Request for tenders for the future use of Organs Island

The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) has issued a Request for Tenders (RFT) in relation to Organs Island near Westport.

The land was transferred to WCRC from central government earlier this year. Regional Council was formally vested with management of Organs Island, for the purpose of flood protection.

WCRC Chair Colin Smith says Council is now looking for parties who wish to come up with a land management plan for the approximately 102- hectare area. 

“Council isn’t specifying land use for future tenants. We wish to receive the highest possible revenue from the land. Any financial returns to Council from the use of this land will be ring fenced for Westport flood protection and its ongoing maintenance to relieve rates pressure on the community of Westport.

“Prospective lessees are required to provide a land management plan. This tender is an opportunity to secure approximately 102 hectares of fertile land for an initial 10-year lease. WCRC doesn’t have a 
preferred land use, so a variety of proposals will be considered.”

The RFT was released on 17 August 2026 via the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) and advertised in local papers. Tenders will be open for four weeks (closing on 16 September 2026).

The lease is slightly delayed allowing the current leaseholder to remain on the land until end of season - 31 May 2027.

Organs Island is part of an historic flood overflow from the Buller River to the Orowaiti River. In the July 2021 floods, it overflowed into the Orowaiti Estuary, reaching parts of Westport.

A rock-training wall was rebuilt by WCRC at Organs Island after the floods.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Resilient Westport Communications team
media@resilientwestport.co.nz 

Map showing Organs Island site area: