News
West Coast communities invited to discuss the future of local government
From Karamea to Haast, West Coast communities are being invited to help shape the future of local government on the Coast.
Are there too many Councils 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.
Solar power set up for community facilities
Work has started on the installation of solar power at key Buller community facilities.
Buller District Council responds to WCRC Abatement Notices
The Buller District Council (BDC) has received West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) Abatement Notices relating to wastewater discharges in both Reefton and Westport.
Council launches Draft Reserves Management Plan 2026 consultation
Buller District Council has published its Draft Reserve Management Plan 2026 and is seeking community feedback on the future management of council-administered parks and recreational reserves in Buller.
Annual Plan deliberations: Senior rent rises deferred, stormwater to go ahead
Senior housing rent rises planned for July this year will be deferred to the 2027-2037 Long-Term Plan, the Buller District Council decided during last week’s 26/27 Annual Plan deliberations.
Slight improvement, but bins still dirty
Buller District Council’s recycling bin audit programme has shown a reduction in contamination across the district but needs further improvement, staff say.
West Coast councils consider collective approach to Head Start process
West Coast councils will, over the next two weeks, consider a coordinated regional approach to enter into the Government’s Head Start local government reform process.
Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 submissions to be considered next week
Buller District Council will meet next week to consider 69 submissions on the Draft Annual Plan 2026/27.
Mayor praises significant housing deal
Buller’s deal with the government for 20 homes at an average cost of $60,000 is a huge boon for the community, Mayor Chris Russell says.
Short-term relief announced for Originair’s Westport-Wellington flight service
An interim agreement allowing the vital air service between Westport and Wellington to continue has been struck, with support from Development West Coast (DWC) and consideration from Government.
Healthy interest in Coast Waters governance
Fifty people have applied from around New Zealand to be one of three directors for the new joint West Coast council-controlled organisation for Local Water Done Well - Coast Waters Ltd.
Council boosts e-waste recycling with more device types now accepted
The e-waste recycling initiative Buller District Council runs in partnership with Smart Environmental Ltd and TechCollect NZ is expanding - from 1 May 2026, Buller residents can recycle a wider range of devices, including mobile phones and DVD players.
Council approves Gambling Venues Policy
Buller District Council (BDC) approved the new Gambling Venues Policy at its Regulatory and Hearing Committee Meeting on 22 April 2026.
Good showing from Westport residents keen to hear about flood evacuation preparedness
A public meeting in Westport last night attracted around 150 locals to hear about the Westport Emergency Management environment and enhanced evacuation planning for the area.