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
17 Sep 2026
Buller District Council (BDC) is making steady progress towards adopting its 2025/26 Annual Report, ahead of the 31 October deadline.
15 Sep 2026
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.
04 Sep 2026
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.
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.
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 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.
Buller District Council yesterday adopted a 5.8% overall increase in total rates, deferred senior housing rent rises and proceeding with Westport’s stormwater integration project next year as they finalised the Annual Plan 2026/27.
Westport Ward councillor resigns
Councillor Colin Reidy has resigned as an elected member of the Westport Ward, effective immediately.