Bordered by the unpredictable Tasman Sea on the west and the towering Southern Alps on the east, Westland District stretches some 400 kilometres north to south. Within its boundaries are found waves of ice, rugged beaches, bush-clad mountains and crystal lakes hugged by ageless trees. A short trip from Christchurch through an ever-captivating mountain pass changing with the seasons, or through the southern evergreen Gates of Haast, entry into Westland offers a multiplicity of opportunities for visitor and resident. Nature has richly endowed our District with stunning and spectacular scenery.

The motto of the Westland District Council is Westland for the Wild At Heart. This is epitomised by the annual Hokitika Wildfoods Festival which has grown in attendance from 1,800 at the first to 13,500 offering treats that are a combination of the bizarre and the tantalising. Westland can still present at times the 'wild', in the characters who frequent our communities, the weather which gives character, and the natural environment which is part of our landscape. Yet it is also sophisticated and serene. Clear and still sunny days that carry on for weeks on end sometimes amaze visitors who have heard the hype about Westland's rain. Our people have entered every walk of life, business, and scientific and artistic field in almost every corner of the world with considerable success.Almost without exception each retains a deep bond with their home District.

In the last decade others have discovered the uniqueness of our District. Tourist numbers continue to grow rapidly. In Franz Josef and Fox Glacier these exceed 550,000 a year and are increasing by almost 20% annually. Other communities are reaching out to entice and hold the curious and the visitor. The tramper, the casual walker, the intrepid adventurer, the motorist, the tour parties are all finding and relishing the opportunities that are on offer.

The economic situation is continuing to boom. Different and innovative industry is beginning and being attracted. New initiatives are being positively and proactively pursued. Crafts, arts and small cottage businesses abound. The unemployment level is among the lowest in the country. Cost of housing remains very attractive. Roading, water, and basic infrastructure are good yet are being constantly addressed and improved. Although possessing a small population (approx. 8403 census), Westland has a heritage of tenacity, innovation and progressiveness.

As we walk into the future these qualities will ensure a District that thrives yet retains all those unique aspects that will continually ensure it is a great place to visit and to live.