Kawatiri to depart Westport on Saturday

Westport Harbour's dredge Kawatiri will depart for Australia mid-morning on Saturday 29 August, weather permitting, marking the end of more than four decades of service at Westport Harbour. The public and media are welcome to gather at public viewing areas around the harbour to farewell one of the West Coast's most recognisable maritime vessels.

Before departing, the Kawatiri will undertake dredging work around the Shingle Beach and load sand into her hopper to allow the vessel to sit lower in the water for its voyage across the Tasman. This work is dependent on weather and river swells.

Built in Whangārei in 1979 and part of Westport Harbour since the 1980s, the Kawatiri has been a familiar sight on the Buller River and harbour for generations. Over her working life, the vessel has helped maintain safe navigation through the river entrance and harbour channels by removing sediment deposited by river and coastal processes.

In July 2026, Buller District Council resolved to sell the vessel following consideration of future dredging requirements, limited recent outport work opportunities, increasing maintenance costs and the deteriorating condition of the ageing dredge while laid up.

The Kawatiri's Saturday departure is weather dependent; if delayed, an update will be provided via the Buller District Council Facebook page.
Buller District Mayor Chris Russell said the Kawatiri would be remembered fondly in Buller and across the West Coast.

"The Kawatiri has been much more than a vessel. For decades she has been a familiar and trusted part of harbour operations, helping keep the Port of Westport open and supporting the economic life of Buller and the wider West Coast.

“While the sale reflects changing operational requirements and the realities of maintaining an ageing asset, it does not diminish the Kawatiri's enormous contribution to our region.

“As she heads to Australia, we acknowledge the generations of crew, harbour staff and maritime workers who worked aboard her, and the important role she has played in the story of Westport Harbour."

Departure details

Departure: Mid-morning, Saturday 29 August (weather permitting)

Destination: Australia

Purchaser: Little Big Ships Pty Ltd

About the Kawatiri

The Kawatiri is Westport Harbour's dredge and one of the port's most significant operational assets. Named after the Māori name for the Buller River, the vessel has worked for decades to keep the harbour entrance, and navigation channels open by removing sediment carried downstream and deposited along the coast.

The vessel is 55 metres long, has a hopper capacity of 635 cubic metres and is capable of both trailing suction and grab dredging operations.

-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.