Special consultative procedure for Westport Flood Protection Scheme gets underway

21 Sep 2026

The month-long Special Consultative Procedure on resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) gets underway today.

The scheme is being delivered by the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC). An extensive review has been carried out in recent months resulting in the need to reset the scheme to deliver a more affordable solution, that still achieves a significant reduction in the flood hazard.

This means considering:
• The impact on rates arising from the increased cost of the scheme
• Changes to the level of flood protection to be delivered for Westport
• Funding flood protection for Carters Beach.

The proposed changes represent a significant variation from what was included in the West Coast Regional Council’s Long-Term Plan (2024-2034) and what was consulted on with the community in 2021. Therefore, additional consultation is required.

The Special Consultative Procedure runs from Monday 21 September until the close of business 21 October 2026. The consultation is open to all, targeting those who live in and around the Westport Rating District. This includes Westport, Carters Beach and Snodgrass Road.

At an extra meeting last week, Regional Councillors resolved to approve the SCP document for community consultation, subject to amendments to the satisfaction of the auditors by Friday 18 September. Auditor’s approval was granted. This independent sign off and review means the auditors are satisfied that the document contains sufficient, clear information on the consultation for anyone forming their submission. Therefore the consultation is proceeding as planned.

The main way to submit is online via: www.wcrc.govt.nz/community/consultation

Those who prefer more traditional methods of submitting can collect and drop off forms at:

  • Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library (87-89 Palmerston Street, Westport)
  • Buller District Council’s Westport Service Centre (6-8 Brougham Street, Westport)
  • Resilient Westport office (147 Palmerston Street, Westport) - During community drop-in sessions.

Copies of the Special Consultative Procedure document, survey forms and sets of Frequently Asked Questions will be available to read or take away.

Members of the public are also invited to community information evenings that will be held on:
Tuesday 22 September 2026* NBS Theatre, 105 Palmerston Street, Westport 6:30pm–7:30pm
*This meeting will also be livestreamed on the West Coast Regional Council YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@westcoastregionalcouncil5171).
Thursday 24 September 2026 NBS Theatre, 105 Palmerston Street, Westport 6:30pm–7:30pm

Information can also be found on the WCRC website and www.resilientwestport.co.nz/special-consultative-procedure

Hearings for submissions will take place on 27 October 2026 in Westport and will be heard by full Council. Submitters can speak to their submissions in person at these hearings, or online.

The results of the SCP will be presented to Council in December 2026 for a decision.

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For further information please contact:
Media enquiries: comms@wcrc.govt.nz
media@resilientwestport.co.nz