Media Release: Regional councillors to consider adopting the consultation document on Westport Flood Protection Scheme reset
Media Release
Resilient Westport
10 September 2026
Regional councillors to consider adopting the consultation document on Westport Flood Protection Scheme reset
An Extraordinary Council meeting will be held next week for West Coast Regional councillors to consider the next steps in resetting the Westport Flood Protection Scheme (WFPS).
At the 15 September 2026 meeting, Regional councillors will be asked to approve the Special Consultative Procedure consultation document - the main tool to explain to the community what the consultation involves and the implications of the proposed changes.
The changes that are being proposed impact on the existing West Coast Regional Council 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan (LTP), which is what has triggered a Special Consultative Procedure with the Westport Rating District community. A Special Consultative Procedure (SCP) under the Local Government Act 2002 is a formal, legally mandated consultation process that Councils must follow before making major decisions.
The consultation, if given the go-ahead, will be open to all Buller and West Coast residents, targeting those who live in and around the Westport Rating District. This includes Westport, Carters Beach and Snodgrass Road.
The 12-page SCP document to be considered at the meeting explains to the community what the changes are from what was consulted on in 2021 and what was in the 2024-2034 LTP.
It sets out:
why we are consulting
the reasons for the proposed amendment
gives background on the scheme and where we are now
the options being considered
the alternative options considered
the effect on rates
what protection is provided
what has changed, the risks and delivery timeframe
the glossary of terms
the auditor’s report (to follow)
How to have your say.
If adopted, this document will be finalised and printed. Amended Long-Term Plan financial statements will also be considered as part of the extraordinary meeting and will be available to view on the WCRC website (www.wcrc.govt.nz) alongside the SCP document.
Regional councillors will be asked to consider the risks and implications of what is being proposed. If approved, consultation will get underway between Monday 21 September and Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 5pm, with hearings for submissions scheduled for 27 October 2026 in Westport and will be heard by full Council. Submitters can speak to their submissions in person at these hearings or online.
The results of the Special Consultative Procedure are scheduled to be presented to West Coast Regional Council in December 2026 for a decision.