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2026 Westport Ward by-election
This by-election covers the extraordinary vacancy for one councillor to represent the Westport Ward. The extraordinary vacancy has arisen from the resignation of Cr Colin Reidy.
This by-election is required to fill an extraordinary councillor vacancy for the Westport Ward of the Buller District Council. The vacancy has arisen from the recent resignation of Councillor Colin Reidy.
Key dates for the 2026 by-election are:
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Thursday, 9 July 2026 |
Nominations open. Preliminary roll open for inspection |
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Thursday, 16 July 2026 |
Election signs can be displayed (3 months prior to election day) |
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Thursday, 16 July 2026 |
Nominations close at 12 noon. Preliminary electoral roll closes. |
| By 6 August 2026 | Public notice of confirmed candidates(s) and weather election required. |
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IF ELECTION REQUIRED |
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Monday, 14 September 2026 |
Delivery of voting documents commences |
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Thursday, 15 October 2026 |
Election signs to be removed by midnight. |
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Friday, 16 October 2026 |
Election Day (voting closes at 12 noon - counting commences) Progress / preliminary results will be announced as soon as practicable. |
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By Monday, 19 October 2026 |
Official declaration (by close of business) |
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By Monday, 14 December 2026 |
Return of electoral expenses forms required. |
Enrolment
If you are already enrolled as a parliamentary elector you will automatically be placed on Council’s electoral roll. If you need to enrol or update your name or address details, you can:
- Visit vote.nz and use your New Zealand driver license, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity to enrol online
- Call free 0800 36 76 56 and ask for a form to be sent to you
If you’d like help with the enrolment forms and checking your online details, please call into one of our service centres where staff are available to assist you.
For more information about enrolling and voting, including alternative language options:
- Visit vote.nz
- Visit facebook.com/VoteNZ
This by-election covers the extraordinary vacancy for one councillor to represent the Westport Ward. The extraordinary vacancy has arisen from the recent resignation of Cr Colin Reidy.
Check your enrolment details are up-to-date
Click link below to check if your enrolment details are correct or need to be updated online check enrolment details online
The electoral officer for this by-election is Anthony Morton. Anthony is based in Christchurch and works for election management company electionz.com Ltd. The electoral officer can be contacted by phone to 0800 666 048 or email
vote@electionz.com.
The deputy electoral officer for this by-election is Casandra Hutt. Casandra is a Planner for the Buller District Council and is based in Westport. The deputy electoral officer can be contacted by phone to (03) 565 9582 or email elections@bdc.govt.nz .
Candidates handbook and information sheet
A candidate handbook was produced for the 2025 local body elections.
The handbook covers information for candidates including a description of the roles of elected councillors and the council structure, along with general information about candidate eligibility, campaigning requirements, and election offences.
A copy of that handbook is available to download from this page, can be collected from Council offices or can be request from the Electoral Officer on 0800 666 048.
An information sheet has been produced that lists details specific to this by-election. This can be viewed below or be collected from Council offices.
Local Government New Zealand has put together a helpful Candidates' Guide. You can download a free copy by clicking on the link below.
Pre-election Report 2025
This report is a statutory requirement under the Local Government Act, published by all councils prior to each local authority election.
The 2025 Pre-election report was produced for the 2025 local body elections. It provides financial information including plans and forecast expenditure for three years covering 2025/2026 to 2028/2029, along with a review of expenditure in the previous three year.
Further information for candidates
There are set rules and legislative requirements for election signage. The Candidate handbook contains all the details. It is important that candidates read and understand these expectations.
Elected members receive salaries that vary depending on the size of each council. These salaries are set independently by the Remuneration Authority.
The renumeration for the position of a Councilor in the Westport Ward is $34,750 per annum.
Return of electoral donations and expenses
All electorate candidates must file a return of their expenses and donations, even if they didn’t have any expenses or donations.
Candidate returns include donations, anonymous donations, and overseas donations, and election expenses for advertising.
