Coast water plan

The Secretary for Local Government has signed off on the West Coast Water Services Delivery Plan, confirming how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services will be sustainably delivered and funded across the region over the next decade.

Changes to administration of the Resilient Westport Adaptation Relief Fund

Changes to how the Resilient Westport Adaptation Relief Fund will be administered will be discussed at next week’s West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) meeting.

Potential impact of proposed local government reforms on West Coast council governance

Central government announced yesterday that local government structure is due to undergo reform, moving ultimately towards a unitary governance model, with the abolishment of regional councillors.

Buller’s first independent residents’ survey sets a clear benchmark

Buller District Council has received the results of its 2025 Residents’ Survey, providing the first independent, statistically validated insight into how residents across the district perceive Council services, facilities, communication, and overall performance.

Revitalised Westport street flags celebrate youth creativity in Buller

Westport’s new youth-designed street flags are now flying along Palmerston and Brougham Streets, following a special ceremony at the Clocktower Chambers this morning.

Council’s committee structure and meeting schedule to be discussed

Following feedback from councillors, Buller District Council is due to table a refreshed governance structure to improve decision-making, transparency, and community engagement at next week’s full council meeting.

Still time to sign up for free business continuity workshops in Westport

Spaces still remain for businesses in and around Westport to attend free workshops on how to bounce back better from major floods and other emergencies.

Westport’s enhanced evacuation plan endorsed by West Coast Emergency Management Joint Committee

The enhanced Westport Flood: Evacuation Response Plan was endorsed by the West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) Joint Committee at its quarterly meeting today.

Self-evacuation survey results guide plan development

Self-evacuation survey results guide Plan development West Coast Emergency Management thanks the people of Westport and surrounds who contributed to its recent survey into self-evacuation in a flood or other emergency.

Westport wharf repair finalist in Canterbury-Westland Civil Contractors of New Zealand awards

The $6.2 m National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)-funded repair of Westport Harbour’s Holcim No. 2 and Kawatiri wharves was recognised for its excellence, innovation, and collaboration at the Canterbury-Westland Civil Contractors of New Zealand awards, held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on Friday night.

There's still time to tell us about your self-evacuation situation

Residents of greater Westport are being reminded our quick survey on self-evacuation is closing soon.