News

Buller District Council is introducing 30 km/h variable speed limits outside all schools in the Buller District to improve safety for students during drop off and pick up times.

Buller District Council has completed the sale of the Kawatiri dredge, removing substantial ongoing costs and reducing the financial risks associated with retaining the ageing vessel. 

Buller District Council has welcomed confirmation that the Karamea Special Purpose Road will continue to receive a 100% NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Funding Assistance Rate through to 2030.

The West Coast Regional Council wants to categorically assure the Westport community that Council is committed to building structural flood protection at Snodgrass Road, and the money pledged by local businesses last year will be shared evenly between Carters Beach and Snodgrass Road.

A Special Consultative Procedure on the changes proposed to the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) will begin on 21 September 2026.

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.

Buller District Council has welcomed a briefing from West Coast Regional Council [WCRC] on the proposed reset of the Westport Flood Protection Scheme but says significant questions remain around affordability, delivery risks and the time taken to reach this point.

At an Extraordinary Council meeting today West Coast Regional councillors were given an update on the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) and voted to approve the next set of actions to progress the reset of the scheme.

A section of Stephen Road will be strengthened and resealed, with works scheduled to commence in September.

The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) has issued a Request for Tenders (RFT) in relation to Organs Island near Westport.

Buller District Council (BDC) has welcomed the West Coast Regional Council’s (WCRC) decision to cancel the abatement notice for the Reefton Wastewater Treatment Plant and extend the timeframe for the Westport notice while further upgrades are completed.

Buller District Council’s collaborative project to install photovoltaic (solar power) systems and battery banks at key community buildings throughout the district has come to fruition, with the official handover of the completed venture taking place at Westport’s NBS Theatre on Wednesday last week.

The Mayors, Chairs and Iwi Forum (MCIF) has reaffirmed its commitment to progressing the West Coast Head Start local government reform proposal, following decisions made by the region's councils this week. 

The Little Wanganui Bridge is scheduled to undergo safety improvements in late 2026 to extend the bridge’s service life and load-carrying capacity, allowing it to accommodate a wider range of vehicle types and transportation activities.

With less than two days until the nomination period closes, no nominations have yet been submitted for the vacant Westport Ward councillor position. Buller District Council Electoral Officer Anthony Morton is encouraging those intending to submit a nomination to do so as soon as possible to allow time for documents to be checked