News

Work progresses on joint council-controlled water services organisation

The Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils expect to have a board in place to oversee the set-up of a new West Coast water organisation by autumn.

Separation of stormwater and wastewater services on private property to begin in Roebuck Street catchment

Private property inspections signalling the start of Buller District Council’s stormwater and wastewater separation programme will commence in February 2026.

Granny flats building consent exemption to go live

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) granny flat building consent exemption takes effect tomorrow, Thursday 15 January 2026.

Council to consult community on funding options for stormwater outlets and mobile pumps for Westport flood protection

Council will consult the Buller community in 2026 about funding options for the stormwater outlets and mobile pumps that will form part of Westport’s flood protection scheme.

Councils committed to working with insurers as changes signalled for Westport

West Coast Regional Council and Buller District Council are reassuring home and landowners in the Westport area that conversations with insurers will continue as changes are signalled.

Council makes decision regarding Westport water conservation reserve assessment

Following on from councillors’ December 10 workshop regarding future provisions for Westport’s local purpose water conservation reserve, councillors resolved to decline Stevenson Mining Ltd.’s request to revoke part of the water conservation reserve at this time during yesterday’s full council meeting.

Buller District Council appoints permanent Group Manager Corporate Services

Buller District Council has appointed Lesley Crichton as its permanent Group Manager Corporate Services, following the departure of previous Group Manager Paul Numan in October 2025.

Buller District Council to adopt 2022/23 Annual Report

Buller District Council (BDC) will adopt its 2022/23 Annual Report next week at the full council meeting on 17 December.

Hokitika's Regent Theatre provides interim support for Buller Theatres

On behalf of the NBS Theatre and Reefton Cinema, Buller District Council wishes to advise of the resignation of Theatre Manager, Debbie Crackett.

Outcome of Te Kuha water conservation reserve assessment workshop

Buller District councillors held a workshop yesterday afternoon to discuss future provisions for the Te Kuha water conservation reserve.

Westport’s Master Plan gains national endorsement

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission - Te Waihanga has endorsed Westport's Master Plan in Stage One of the Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP), deeming the project to be nationally important.

Last section of Cats Creek bund has go-ahead

The final ten metres of the Cats Creek bund in Westport will now be completed after agreement was reached with KiwiRail.

Central government’s proposed rates cap

The coalition government has announced a national rates cap of 2–4% per capita, aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and ensuring councils remain focused on essential services and responsible financial management.

Tick of approval for West Coast water plan

The Secretary for Local Government has signed off on the West Coast Water Services Delivery Plan, confirming how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services will be sustainably delivered and funded across the region over the next decade.

Changes to administration of the Resilient Westport Adaptation Relief Fund

Changes to how the Resilient Westport Adaptation Relief Fund will be administered will be discussed at next week’s West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) meeting.