Council completes wastewater governance phase and progresses key district priorities

Westland District Council’s March meeting marked an important milestone in the Hokitika wastewater project, alongside progressing a range of infrastructure, planning and community matters.

Council resolved to disestablish the Hokitika Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Oversight Subcommittee, recognising that the group has completed its role following several years of investigation and option development.

The subcommittee, established in 2021 in partnership with iwi, has guided the assessment of wastewater treatment options ahead of upcoming consent requirements. With the next phase of the project, future work will be led through standard Council processes.

Mayor Helen Lash acknowledged the contribution of those involved.

“The subcommittee has played a critical role over a number of years, working through complex environmental, cultural and technical considerations to help guide Council to this point,”

Mayor Lash said.

“Council has now moved into the next phase of the project, and we thank all members for their commitment and contribution.”

Council also formally acknowledged the contribution of the late James Russell and Barry Wilson, recognising their significant input into the project and the wider community.

Alongside this decision, Council received its February financial performance report, providing an overview of current performance and supporting ongoing financial stewardship.

A range of operational and community matters were also progressed, including:

• updates on the Hokitika isite Visitor Information Centre
• consideration of the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy
• infrastructure planning, including Waitaha Valley Road widening
• progress on the Westland Industrial Heritage Park

Council continued work relating to water services reform, including funding arrangements and governance structures for the proposed West Coast water services Council Controlled Organisation.

Council meetings are held monthly and livestreamed, enabling the community to stay informed and engaged with local decision-making.

Council remains supportive of initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic development and employment opportunities for the West Coast.

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Westland District Council – YouTube

April Council Meetings

CCO Oversight Committee Meeting – 16th April 2026 1:00pm

Council Meeting – 23rd April 2026 1:00pm

Creative Communities Scheme – Applications for Round 2 now open

Round 2 of the Creative Communities Scheme for Westland is now open.

The three main funding criteria are:

1. Broad community involvement – the project will create opportunities for our local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities.
2. Diversity – the project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of our local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity.
3. Young people – the project will enable and encourage young people (under 18 years) to engage with and actively participate in the arts.

• Application Form
• Application Guide

Once you have completed the form, download and save the form to your computer. Email the completed form to communities@westlanddc.govt.nz or (if you have the software) open with Adobe Acrobat Reader, digitally sign and press to the Submit button.

Applications close on 30 April 2026.

Creative Communities Scheme | Creative New Zealand

Westland District Council Rural Travel Fund Supports Local Clubs

Westland District Council confirms $9,500 in funding to seven local sports bodies, a fund provided by Sport New Zealand to Territorial Authorities that have less than 10 people per square kilometre. The fund provides support for rural travel groups, to lower the burden of travel cost for children to participate and compete.

Mayor Lash noted the increasing pressures on rural clubs

“Travel is one of the biggest barriers to participation in our district. Distances are significant, costs are rising, and without support many of our young athletes would struggle to compete. This fund is about keeping sport accessible and strong in Westland.”

Funding Allocations Confirmed

After discussion and review, the Committee approved funding for the following groups:

• Hokitika Hockey Club

• Hokitika Swim Club

• Kokatahi Kowhitirangi Pony Club

• Seido Hokitika (Karate)

• South Westland Rugby Football Club

• Westland United Football Club

• Wests Rugby Club

Allocations reflected the rural nature of the district, travel distances required, and the importance of ensuring smaller clubs receive meaningful support. The Committee also discussed the need to balance support for high-level competition with strengthening local participation and development pathways.

Any enquiries regarding the Rural Travel Fund are to be emailed through to communities@westlanddc.govt.nz

Setting Up a Rates Direct Debit

Use the Rates Direct Debit payment option to ensure you pay your rates by the payment due date. Having a Direct Debit grants limited authority to the Council to debit your bank account on the due dates.

Rates Direct Debit is the Council’s preferred payment option and helps you avoid penalties and late fees.

Direct debit payment options

• Weekly Payments are made every Thursday
• Fortnightly payments are made every second Thursday
• Monthly payments are made on the 20th of every month.
• Quarterly payments are made on the due date of the installment.
• Annual Payment is made on the due date of the first installment

You can start a rates direct debit on the council webpage: Rates | Westland District Council