Time for Buller dog owners to prepare for registration 2026-2027
Buller dog owners who have previously registered their dogs in the district will receive their dog registration forms in the mail towards the end of June.
Once owners receive their form, they can call into council’s offices in Westport or Reefton to pay the appropriate registration fee and pick up their new tag, which is green this year.
If owners’ contact information, or the dog’s details have changed, this information can be updated when the registration fee is paid. Common changes that might be necessary include if a dog has been desexed or microchipped, or if owners have gained or lost a canine family member recently. Keeping this information up to date and recording changes of ownership is the responsibility of the dog owner.
Dog owners can provide their email address and consent at registration this year, which will enable their forms to be sent directly via email from registration in 2027 onwards. The payment process can then be completed online via the ‘Do it online’ portal on council’s website - tags will be posted to owners once their online payment has been received. In-person payments will still be accepted at council service centres.
If dogs are not already registered with Buller District Council, forms are not sent automatically. Dogs can be registered at council’s offices in during normal office hours, Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm (Westport) and 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (Reefton).
Dog owners who have recently moved to the district will need to swap their furry friend’s current tag over to a Buller District Council one.
Group Manger Regulatory Services Simon Bastion says: “Prices have increased in line with the annual review process this year, to $80.00 for desexed dogs and $100 for entire dogs. If you use your dog principally for herding or droving stock, it is eligible for the working dog rate: desexed $52.50, or entire $80.00.”
SuperGold card holders can present their card when they come in to pay and receive a 20% discount on their dog registration fees.
Mr Bastion continues: “As an incentive to encourage companion (non-working) dog owners in Buller to pay their registration fees on time this year, every dog registered with us by 31 July 2026 will go in a prize draw to win free dog registration for the remainder of that dog’s life, as long as the dog remains registered in the Buller District. Terms and conditions apply.”
If dog owners are unable to make it to council’s offices during working hours, they can pay online, and tags will be sent out once payment is received. They will need to have the dog owner number from their registration letter handy, as it needs to be entered in the ‘reference’ box on the form.
Dog registration is a legal requirement, and all dogs need to be registered from three months of age. Registrations are renewed throughout New Zealand in June every year.
Key dates for dog registration 2026/27:
End of June 2026: Dog owners who have their dog registered with Buller District Council will receive their dog registration form in their letterbox.
1 July 2026: Dog owners can pay their registration fee and pick up their green tag at council’s offices in Westport or Reefton.
31 July 2026: Dog registration is due.
1 August 2026: A penalty of 50% of the appropriate dog registration fee applies.
Further information can be found on Council’s website: bullerdc.govt.nz/dogs-and-animal-control/dog-registration, by sending an email to info@bdc.govt.nz with the subject line ‘dog registration’ or calling 0800 807 239.
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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.