News

Westport’s new youth-designed street flags are now flying along Palmerston and Brougham Streets, following a special ceremony at the Clocktower Chambers this morning.

Following feedback from councillors, Buller District Council is due to table a refreshed governance structure to improve decision-making, transparency, and community engagement at next week’s full council meeting.

Spaces still remain for businesses in and around Westport to attend free workshops on how to bounce back better from major floods and other emergencies.

The enhanced Westport Flood: Evacuation Response Plan was endorsed by the West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) Joint Committee at its quarterly meeting today.

Self-evacuation survey results guide Plan development West Coast Emergency Management thanks the people of Westport and surrounds who contributed to its recent survey into self-evacuation in a flood or other emergency.

The $6.2 m National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)-funded repair of Westport Harbour’s Holcim No. 2 and Kawatiri wharves was recognised for its excellence, innovation, and collaboration at the Canterbury-Westland Civil Contractors of New Zealand awards, held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on Friday night.

Residents of greater Westport are being reminded our quick survey on self-evacuation is closing soon.

Westport dog owners and their faithful four-legged friends are invited to participate in a series of friendly puppy socialisation groups aimed at developing well-adjusted adult dogs. 

Buller District Mayor-elect Chris Russell has announced his intention to appoint Councillor-elect Shayne Barry as Deputy Mayor of the Buller District Council, subject to formal confirmation at the inaugural council meeting.

The new Buller District Council (BDC) will be sworn in next Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at the Clocktower Chambers in Palmerston Street, Westport.

The Buller Emergency Operations Centre is advising residents in the Buller District to take extra care today as the region experiences both a Yellow Heavy Rain Watch (8 am–6 pm) and a Yellow Strong Wind Watch (9 am–5 pm), while also dealing with the impacts of a widespread power outage affecting much of the top of the South Island.

West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) is continuing to work closely with councils and agencies to monitor the heavy rain and severe gales this week.  

West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) is closely monitoring an incoming weather system expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and hazardous coastal conditions across the region this week.

Is your business ready to respond after a severe flood or other emergency? A new campaign launching this month aims to help more Westport businesses answer that question with confidence.

The wider Westport community is being encouraged to participate in a survey to help gauge their readiness to self-evacuate in a major flood or other emergency.