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.

Fifteen people have chosen to speak to their submissions during the two days of hearings scheduled for next week.

Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “Councillors will next week review the submissions and listen to the speakers so they can understand people’s concerns, suggestions and feedback. Then they will make decisions about all the matters raised.”

As part of the consultation for the Draft Annual Plan 2026/27, council sought feedback from the community about proceeding with Westport’s stormwater integration project in the 2027 financial year. The $8.7m project funding is shared between Regional Infrastructure Fund ($5,271,735, 60% of the project cost) and the council ($3,494,490, 40%).

Fifty-one submitters responded to this question. Of these, 43% (22) indicated a preference for council to co-fund and upgrade the stormwater network prior to the floodwalls being constructed and 57% (29) submitters indicated they prefer for council not to co-fund and not upgrade the stormwater system.

Submitters outlined various reasons for supporting the co-funding, including the upgrade's effects, its importance, the current problematic situation, and the critical timing of the investment.

Fifty-one comments were received from people who provided further feedback to their submissions. These comments covered a wide range of topics. The Mokihinui Ratepayers Association raised Mokihinui water supply issues, and this submission was supported by 24 submitters.

The staff report recommended adding $225,000 back into the infrastructure repair and maintenance budget to ensure the ongoing upkeep of council assets and facilities. Staff also recommend reestablishing two roles that were removed from the draft budget.

Council has published the individual submissions, submission attachments, the submission analysis, and a council report on its website and on Let’s talk Buller.

The Annual Plan 2026/27 will be adopted at the ordinary council meeting on 30 June and will be effective from 1 July 2026.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.