This page displays media releases published during the previous 12-months. If you need older media releases, please contact Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz.
News
23 Sep 2026
Consultation is underway for the Special Consultative Procedure on resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS).
21 Sep 2026
The month-long Special Consultative Procedure on resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) gets underway today.
18 Sep 2026
Buller District Council (BDC) is reminding residents to dispose of car batteries safely following a recent near-miss incident at the Westport Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
Buller District Council's Annual Report 2025/26 on track for publication
Buller District Council (BDC) is making steady progress towards adopting its 2025/26 Annual Report, ahead of the 31 October deadline.
Regional councillors give the conditional go-ahead for Westport Flood Protection Scheme consultation
West Coast Regional councillors voted at an Extraordinary Council meeting today to approve the adoption of a Special Consultative Procedure (SCP) on resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS), subject to a final Auditor’s Report by Friday 18 September 2026.
In memory of former councillor Graeme Neylon
Buller District Council extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former councillor Graeme Neylon, a much-valued stalwart of the Reefton and Inangahua community.
Paws for applause: winner of council’s dog registration competition announced
Buller District Council’s Animal Management team is pleased to announce a winner has been drawn in this year’s inaugural dog registration competition.
An Extraordinary Council meeting will be held next week for West Coast Regional councillors to consider the next steps in resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS).
Regional Council philosophical about funding setback
The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) is remaining resolute in its determination to deliver flood protection for Carters Beach after a recent government decision not to allocate Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) funding to the stopbank.
Council newsletters
Connect is published monthly and delivered via email straight to your inbox. Free print copies are available at Council’s libraries and service centres in Westport and Reefton and selected regional outlets.
Connect is a great way to stay up to date with what Council is doing in our community.
Buller responds to orange weather warning
West Coast Emergency Management monitored and responded to yesterday's orange heavy rain warning, with local Emergency Response Teams, partner agencies, and emergency management staff remaining vigilant throughout the event.
New variable speed limits to be introduced around Buller schools in September
Buller District Council is introducing 30 km/h variable speed limits outside all schools in the Buller District to improve safety for students during drop off and pick up times.
Kawatiri dredge sale reduces costs and risk for ratepayers
Buller District Council has completed the sale of the Kawatiri dredge, removing substantial ongoing costs and reducing the financial risks associated with retaining the ageing vessel.
Funding certainty and ratepayer relief for Karamea road through to 2030
Buller District Council has welcomed confirmation that the Karamea Special Purpose Road will continue to receive a 100% NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Funding Assistance Rate through to 2030.
Commitment to flood protection for Snodgrass Road reiterated
The West Coast Regional Council wants to categorically assure the Westport community that Council is committed to building structural flood protection at Snodgrass Road, and the money pledged by local businesses last year will be shared evenly between Carters Beach and Snodgrass Road.
Consultation dates for feedback on the Westport Flood Protection Scheme reset confirmed
A Special Consultative Procedure on the changes proposed to the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS) will begin on 21 September 2026.