This page displays media releases covering governance and Council decisions published during the previous 12-months. If you need older media releases, please contact Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz.
Governance and Council decisions
23 Oct 2026
Buller District Council's 2025 – 26 Annual Report highlights progress on essential infrastructure, community facilities and emergency preparedness, while identifying areas where services and performance need to improve.
23 Oct 2026
The final result for Buller District Council’s Westport Ward By-election that closed on Friday 16 October 2026 was made available on council’s website on Monday night.
05 Oct 2026
Buller District Council has recently conducted an appointment process for directors of its Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), Buller Holdings Limited (BHL).
Voters have two weeks left to vote in the Westport Ward by-election
Voting for the Westport Ward by-election is well underway, with two weeks to go until voting closes on Friday 16 October. Voters will elect one new councillor for the Westport Ward in the by-election.
Buller District Council's Annual Report 2025/26 on track for publication
Buller District Council (BDC) is making steady progress towards adopting its 2025/26 Annual Report, ahead of the 31 October deadline.
In memory of former councillor Graeme Neylon
Buller District Council extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former councillor Graeme Neylon, a much-valued stalwart of the Reefton and Inangahua community.
Kawatiri dredge sale reduces costs and risk for ratepayers
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.
Kawatiri to depart Westport on Saturday
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 welcomes clarity on Westport flood protection scheme but concerns remain
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.
Council newsletters
Connect is published monthly and delivered via email straight to your inbox. Free print copies are available at Council’s libraries and service centres in Westport and Reefton and selected regional outlets.
Connect is a great way to stay up to date with what Council is doing in our community.
West Coast leaders reaffirm commitment to regional local government reform
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.
Nomination period for Westport Ward by-election closing Thursday
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
West Coast Head Start Proposal to be submitted to Government
The West Coast Head Start Outline Proposal will be submitted to the Government's Head Start local government reform programme following decisions by the Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils today.
The Buller District Council (BDC) has resolved to sell the Kawatiri dredge and has a company interested in buying it
West Coast Councils receive Head Start briefing ahead of decision
Elected members from Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils today took part in Head Start workshops ahead of formal decisions on whether to submit the West Coast's Head Start Outline Proposal to Government at their respective council meetings on 3 August.
By-election dates confirmed for Westport Ward
A by-election will be held for Buller District Council’s Westport Ward to fill the seat left by the recent resignation of former councillor Colin Reidy.