Welcome To
Resilient Westport
A programme of work aimed at improving Westport’s flood resilience over time
The Buller District Council and West Coast Regional Council are working collaboratively with iwi, other organisations and Government departments to protect Westport where possible and plan low-risk growth areas.
Our goal is to create a safer, stronger Westport for all our residents through a range of solutions and community collaboration.
About Resilient Westport
The Resilient Westport work involves building structures to physically protect Westport from severe flooding events, enhanced evacuation planning and planning for low-risk future growth.
Both Buller District Council and West Coast Regional Council play a key role in, and have specific responsibilities towards enabling the Resilient Westport Package, although there are also areas specific to each council.
Our key project is building physical flood protection around the Westport township. This is being delivered by the West Coast Regional Council.
Future focus and looking at the ‘big picture’ is the work of Master Planning. This is being delivered by Buller District Council.
Enhanced emergency planning is also funded under the Resilient Westport programme. This is being delivered by West Coast Emergency Management.
Resilient Westport was initially overseen and governed by the Resilient Westport Steering Group. In late 2025, it was decided the various elements of the programme of work would be overseen by the relevant entity that was delivering them. Therefore the Westport Rating District Joint Committee, the West Coast Emergency Management Joint Committee and Buller District Council have taken over the oversight previously provided by Steering Group.
The programme is funded with $22.9m from central government, which is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.
You can find out more about the various projects that make up the Resilient Westport work on our About Resilient Westport page.
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Flood Protection (floodwalls)
Flood protection involves building floodwalls/stopbanks to protect parts of Westport in the event of future flooding events. This work is being delivered by the West Coast Regional Council.
It is the largest of the Resilient Westport projects with a contribution of $15.6m from central government, in addition to the Westport Rating District’s contribution. An additional $300,000 is allocated to the technical review of the preliminary floodwall designs and project costs.
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Master Planning
Master Planning is a strategic planning exercise that looks to provide options and opportunities for the short, medium and long term future of the greater Westport area.
The Master Planning process seeks to provide a holistic road map for the community, public and private sector and guides the development of areas of land for future use, creating greater choice for the community around lower-risk areas.
Phase Two of the process was funded by Resilient Westport whilst being led by Buller District Council.
Engagement on the Draft Master Plan is now complete and the Buller District Council has voted to endorse the Plan.
Phase Three, implementation, is being led by Buller District Council.
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