West Coast Regional Council

Buller Constituency
The West Coast Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of seven councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). Two councillors will be elected from the Buller constituency. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the West Coast Regional Council election.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

  • With Three Waters credibility in question, water and sewage remain a district council asset. Paid for and owned by ratepayers.

    Continued development of rain level alerts in conjunction with community consultation.

  • Three waters: Critical question. When the Alpine Fault Rupture occurs, M8.2, 75% probability within ( note within) the next 50 years, who will pay for the reinstatement of water in town and outer townships established reticulation schemes, sewage lines, treatment plants?

    Profoundly initiate, engage with and continue these critical and crucial discussions with central government.

  • We can't afford "Three Waters". Consideration by central government to buy the council assets and pay for improvements should be made.

    Councils coast-wide need to combine the utilities and service personnel as one identity using Viba networking for ease of customer access.

    Placing monitors in the upper reaches of rivers and lakes would give early warning signals to NZ Civil Defence and NIWA of pending floods.

  • Monitor rivers to ensure they meet swimmable rivers criteria.

    Monitor all discharges to ensure they meet the terms of their consents.

    Monitor air quality throughout the district. Design and implement plans to meet national standards.

  • Three Waters dictates from government should be resisted. MPs are transient but poor legislation will adversely affect our people forever.

    I believe councillors are guardians of ratepayer assets and they have no place giving them to whoever demands them.

    Ensure West Coast Regional Council is practical and economic with ratepayer resources when purchasing flood warning systems.

  • Increase the level and accuracy of environmental monitoring.

  • Monitoring is the key function for a regional council. Processing consents ensuring compliance.

    Improving civil defence monitoring and responses and adequately resourcing this essential service.

    Three yearly state of the environment reviews and updates.

  • With Three Waters credibility in question, water and sewage remain a district council asset. Paid for and owned by ratepayers.

    Continued development of rain level alerts in conjunction with community consultation.

  • Three waters: Critical question. When the Alpine Fault Rupture occurs, M8.2, 75% probability within ( note within) the next 50 years, who will pay for the reinstatement of water in town and outer townships established reticulation schemes, sewage lines, treatment plants?

    Profoundly initiate, engage with and continue these critical and crucial discussions with central government.

  • We can't afford "Three Waters". Consideration by central government to buy the council assets and pay for improvements should be made.

    Councils coast-wide need to combine the utilities and service personnel as one identity using Viba networking for ease of customer access.

    Placing monitors in the upper reaches of rivers and lakes would give early warning signals to NZ Civil Defence and NIWA of pending floods.

  • Monitor rivers to ensure they meet swimmable rivers criteria.

    Monitor all discharges to ensure they meet the terms of their consents.

    Monitor air quality throughout the district. Design and implement plans to meet national standards.

  • Three Waters dictates from government should be resisted. MPs are transient but poor legislation will adversely affect our people forever.

    I believe councillors are guardians of ratepayer assets and they have no place giving them to whoever demands them.

    Ensure West Coast Regional Council is practical and economic with ratepayer resources when purchasing flood warning systems.

  • Increase the level and accuracy of environmental monitoring.

  • Monitoring is the key function for a regional council. Processing consents ensuring compliance.

    Improving civil defence monitoring and responses and adequately resourcing this essential service.

    Three yearly state of the environment reviews and updates.