News

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.

Reduce speed to save lives in Buller

Driving within speed limits on state highways to save lives will be the main focus for the Buller part of the national Better Together campaign.

Westport flood evacuation preparedness campaign gathers momentum

Encouraging the people of Westport and surrounds to think ahead in the face of a flooding emergency is at the heart of a campaign being promoted this week. This includes an opportunity to find out more at a public event at the NBS Theatre on the evening of 23 April 2026.