News

Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library to trial operating hours changes

The popularity of different evening opening hours last year has prompted the Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library to trial slightly adjusted weekday and Saturday opening times. 

BDC Councillors air affordability concerns with government

Buller District councillors yesterday told Department of Internal Affairs representatives they have real concerns about the ability of Buller people to afford increased water charges along with other current Council commitments. 

Council appoints new Risk and Audit Committee Independent Chair

Council has resolved to appoint Rachael Dean as the independent chairperson of its Risk and Audit Committee.   

Refuse bags to stay for another year

People living in in Zone one including Westport, Reefton, and surrounding areas, will continue to dispose of their rubbish using pre-paid rubbish bags until mid-2027. 

EPIC Laneway project not proceeding

The proposed EPIC Laneway project will no longer proceed and $50,000 allocated from the Buller District Council Community-Led Revitalisation Fund will be returned in full. 

Precautionary boil water notice still in place for Reefton

Following the detection of E. coli in the Reefton water supply yesterday and the subsequent boil-water notice issued for the township, the council has carried out further investigations.

Reduced screenings at NBS Theatre due to projector fault

Westport’s NBS Theatre is currently operating at reduced capacity, with the 20-seat Fred Gregory Screen Room out of action due to a projector equipment failure last Thursday. 

Unauthorised access to harbour facilities a significant risk to public safety

Young people swimming over to the jetty in Westport Harbour’s Floating Basin from the boat ramp are putting themselves at risk in a working commercial environment.

Buller District Council considers draft budget for Annual Plan 2026/27

Buller District Council (BDC) held its first public Annual Plan 2026/27 workshop on Wednesday as it continues to develop a draft budget for the Annual Plan 2026/27.

Buller District Council adopts 2023/24 Annual Report

Buller District Council adopted its 2023/24 Annual Report at the full council meeting held this week. 

Joint Resource Consent Application to be lodged for Carters Beach and Upper Buller stopbanks

A combined Resource Consent Application is being lodged today for the Carters Beach and Upper Buller stopbanks near Westport.

Buller believes more detail needed on local government simplification

Buller District Council is open to exploring alternative options for simplifying local government, and its main focus continues to be solutions that work best for Buller people.

Ongoing vandalism of public facilities in Westport a significant cost to ratepayers

An increasing amount of damage to public facilities due to vandalism is being noted around Westport.

Fresh round of recycling bin audits to start in Westport and Reefton

Buller District Council and Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) will be partnering for another round of recycling bin audits, starting on Monday 23 February 2026.

Successful tenderer for O’Conor Home rockwall named

Local West Coast company Rosco Contractors Ltd has successfully tendered to carry out the work to build a rock revetment wall on the Buller River near the O’Conor Home in Westport.