News

Free puppy socialisation classes available in Westport

Westport dog owners and their faithful four-legged friends are invited to participate in a series of friendly puppy socialisation groups aimed at developing well-adjusted adult dogs. 

Deputy Mayor position proposed for Councillor-elect Shayne Barry

Buller District Mayor-elect Chris Russell has announced his intention to appoint Councillor-elect Shayne Barry as Deputy Mayor of the Buller District Council, subject to formal confirmation at the inaugural council meeting.

Swearing in of Buller’s new council

The new Buller District Council (BDC) will be sworn in next Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at the Clocktower Chambers in Palmerston Street, Westport.

Power outage and severe weather - Buller community urged to limit travel and prepare

The Buller Emergency Operations Centre is advising residents in the Buller District to take extra care today as the region experiences both a Yellow Heavy Rain Watch (8 am–6 pm) and a Yellow Strong Wind Watch (9 am–5 pm), while also dealing with the impacts of a widespread power outage affecting much of the top of the South Island.

Update: Orange heavy rain warning 21 October 2025

West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) is continuing to work closely with councils and agencies to monitor the heavy rain and severe gales this week.  

West Coast communities urged to prepare as severe weather approaches

West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) is closely monitoring an incoming weather system expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and hazardous coastal conditions across the region this week.

Final results for Buller’s 2025 local government elections announced

The final results for the Buller District Council elections held on Saturday 11 October 2025 were made available on council’s website last night.

New campaign to support Westport businesses get ‘flood-ready’

Is your business ready to respond after a severe flood or other emergency? A new campaign launching this month aims to help more Westport businesses answer that question with confidence.

Survey launched to help gauge evacuation readiness of Westport locals

The wider Westport community is being encouraged to participate in a survey to help gauge their readiness to self-evacuate in a major flood or other emergency.

NBS Theatre screenings reduced due to sound processor fault

Westport’s NBS Theatre is currently operating at reduced capacity, with the 55-seat Bill Moffitt Cinema out of action due to its sound processor malfunctioning on Saturday.

Preliminary results for Buller’s 2025 local government elections live

The preliminary results for the Buller District Council elections held on Saturday 11 October 2025 have been released by Electionz.com are available on council’s website today.

Buller District Council’s Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan resigns

Buller District Council (BDC) has today announced the resignation of Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan, for family reasons.

Buller District Council's Residents' Survey on track

Buller District Council is pleased with the strong uptake of its Residents’ Survey, with the target quota of responses met several days ahead of the scheduled closing date.

Buller's local government elections 2025: What to expect on Election Day

Residents and ratepayers wanting to have their say in this year’s local elections have until 12 noon on Saturday 11 October to cast their votes.

Orange weather warning for Buller, Grey and Westland Districts

Heavy rain is forecast for Buller for the 37 hours from 12:00am Friday 10 October until 1:00 pm Saturday 11 October (low chance of upgrading to a red warning).