News

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.

Replacement of Mokihinui Campground effluent system set to begin

Construction works for replacement of the sewage treatment system at the Buller District Council-owned Mokihinui Campground are set to start on Monday.

New rating valuations on the way for Buller District

Buller District property owners will soon receive new three-yearly rating valuations in the post.

Community invited to give feedback on Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27

Buller District Council is asking the community for feedback on its Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 between Tuesday, 7 April 2026, and 4:30 pm Tuesday, 5 May 2026. 

Buller approves Coast Water shareholder agreement

Buller District Council (BDC) has approved the draft Coast Waters Ltd Shareholders’ Agreement and Constitution. 

New NZDF planes to visit Westport

Westport Airport runway has been given an early spring-clean in anticipation of a visit by new Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft.