Westland District Council’s February meeting brought together a range of decisions reflecting both regional cooperation and practical local delivery.
Councillors adopted the updated West Coast Triennial Agreement following discussion about the importance of maintaining strong working relationships across the Coast. The Agreement sets the framework for how councils will collaborate over the current electoral cycle, including shared advocacy and coordinated responses on matters of regional importance. As part of the meeting, Council approved that Buller District Council will act as the Administration Council for the Water Services CCO establishment costs, providing a practical regional mechanism to manage the setup phase of the proposed entity.
Community safety was carefully considered through the Alcohol Restriction Bylaw review. While only one submission was received, and it was in support, Councillors discussed the history behind the bylaw’s geographic focus before confirming the bylaw.
Building on discussions from previous meetings, Council resolved that a separate Consenting and Compliance Committee is no longer required. Councillors agreed the current operating structure is functioning as required and that no additional governance layer is necessary.
Council released previously confidential decisions relating to the future of the Wildfoods Festival and the Hokitika Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The resolutions confirm that Council will take over delivery of the 2027 Wildfoods Festival, providing certainty for the event while further work is undertaken to determine the preferred long-term governance and delivery model. Investigation of options for the Hokitika Wastewater Treatment Plant will now commence, beginning the process of assessing future requirements and long-term resilience.
Mayor Helen Lash said the meeting demonstrated Council’s commitment to working through matters thoroughly and in the district’s long-term interest. “These were important decisions — from regional collaboration through to event delivery and infrastructure planning. Taking the time to work through the detail ensures we are making considered decisions for the district.”
Council agendas and minutes are available on the Westland District Council website when confirmed.