Long-Term Plan 2025-2034

Buller District Council’s plan for the next nine years is called the Long-Term Plan (LTP), covering the years 2025–2034. It is Council’s guiding document, and it has an impact on everyone who lives in our district.

The LTP outlines Council's goals, what Council aims to do, and how we plan to pay for what we will deliver to our community. It also identifies the significant big-picture drivers behind our actions, which are captured in our vision, and the Community Outcomes. It gives the reasons behind what we do, includes the actions we commit to, tells you how much that will cost and how we plan to pay for it.

Have you ever wondered why Council invested in that water pipe? This document explains why, how much we intend to spend on it and when that pipe should go into the ground.

We revisit this document every three years and set the course for the following decade. The community was invited to provide feedback on any part of the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 during the consultation period between 25 April and 26 May 2025.

Council received 336 submissions on the Draft LTP 2025-2034 and 38 funding requests from a variety of community groups for one-off or annual funding. 60 people spoke to their submissions during the two days of hearings on 9-10 June, 22 in support of their funding requests, with the balance speaking to their individual LTP submissions.

Council has published the funding requests, individual submissions and a consultation report analysing the submissions on this page.

Deliberations were held on 11 and 12 June and resulted in the proposed general rates increase of 5.95% and a total rates movement of 6.43%. This indicative rate informed the preparation of the final Long-Term Plan document.

Buller District Council adopted the recommendation for a 6.43% increase in total rates for the 2025-2026 financial year at the full council meeting on 30 June, as part of the Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 approval process. The Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 takes effect on 1 July 2025.

We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback during this consultation. Councillors will review the submissions and hear from submitters to understand people’s concerns, suggestions, and feedback during the hearings and deliberations.

Buller District Council’s plan for the next nine years is called the Long-Term Plan (LTP), covering the years 2025–2034. It is Council’s guiding document, and it has an impact on everyone who lives in our district.

The LTP outlines Council's goals, what Council aims to do, and how we plan to pay for what we will deliver to our community. It also identifies the significant big-picture drivers behind our actions, which are captured in our vision, and the Community Outcomes. It gives the reasons behind what we do, includes the actions we commit to, tells you how much that will cost and how we plan to pay for it.

Have you ever wondered why Council invested in that water pipe? This document explains why, how much we intend to spend on it and when that pipe should go into the ground.

We revisit this document every three years and set the course for the following decade. The community was invited to provide feedback on any part of the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 during the consultation period between 25 April and 26 May 2025.

Council received 336 submissions on the Draft LTP 2025-2034 and 38 funding requests from a variety of community groups for one-off or annual funding. 60 people spoke to their submissions during the two days of hearings on 9-10 June, 22 in support of their funding requests, with the balance speaking to their individual LTP submissions.

Council has published the funding requests, individual submissions and a consultation report analysing the submissions on this page.

Deliberations were held on 11 and 12 June and resulted in the proposed general rates increase of 5.95% and a total rates movement of 6.43%. This indicative rate informed the preparation of the final Long-Term Plan document.

Buller District Council adopted the recommendation for a 6.43% increase in total rates for the 2025-2026 financial year at the full council meeting on 30 June, as part of the Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 approval process. The Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 takes effect on 1 July 2025.

We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback during this consultation. Councillors will review the submissions and hear from submitters to understand people’s concerns, suggestions, and feedback during the hearings and deliberations.

  • Buller District Council adopts 2025-2034 Long-Term Plan

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    Buller District Council adopted the recommendation for a 6.43% increase in total rates for the 2025-2026 financial year at yesterday’s full council meeting, as part of the Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 approval process.

    The Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 and related consultation document was adopted by council on 23 April 2025 and made publicly available for consultation from 25 April to 26 May 2025.

    Deliberations were held on 11 and 12 June and resulted in the proposed general rates increase of 5.95% and a total rates movement of 6.43%. This indicative rate informed the preparation of the final Long-Term Plan document.

    The

    Buller District Council adopted the recommendation for a 6.43% increase in total rates for the 2025-2026 financial year at yesterday’s full council meeting, as part of the Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 approval process.

    The Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 and related consultation document was adopted by council on 23 April 2025 and made publicly available for consultation from 25 April to 26 May 2025.

    Deliberations were held on 11 and 12 June and resulted in the proposed general rates increase of 5.95% and a total rates movement of 6.43%. This indicative rate informed the preparation of the final Long-Term Plan document.

    The proposed general rates portion of the increase is driven by a reduction of the shareholder dividend received from Buller Holdings Limited. Previously, council budgeted $1.3m for this, however due to ongoing challenges, $800,000 has now been budgeted for the 2025-26 financial year.

    Mayor Jamie Cleine says “This rate increase will take effect for the 2025-2026 rating year. The adjustment is seen as necessary to ensure our levels of service remain the same, as council realises this is of key importance to the community. The budget has had a clear focus on ensuring the core services are maintained and meet the requirements of government legislation.”

    A lot of the decision making for this Long-Term Plan was carried out at the deliberations stage. Some of the key decisions were as follows:

    • Council chose a targeted rate for Westport and Carters Beach residents connected to the Westport Wastewater Treatment plant for the separation of stormwater cross connections
    • Council opted to remove the $6.1 million budget for the replacement of the EOC and Brougham House buildings from years two and three of the LTP but did approve $126,000 for a scoping study regarding the replacement of these buildings.
    • Council decided to become a guarantor of the Local Government Funding Authority (LGFA), which opens up around a $100,000 saving for the next financial year. This money has been allocated to fund further repairs and maintenance for community halls.
    • Council approved the purchase of compactors for the Westport and Reefton Transfer Station waste facilities.
    • Council approved the capital budget for the extension of Westport’s drinking water trunk main from Queen Street to Alma Road and approved committing to the works necessary to re-establish of the water supply’s North Branch/tunnel lining.
    • Council approved the funding of end-user self-treatment devices for the district’s untreated drinking water supplies in Waimangaroa, Mōkihinui and Little Wanganui, providing they meet the requirements of the legislation that will be outlined later this year.
    • Council approved replacement of the Riley Place Pump Station and related pipe network, which forms part of Westport’s wastewater network.

    There were two supporting documents adopted as part of the meeting: the 30-year Infrastructure Strategy, and the Finance Strategy.

    The new net debt limit set for council in the Financial Strategy is $57.4 million. This is due to an increase in overall costs and ongoing legislative requirements.

    Council’s new fees and charges were approved previously but received final sign off during the meeting. As part of the setting of these charges, council aimed to ensure that there is a key focus on the ‘user pays’ element.

    Due to the timing of decisions relating to Local Water Done Well, the Council’s auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), have issued an adverse opinion. Council prepared its financial statements using the best information available on Local Water Done Well at the time the Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 was drafted. This outcome is consistent with many other New Zealand councils.

    Council also adopted a revised set of key performance indicators (KPIs) for Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford. These indicators allow council to measure the CEO’s performance and focus on significant decisions that have come out of the Long-Term Plan deliberations and other key tasks.

    “We understand the very real challenges the Buller community is currently facing with the rising costs of living, and going forward, will do all that is possible to balance delivery of essential services with affordability” concludes Mayor Cleine.

  • Outcomes from deliberations: Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034

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    Buller District Council has successfully concluded its deliberations on the 2025-2034 Draft Long-Term Plan.

    The draft plan documents were adopted at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 23 April 2025 and made available for public review.

    Following an extensive consultation period from 25 April to 26 May 2024, the community was invited to present their feedback in person during public hearings held between 9-10 June.

    Throughout the consultation period, council actively engaged with the community. Public drop-in sessions and meetings were held across various locations, information was presented in the district wide Connect newsletters and council’s online survey

    Buller District Council has successfully concluded its deliberations on the 2025-2034 Draft Long-Term Plan.

    The draft plan documents were adopted at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 23 April 2025 and made available for public review.

    Following an extensive consultation period from 25 April to 26 May 2024, the community was invited to present their feedback in person during public hearings held between 9-10 June.

    Throughout the consultation period, council actively engaged with the community. Public drop-in sessions and meetings were held across various locations, information was presented in the district wide Connect newsletters and council’s online survey portal, Let’s Talk Buller was also available, providing relevant information and assisting the submission of feedback.

    This extensive engagement process ensured that the council received a wide range of perspectives and insights from members of the community.

    In response to the feedback received, council has made several key decisions.

    • Wastewater/stormwater separation – this will be covered by a targeted rate for the areas affected by this issue, which are Westport and Carters Beach.

    • Becoming a guarantor of the Local Government Funding Authority (LGFA) – council agreed to become a guarantor of the LGFA, which opens up around a $100,000 saving for the next financial year. This money has been allocated to fund further repairs and maintenance for community halls.

    • Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations – council approved the purchase of the compactors for both these facilities.

    • Brougham House and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) – council removed the budget for the replacement of these buildings, but did reserve $126,000 for a scoping exercise in 2025/26.

    • Westport drinking water trunk main extension – council approved the capital budget for the extension of the trunk main from Queen Street to Alma Road.

    • Westport drinking water: re-establishment of the North Branch/tunnel lining – Council approved committing to this work.

    • Untreated drinking water supplies: Waimangaroa, Mōkihinui and Little Wanganui – council approved the funding for end-user self-treatment devices, providing they meet the requirements of the legislation that will be outlined later this year.

    • Westport wastewater: Riley Place Pump Station and pipe network replacement – council has approved this work.

    In another significant move, council has reviewed the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC), which will increase from $580 to $600.

    Deliberations were held on 11 and 12 June, where grant requests for funding in the next financial year were also discussed and approved.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “The final proposed rates movement for 2025-2026 is 5.95%. The new indicative rate will guide the preparation of the final Long-Term Plan document, which is scheduled for adoption on 30 June 2025.

    These outcomes reflect council’s ongoing commitment to being open, accountable, and responsive to the community’s needs and concerns.”

    The Long-Term Plan will take effect from 1 July 2025.

    -ENDS-

    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.

  • Draft Long-Term Plan submissions to be considered next week

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    Buller District Council will come together next week to consider 336 submissions on the Draft Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2025-2034.

    Council will also take into account 38 funding requests made by a variety of community groups for one-off or annual funding.

    Sixty people have chosen to speak to their submissions during the two days of hearings scheduled for next week. 22 will speak in support of their funding requests, with the balance speaking to their individual LTP submissions.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback during this consultation. We were

    Buller District Council will come together next week to consider 336 submissions on the Draft Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2025-2034.

    Council will also take into account 38 funding requests made by a variety of community groups for one-off or annual funding.

    Sixty people have chosen to speak to their submissions during the two days of hearings scheduled for next week. 22 will speak in support of their funding requests, with the balance speaking to their individual LTP submissions.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback during this consultation. We were pleased with the number of submissions received. This year, we introduced a dedicated form for funding requests to ensure consistency in the information provided. This supports councillors in making wellinformed decisions and enhances administrative efficiency by streamlining the way data is collated and presented.”

    Council has published the funding requests, individual submissions and a consultation report analysing the submissions on the Buller District Council website.

    Mr Pickford says: “Councillors’ focus for the coming week will be to review the submissions and hear from submitters so they can understand people’s concerns, suggestions and feedback.”

    The hearings and deliberations will take place at the Clocktower Chambers in Palmerston Street. On Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 June, council will listen to people who wish to speak to their submission. On Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June, council will discuss the submissions during deliberations. Proceedings for both will be livestreamed to council’s YouTube channel, Buller District Council.

    Mr Pickford highlights “It has been an enormous task to collate the submissions, analyse the data, summarise the feedback and organise the hearings. It was great to use council’s engagement platform Let's talk Buller to its full potential. This enabled staff to carry out a much more thorough and efficient analysis of the large number of comments and get the information to elected members and the public quickly.”

    After the hearings, councillors will discuss the submissions and funding requests during two days of deliberations and make any necessary changes to the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034.

    The Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 will be adopted at the extraordinary council meeting on 30 June and be effective from 1 July 2025.

    Further information will be released after the hearings and deliberations have been completed next week.

    -ENDS

    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.

  • Stormwater and wastewater cross-connections in Carters Beach and Westport

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    In response to recent letters to the editor in the Westport News, Buller District Council (BDC) would like to make the following clarification:

    Carters Beach stormwater system

    The Carters Beach stormwater system consists of a mix of roadside sumps and soakage pits, alongside a pipe network that discharges into a water course approximately 100 metres from the State Highway on Brunings Road.

    The piped stormwater network, installed in 2006, is a gravity fed system that does not incur any pumping costs. It is not connected to the wastewater network.

    Most of the BDC-owned water infrastructure has been GIS mapped and

    In response to recent letters to the editor in the Westport News, Buller District Council (BDC) would like to make the following clarification:

    Carters Beach stormwater system

    The Carters Beach stormwater system consists of a mix of roadside sumps and soakage pits, alongside a pipe network that discharges into a water course approximately 100 metres from the State Highway on Brunings Road.

    The piped stormwater network, installed in 2006, is a gravity fed system that does not incur any pumping costs. It is not connected to the wastewater network.

    Most of the BDC-owned water infrastructure has been GIS mapped and is available to be viewed by the public via WestMaps, using this link: https://gis.westcoast.govt.nz/WestMaps/. This includes the Carters Beach system.

    Carters Beach is also serviced by a piped wastewater network, which can overflow in certain conditions, often due to heavy rain. Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), council has a duty to avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse environmental effects, so any such discharges must be authorised.

    Wastewater and stormwater cross-connections

    Buller District Council is currently seeking to renew its lapsed resource consents to allow discharges from sewer pump stations into the adjacent rivers. Unfortunately, a number of properties in Westport and Carters Beach were built with roof and/or surface water draining into the sewer system - these ‘cross-connections’ are a primary reason for pump station overflows during rain events. Many of these cross-connections were put in place prior to the wastewater treatment plant’s commissioning in May 2007 and some of the cross-connections were built as a requirement in earlier times.

    To renew consents for the wastewater overflows, BDC is working with the West Coast Regional Council and iwi to develop conditions suitable for those discharges.

    Currently, the overflows occur at a frequency that the district and regional councils and iwi find unacceptable. The parties have agreed in principle for BDC to remove stormwater cross-connections over the next ten years as part of the consent renewal process. It is mandatory for council to comply with all conditions of consent.

    As part of BDC’s Long-Term Plan (LTP), we are asking residents to give their views on how council should fund this work. Many options were considered, and two feasible options have been put forward.

    1. A targeted rate for properties in the Westport and Carters Beach area (i.e. all properties connected to the wastewater network).
    2. A general rate for all Buller properties.

    Details around these options are available in the LTP and related documents.

    It has been suggested that BDC ‘does nothing’. If that was the case, we would expect to be prosecuted by the WCRC under the RMA. Fines under the RMA are significant, and should a prosecution occur, BDC would not only have to pay fines and legal costs, but it would still be required to complete the separation works.

    The Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant has significant capacity for growth once cross-connections are removed, and this is demonstrated during spells of fine weather when no overflows or capacity issues occur. The Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant currently runs at less than 50% capacity during dry weather.

    Completing our work to remove cross connections will have a significant impact on minimising the frequency of overflows; significantly reduce our operating costs by not paying to pump large volumes of stormwater; will delay any expensive expansion of the Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant and (most importantly), prevent sewage, detergents, chemicals and other ‘nasties’ from entering our rivers and reaching our beaches.

    Council encourages active debate around funding options for stormwater separation and invites residents to have their say through the Long-Term Plan process.

    -ENDS-

    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.

  • Council launches Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 consultation

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    Buller District Council is asking the community for feedback on its Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 (LTP) between Friday, 25 April 2025, and 4:30 pm Monday, 26 May 2025.

    The Long-Term Plan (LTP) is council's roadmap for the next nine years (2025-2034). It sets out council's priorities, the services and projects it will deliver, and how it will fund them. This plan affects everyone who lives in the Buller District, shaping the future of the community and the services everyone relies on.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford emphasises council’s commitment to prudent financial planning.

    Buller District Council is asking the community for feedback on its Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 (LTP) between Friday, 25 April 2025, and 4:30 pm Monday, 26 May 2025.

    The Long-Term Plan (LTP) is council's roadmap for the next nine years (2025-2034). It sets out council's priorities, the services and projects it will deliver, and how it will fund them. This plan affects everyone who lives in the Buller District, shaping the future of the community and the services everyone relies on.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford emphasises council’s commitment to prudent financial planning. He states: “Developing a no-frills budget that enables council to deliver the same level of existing services was the primary focus when developing the financial framework for the next nine years.

    Council has carefully considered several key issues. Balancing the affordability and appropriateness of services, addressing the uncertainty of legislative changes, reacting to the sharp increases in the costs of delivering services, and maintaining and improving council assets and infrastructure to comply with legal requirements have been key considerations when putting our roadmap together for the next nine years.”

    Council’s consultation document identifies a number of important decisions and key projects that will either impact rates, or how council delivers a particular service to the Buller community.

    “A key issue we want to get feedback on is how to fund the separation of Westport’s wastewater and stormwater. In the consultation document, we present two options to the community to finance this essential work, renewing our wastewater consent for Westport and Carters Beach.”

    Council is currently in the process of renewing its resource consent with the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) for Westport’s combined wastewater and stormwater overflows into the Buller River. Under the Resource Management Act, council must have a resource consent to discharge treated wastewater into any river or other water body.

    The Draft Long-Term Plan proposes an average general rate increase of 5.5% in 2025/2026. General rates are proposed to increase on average 5.6% over the nine years of the plan, with specific increases tied to the funding of key projects and services.

    Targeted rates for recycling collection, wastewater and drinking water are predicted to increase in varying degrees.

    Council plans to deliver a works programme of $86.11 million in roading, $8.11 million in stormwater, $21.79 million in wastewater and $32.41 million in drinking water over the next nine years.

    The works programme is where council renews or replaces ageing infrastructure, i.e. roads and pipes to ensure that we can continue to deliver the services required by the community.

    Council has also begun to explore options for managing the district’s drinking water, stormwater and wastewater in the future, as required under the Local Water Done Well legislation.

    Mr Pickford says: “We anticipate that we will ask the community for feedback on the different options for delivering our water services in May this year.”

    Debt is expected to reach a maximum of $60 million in 2027/28.

    The Consultation Document, the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034, submission forms and further information are available online via Let’s Talk Buller or at council’s offices and libraries, the Karamea Information Centre, and the Northern Buller Community Resource Centre during the consultation period.

    People who want to speak in support of their submission can address council during the hearings on 9 and 10 June 2025.

    All feedback received will be considered by councillors during deliberations on 11 and 12 June 2025, before the final Long-Term Plan is adopted on 30 June 2025.

    -ENDS-

    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 the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.

  • Community to have their say on Westport’s wastewater and stormwater separation

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    Buller District Council will consult with the community about the options for separating Westport’s stormwater and wastewater as part of the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 consultation.

    Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom explains: “Currently, council is renewing its resource consent for wastewater pump station overflows, which expired in July 2023.

    A new consent was applied for in April 2023, after which the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) requested additional information. This resulted in a set of actions that Buller District Council must undertake before, during, and after the consent’s approval to address the requests of WCRC and iwi.

    Under the

    Buller District Council will consult with the community about the options for separating Westport’s stormwater and wastewater as part of the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 consultation.

    Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom explains: “Currently, council is renewing its resource consent for wastewater pump station overflows, which expired in July 2023.

    A new consent was applied for in April 2023, after which the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) requested additional information. This resulted in a set of actions that Buller District Council must undertake before, during, and after the consent’s approval to address the requests of WCRC and iwi.

    Under the Resource Management Act, council must have resource consents to discharge treated wastewater into any river or other water body. Resource consents outline the requirements that must be met. The previous resource consent allowed council to release wastewater overflows for 263 hours in any calendar year which is currently being exceed every year.

    A big contributing factor to exceeding the approved number of hours are private stormwater cross-connections discharging into Westport’s wastewater network.

    Private cross-connections are where stormwater enters the wastewater network through rainwater downpipes discharging into gully traps or directly piped into wastewater pipes. This combined discharge needs to be eliminated.

    At least six hundred and eleven properties with cross-connections have been identified by smoke testing, which involves non-toxic smoke being pumped into a section of the wastewater network. If smoke is seen exiting anywhere other than a wastewater vent, it shows there is a cross connection on the property.

    For the consent to be approved, key stakeholders, including Ngāti Waewae and the WCRC have emphasised the need to significantly reduce the volume and duration of overflows caused by these cross-connections. Without the new consent, council cannot discharge Westport’s wastewater overflows into the Buller and Orowaiti Rivers in future.

    To address wastewater inflow from public property, council has made progress in installing new backflow prevention devices to stop river water backflowing into pump stations and has separated sixty network cross-connections in the streets, with completion expected by June 2025.

    Mr Blom highlights: “We have done as much as possible to limit wastewater inflow from public spaces. However, the impact of this work is minimal when compared to the volume of wastewater discharged from the 611 private property cross-connections in Westport.”

    To achieve a noticeable reduction in overflows, council will need to target these private properties and require separation of their wastewater and stormwater systems.

    Mr Blom emphasises: “Systematically removing these cross-connections will require substantial financial investment. Key stakeholders, including Ngāti Waewae and WCRC, have a clear expectation that council must make substantial improvements. Feedback from Ngāti Waewae emphasises the importance of achieving significant, steady reductions in overflows, with the long-term goal of limiting overflows to high-rainfall events only.”

    The five options presented to council to address the issue were to do nothing, do the minimum through voluntary compliance, enforce compliance through regulatory actions, or resolve the issue through a council-led rates-funded work program. This would be funded either through targeted or through general rates.

    Mr Blom outlines: “In any decision around approaching this issue, compliance with resource consent conditions must be prioritised. The options of doing nothing, voluntary compliance and regulatory enforcement after two years will not satisfy Ngāti Waewae and WCRC's expectations and will not enable us to obtain a new resource consent.”

    This leaves only two feasible options: funding the separation of these cross connections through a targeted rate for properties in Westport and Carters Beach that are connected to the Westport wastewater network or financing the work through a general rate collected from all property owners in Buller.

    Hence, we are asking the community for feedback on these two options as part of the Long-Term Plan consultation.”

    The rates-funded option, covered by general rates over 30 years would require the general rate to lift by 2.65%. This would be indicative rates increase of $62.45 per property. Distributing the same costs across properties in Westport and Cartes Beach through a targeted rate would see an increase by 12.54% in the targeted rate (approx. $162 per property).

    Council approved to include the Westport stormwater wastewater separation as a key consultation topic with the two options to either fund it through a targeted or a general rate in the Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 consultation in late April 2025.

    Mr Bloom explains: “Providing the community with these two viable options, gives people a choice between two feasible options that fulfil the requirements for the renewal of the Westport Wastewater resource consent.”

    This will also show a commitment to resolving the current Resource Management Act breach and limit the risk of penalties to Council. The Council-delivered scenarios provide a planned, deliverable pathway to compliance and improved network performance.

    The community can stay informed via council’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller or information available at Council’s libraries and service centres in Westport and Reefton, the Karamea Information Centre, and the Northern Buller Community Resource Centre.

    -ENDS-

    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 the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.


  • Council changes Long-Term Plan consultation timeline

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    Today, Buller District Council confirmed changing the consultation period for its Draft Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2025-2034.

    Council had initially planned to seek the community's feedback on its next nine-year plan between 18 April 2025 and 19 May 2025. However, due to high workloads for staff and auditors, Council has decided to slightly delay the consultation period, opening it a week later on 25 April 2025.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “The team have been working hard to complete the Draft LTP and the Consultation Document ready for adoption next week. However, our limited resources and high business as usual

    Today, Buller District Council confirmed changing the consultation period for its Draft Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2025-2034.

    Council had initially planned to seek the community's feedback on its next nine-year plan between 18 April 2025 and 19 May 2025. However, due to high workloads for staff and auditors, Council has decided to slightly delay the consultation period, opening it a week later on 25 April 2025.

    Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “The team have been working hard to complete the Draft LTP and the Consultation Document ready for adoption next week. However, our limited resources and high business as usual workloads means that we have had to push the adoption out by a week. This has also eased the pressure on our audit partners, Ernst & Young.

    Council has to adopt the Draft LTP and the Consultation Document before it goes out for public consultation for one calendar month.

    The Local Government Act 2002 requires council to have its LTP and the Consultation Document audited. The Audit Report forms part of the Draft LTP and the Consultation Document outlining whether the Long-Term Plan gives effect to the purpose of long-term planning and the quality of the information and assumptions underlying the plan.

    The Council has engaged Ernst & Young, a reputable audit service provider, to audit its Draft LTP 2025-2034 and Consultation Document. This decision was made to ensure a thorough and independent audit process.

    Mr Pickford says: “Even with the timeline moved back, we will adopt the Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 before 1 July 2025, meeting our statutory requirements.”

    The Draft Long-Term Plan 2025 – 2034 consultation timeline is:

    • 23 April 2025 - Council adopts the draft plan and the Consultation Document
    • 25 April 2025 - Public consultation on the draft plan opens.
    • 26 May 2025 - Public consultation on the draft plan closes.
    • 9 – 10 June 2025 - Council will listen to people who wish to speak during the hearings.
    • 11 – 12 June 2025 - Council will discuss the submissions during the deliberations.
    • 30 June 2025 - Council will adopt the final Long-Term Plan 2025-2034.
    • 1 July 2025 - The Long-Term Plan 2025-2034 comes into effect.

    The community can stay informed via council’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller or information available at Council’s libraries and service centres in Westport and Reefton, the Karamea Information Centre, and the Northern Buller Community Resource Centre.

    -ENDS-

    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.


  • Buller District Council floats draft total rates increase for 2025-26

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    Council staff have been able to further reduce the total rates percentage increase quoted at the 22 January Long-Term Plan (LTP) budget workshop from 9.8% to 7.39% for 2025-26, while retaining the existing levels of service delivery.

    This saving comes despite factors such as the reduction in the Buller Holdings dividend from $1.3 million to $800,000 and an increased management fee, which were discussed at last week’s workshop on 5 March.

    Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan says: “The reduction is a result of rigorous review and quality assurance processes undertaken by staff, including line-by-line examination of budgets and ground-up

    Council staff have been able to further reduce the total rates percentage increase quoted at the 22 January Long-Term Plan (LTP) budget workshop from 9.8% to 7.39% for 2025-26, while retaining the existing levels of service delivery.

    This saving comes despite factors such as the reduction in the Buller Holdings dividend from $1.3 million to $800,000 and an increased management fee, which were discussed at last week’s workshop on 5 March.

    Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan says: “The reduction is a result of rigorous review and quality assurance processes undertaken by staff, including line-by-line examination of budgets and ground-up evaluations of each budget area.

    Further reviews of regulatory fees and charges to align with those of the other West Coast district councils and checks to ensure these changes comply with policy have been carried out. Contractor spending has also been reviewed and revised.”

    When compared to the draft presented to council in January, the draft total rates percentage increases across the nine-year life of the LTP has been reduced.

    There are two key consultation topics requiring consideration as part of the 2025-2034 LTP: the separation of Westport’s stormwater and wastewater streams, and BDC becoming a guarantor for the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA).

    “The Draft LTP, including the budget and projected rates figures are still subject to approval by audit. The Draft LTP will be considered by council on 16 April, with the consultation process opening on Friday 18 April and running until 19 May.

    Hearings will take place on 29-30 May, with deliberations following on 4-5 June” continues Mr Numan.

    The final Draft LTP will then be considered at the full council meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

    -ENDS-

    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.


  • Buller District Council progresses lean Long-Term Plan budget

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    Buller District Council (BDC) held its regular Long-Term Plan (LTP) workshop at the Clocktower Chambers yesterday, as it continues to work towards developing a no-frills budget for 2025-2034.

    Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan says: “The reduction is a result of rigorous review and quality assurance processes undertaken by staff, including line-by-line examination of budgets and ground-up evaluations of each budget area.”

    Key contributing factors having a direct impact on Buller’s 2025-26 rates increase include the Buller Holdings dividend reducing from $1.3 million to $800,000 while the Buller Holdings Management fee will increase by $100,000.

    Council staff were disappointed that

    Buller District Council (BDC) held its regular Long-Term Plan (LTP) workshop at the Clocktower Chambers yesterday, as it continues to work towards developing a no-frills budget for 2025-2034.

    Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan says: “The reduction is a result of rigorous review and quality assurance processes undertaken by staff, including line-by-line examination of budgets and ground-up evaluations of each budget area.”

    Key contributing factors having a direct impact on Buller’s 2025-26 rates increase include the Buller Holdings dividend reducing from $1.3 million to $800,000 while the Buller Holdings Management fee will increase by $100,000.

    Council staff were disappointed that due to a technical glitch with the model, the actual rates rise percentage increase was unable to be presented this week. This information will be provided in a workshop due to be held next Wednesday 12 March.

    “Council is working hard to reduce its reliance on contractors by replacing these roles with employed staff members, without resulting in an overall increase in rates.

    By having permanent employees fill positions formerly held by contractors, not only are contractor costs reduced, but this also potentially brings new residents and their families into the district to live, with flow-on economic benefits” says Mr Numan.

    There are two main consultation topics up for discussion in this LTP. These are the separation of Westport’s stormwater and wastewater streams, and the possibility of BDC becoming a guarantor for the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA). More detail around these will be provided in the LTP consultation document.

    Consultation on the 2025-34 LTP opens on 18 April, this date having been updated to fall in line with the Local Water Done Well consultation period.

    -ENDS-

    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.

  • Continuation of council’s grants funding under review

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    The future direction of council-funded community grants was on the table at this week’s council meeting, with councillors reviewing and considering grants funding. A decision was made to retain the current level of grants funding available in the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan (LTP).

    Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says: “There are five main areas council directs grants funding to: Council Base Grants (which include ‘contestable’ grants, where our community applies for funding, such as the community and revitalisation funds), Swimming Pools (which funds the Karamea and Ngakawau community pools), Tourism Support, Grants – Museum Support, and other (which benefits areas

    The future direction of council-funded community grants was on the table at this week’s council meeting, with councillors reviewing and considering grants funding. A decision was made to retain the current level of grants funding available in the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan (LTP).

    Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says: “There are five main areas council directs grants funding to: Council Base Grants (which include ‘contestable’ grants, where our community applies for funding, such as the community and revitalisation funds), Swimming Pools (which funds the Karamea and Ngakawau community pools), Tourism Support, Grants – Museum Support, and other (which benefits areas such as youth and sports).

    These categories are all funded through general rates. The contestable funds consist of a pool of available funding, which community groups apply for outside of the LTP submission process. Councillors then evaluate these applications and award the funding.”

    Council allocates $450,000 worth of grants funding across all of these groups and facilities each year, which accounts for approximately 3.5% of total rates per annum.

    These grants have played a vital role in supporting initiatives and services across the Buller District, ensuring the continuation of programs and facilities that might otherwise be unavailable.

    Ms Trigg continues: “Many of the larger groups and organisations rely on this funding for covering their day-to-day operational expenses and may cease to function if this funding is discontinued. Some of this funding goes to support numerous smaller, volunteer-led groups, which administrate valuable community projects and provide services within the district.

    With the coalition government’s back to basics approach and renewed focus on the maintenance of essential infrastructure, in order to trim back budgets, council was required to consider whether the grant pools should be left as is, reduced or removed completely.”

    Council will include an accountability process for all grants, bringing the remaining categories in line with the contestable grants and revitalisation fund, which already require formal reporting.

    Any groups or organisations who have previously applied for a grant, with the exception of Community Grants and the Community-Led Revitalisation Fund will need to apply through the Long-Term Plan submission process.

    This proposal was workshopped earlier this month and yesterday’s decision will be included in the draft 2025-34 LTP.

    -ENDS-

    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.