Subcommittees

Council has eleven Reserve and Hall Subcommittees that work with the Council to manage the many reserves and halls in our district.

What is the role of subcommittees?

Council has eleven Reserve and Hall Subcommittees that work with the Council to manage the many reserves and halls in our district.

They operate campgrounds and community halls and manage community reserves, are involved in the development of Reserve Management Plans, and deal with a wide range of issues and responsibilities. They bring a local voice and provide general guidance and support for Council regarding how these community facilities are maintained and developed.

Subcommittees are included within the Council’s Governance Structure and ensure that decisions are made at a local level. Council staff liaise with the subcommittees and provide support.

Reserve and Hall Subcommittees provide a formal way for community members to actively participate in the governance and oversight of Council-owned halls and reserves. Through local knowledge, commitment, and collaboration, subcommittees help ensure these spaces are maintained, developed, and used in ways that reflect community needs and aspirations.

How do I join a subcommittee?

You can use the online form or alternatively use the paper form and return it to one of our service centers in Westport and Reefton.

Residents can submit their expressions of interest to join either of the subcommittees at anytime. The Community Committee will consider all expressions of interest and appoint members at their next meeting.

Join one of our subcommittees

Frequenty asked questions

Find out more about subcommittees below or read our Subcommittee Handbook 2026

What is a subcommittee and where does it fit?

Reserve and Hall Subcommittees were formed by Buller District Council to aid in managing specific reserves and halls for the local community.

They operate with Council support and serve as subcommittees of the Community Services Committee. Subcommittees provide a formal way for community members to participate in the governance, care, development, and oversight of Council-owned community assets.

Through this structure, subcommittees work in partnership with Council to ensure reserves and halls are maintained, used, and developed in a way that reflects community needs and Council obligations.

How is a subcommittee formed?

Buller District Council calls for expressions of interest after each triennial general election and accepts them throughout the year.

Community members who live in the local area, are nominated by at least two residents or ratepayers from that area, and have skills, attributes, or knowledge that will support the subcommittee’s work may be appointed as members.

Subcommittees carry over each triennium and are not disbanded after Council elections. This means existing members do not need to reapply every three years unless they decide to step down. Members may resign during a term. All resignations are formally resolved at a subcommittee meeting and acknowledged by the Community Services
Committee.

What are the roles and responsibilities of subcommittees?

Reserve and Hall Subcommittees are responsible for providing local governance and oversight of Council-owned halls, reserves and campgrounds. Their role is to support the sustainable management and use of these assets for the benefit of the local community and the wider district.

The role of Reserve and Hall Subcommittees includes:

Managing the reserve, hall or campground in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977
Making recommendations to Council on maintenance, improvements, and asset needs
Developing and approving an annual budget

Through these responsibilities, subcommittees help shape community and recreational spaces while ensuring decisions align with Council policies, Reserves Management Plans, Asset Management Plans and legislative requirements.

What members and roles make up the subcommittee?

Each Reserve and Hall Subcommittee is made up of: