News

Buller District Council, the Ministry for the Environment, WestReef and the Karamea Waste Management Group (KWMG) are putting the finishing touches on some of the major investments that have recently gone ahead at the Karamea Landfill.

Westport Airport carried out a planned full emergency response exercise on Saturday, 6 April. The weekend’s exercise was a full practical simulation, attended by approximately 60 people.

Buller District Council is undertaking a comprehensive planning process that looks at options and opportunities for the short, medium and long term future of the greater Westport area.

Westport Airport will be carrying out a planned full emergency response exercise this coming weekend, 6-7 April. As the holder of an aerodrome operator certificate issued under Civil Aviation Rule Part 139, Westport Airport is legally required to have an aerodrome emergency response plan in place.

Council will reconsult with the Buller community on the proposed changes to rubbish collection services. Residents can submit their feedback, via online and paper forms from April 12 to May 13, 2024.

Buller District Council is due to begin stormwater betterment works in Coates Street in April to alleviate stormwater ponding in the area.  

Council will come together for a series of additional meetings and workshops in April.

Westport’s essential water infrastructure damaged in the July 2021 and February 2022 severe weather events has now all been repaired as part of a $2.512 million programme of work.

Buller District Council and Smart Environmental Ltd recently completed the first four weeks of this year’s recycling bin audit programme, with the results demonstrating good uptake of the new recycling regulations that came into effect on 1 February by Buller residents.

The West Coast community can give feedback on the Draft West Coast Regional Speed Management Plan (the plan) over the coming four weeks.

Buller District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Pickford as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 25 March 2024, for a five-year term. This appointment follows a comprehensive national search and selection process initiated in December and led by recruitment specialists Sheffield, South Island. The council received 74 applications for the CEO position, highlighting a remarkable pool of high-calibre candidates.

A Sofar Spotter Ocean wave buoy has been purchased by the West Coast Regional Council and will be installed off the coast of Westport this month.

Roading improvements are set to continue on the Karamea Highway, with several new projects commencing this month.

Buller District Council is continuing its involvement in the TUIA programme, with the appointment of Matiu Manuel from Reefton as Kawatiri’s candidate for 2024.

Buller District Council is progressing important design work for planned infrastructure projects in Westport, which will help unlock land for development. The detailed design phase is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.