Westland preparing Water Services Delivery Plan

Westland District Council has finalised its Water Services Delivery Plan for submission to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) by 3 September 2025. This is required under the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024. A copy of the August Ordinary Council is available here:  Council Meeting – August 2025

Why is this important?

• Doing nothing is not an option,  if we don’t submit a plan, Government can step in and appoint external managers.
• By submitting our plan, Westland keeps local control over water decisions.
• The plan sets out how we will provide safe, sustainable, and financially viable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

What you need to know

• Change is mandatory: Councils can no longer continue with the status quo.
• Future model: Westland, Grey and Buller will form a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) to manage water services, expected to be operational in 2027.
• Costs: Yes, the portion of your rates you currently pay for water will transfer to the CCO. However, we are still working through the water entity’s costs as part of this process.
• Oversight: DIA will review plans to ensure financial sustainability and value for money.

Cover photo: Credit Tony Maitland

Westland launches Regional Education Network to boost off-season tourism

Hokitika Westland isite with support of the Rotorua Education Network (REN) are excited to announce the launch of the West Coast Education Network (WEN) a collaborative initiative aimed at growing off-peak and shoulder season tourism by attracting school groups to the district.

Modelled on the highly successful REN, established in Rotorua in 1997, WEN will deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned learning experiences that showcase three core elements of the West Coast’s identity our people, our businesses, and our environment.

REN has a proven track record of increasing visitation through high-quality, out-of-classroom experiences. Each year, thousands of students, teachers, and whānau visit Rotorua through REN itineraries, often returning later as leisure travellers. Westland aims to replicate this success with its own distinctive approach, blending the REN framework with the unique stories, landscapes, and experiences of the region.

“Westland is set up for this,” says Lucretia Maitland, Hokitika Westland isite Manager. “This is an important step in district-wide collaboration between our established businesses, the isite, and our community. As a region, we have some of the most diverse landscapes, and are proud to share this with New Zealand.”

Hokitika Westland isite is inviting local tourism operators, businesses, and educators to get involved, whether through partnerships, hosting, or providing support services.

If you are interested in learning more, or getting involved, please contact them here.

2025–26 Rates Rebate available to Westland District Council ratepayers

You Could Be Eligible for a Rates Rebate – Apply Now!

Are you a Westland District Council ratepayer? You may be eligible for a Rates Rebate of up to $805 for the 2025–26 rating year!

The Rates Rebate Scheme is designed to help low- to moderate-income households with the cost of their rates. If you meet the criteria, you could receive a significant reduction on your rates bill.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be the legal ratepayer.
• The property must be your primary residence as of 1 July 2025.
• Your total household income (before tax) and the amount of rates you pay will determine your rebate.
• SuperGold Card holders may qualify for higher income thresholds.

How to Apply:

1. Check your eligibility using the Rates Rebate Calculator.
2. Download the application form or collect one from our Council office.
3. Submit your completed application to Westland District Council by 30 June 2026.

Don’t wait until the last minute—gather your documents early and apply as soon as you receive your rates bill.

Need help? Our Rates Team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Visit us at 36 Weld Street, Hokitika
Call us on 0800 474 834
Email: council@westlanddc.govt.nz

Council notices and updates

Hokitika Airport Resiliance Project (HARP)
BECA Consutlants have been appointed as Engineers to Contract and have already started field & condition assements in preparation for design and construction.

Totara replacement cycle bridge
EOI (expressions of interest) are out in the marketplace to gather design & construction partners.

Hokitika Racecourse Development
Over the last month, the drinking water installation has been completed on the enabling infrastructure project at the Hokitika Racecourse Development. The Park Street extension has also seen progress, with berms, footpaths and streetlighting being completed. Over the next month, the new infrastructure will be connected into existing infrastructure.

Ross Swimming Pool
The Ross swimming pool project structural design has been completed and the final architectural input is currently being finalised.

Transfer Station Glass holding bays
A 13 meter by 24 meter concrete pad was successfully installed to create four separate storage bays. Three of these bays will be dedicated to glass collections, while the fourth bay will be used for tyre storage. The tyre storage area will specifically cater to tyres collected by Tyrewise.    

Milltown High levels walkway acess over weirs
The concrete bridge pylons at Milltown Weirs have been successfully poured and cured for the two high-water walkways. These structures are now in place. The installation of the walkways is completed,  We have started with the ramps that will connect the walkways to the trail.

Watermains Upgrades – Franz Josef
Franz Josef watermains project is concluded on Cron St on time and within schedule.  This section  was completed by the second week of July.

Watermains Upgrades –  Ross
Ross watermains project started on the 8th of August 2025 and will be concluded by the 28th of August 2025.

Reservoir Upgrade
Kumara treated water reservoir has been relined to prevent leaks with telemetry installed.  The burst control valve is now operational and provides some resilience for the community in high instantaneous flows.

Building Upgrade
Design has been completed with off site construction underway on the purpose built chlorination building for the Blue Spur Water Treatment Plant.  Along with meeting compliance rules for storage of hazardous substances, the new separate building allows for additional chlorine gas to be stored on site to improve resilience against delivery holdups.

Telemetry Upgrade
To meet current and future compliance requirements, Westland District 3 Water assets are undergoing a major telemetry upgrade.  This will also allow for off site monitoring in key areas.  This project will span two financial years.

Warmer Kiwi Homes – check if you’re eligible

A warmer, drier home means lower power bills, better health, and more comfort in winter. The Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme provides grants to help homeowners install insulation and efficient heating.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify if you:
Own and live in a home built before 2008, AND
Hold a Community Services Card or SuperGold Combo Card,
OR
Live in a lower-income area (Zones 5–10 on the NZ Deprivation Index).

For heating grants, your home must already have ceiling and underfloor insulation and no existing fixed heater in the main living area.

What Support Is Available?

• Insulation grants: 50%–90% of the cost covered.
• Heating grants: Up to 90% of the cost (capped at $3,450).
  Some local organisations may offer extra top-ups, making it even cheaper—or free.

How to Check Eligibility
Online: Use the tool at eeca.govt.nz

You’ll be connected with approved local installers for a free, no-obligation quote.

Why Apply?

• Lower energy bills
• Healthier, warmer homes
• Reduced environmental impact

Take a minute today to check your eligibility – it could mean a warmer winter and more money in your pocket.