Senior housing rents to increase

20 Mar 2026

Buller District Council is increasing rents for most of its senior housing units from the start of July this year, following a Council resolution to that effect in July last year. 

Staff visited all senior housing tenants last year to give them correct and updated information when the possibility of rates increases were being discussed. All senior housing tenants have been visited in person again recently to outline the new rents.   

Council Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says “Council has tried to hold rents for as long as possible. While we are committed to maintaining a safe and sustainable portfolio of senior housing, we also have to be mindful of the financial impact on all ratepayers and provide a more cost-neutral Senior Housing service. 

“We have been talking with the local Ministry of Social Development (MSD) branch and they are available to discuss how additional financial support might be available to benefit individual tenants,” she says. 

MSD has provided information for tenants and set up two drop-in sessions about how they may be able to help.  Tenants can also call or visit them any time during business hours. 

New rent prices will be set at:  

  • Single bedroom unit (single occupancy): $250 per week, up 52% from $165 per week currently 
  • Double bedroom unit (single or couple occupancy): $250 per week, up 16% from $215 per week currently 
  • Two & three bedroom units (single, couple or shared occupancy): $300 per week, up 3% from $290 per week currently.

The increase will not immediately affect tenants who have been in BDC units for less than 12 months or who were relocated from Council’s Russell Street units in 2025.  Their rents will be adjusted in 2027.  

There are no changes to garage rentals (where available) of $10 pw. 

Buller District Council has 33 suitable and compliant senior housing units, 15 based in Westport, 14 in Reefton and four in Karamea. 

"Staff will keep in touch with tenants and plan to revisit them before the rent increase starts in July,” Ms Trigg says. 

-ENDS- 

For further information please contact:  

Community Engagement Team   
Buller District Council  

Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz   

Disclaimer 

The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.