Westland District Council - Te Kahui o Poutini

02/09/2026

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 – 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝟏 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧

Applications are now open for Round 1 of the Westland District Creative Community Scheme.

Applications close on September 30, 2026

Photos below from two of our past recipients Puanga-Matariki Light Up Hokitika and Lantern Festival Franz Josef!

For enquiries please contact: [email protected]
Find the application form and guide on councils website: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/community-support-and-resources/community-grants/creative-communities-funding/

31/08/2026

As a ratepayer, resident or interested party, you are invited to make a submission on the Westland District Council proposed Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2026.

The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that buildings within the Westland District do not present an unacceptable risk to public health and safety because they are dangerous, affected or insanitary.

This process provides an opportunity for people to have their say on the proposed policy.

More information here: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/notices-news-and-events/have-your-say-proposed-dangerous-affected-and-insanitary-buildings-policy-2026/

Submissions close on 2 October 2026 at 5pm.

28/08/2026

Anyone travelling to Otago through the Haast Pass, please keep an eye out. Use the NZTA journey planner: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

SH6 MAKARORA TO LAKE HAWEA - SLIP - FINAL UPDATE 11AM, TUE 1 SEP

For further updates on the SH6 Makarora to Lake Hawea closure go to our new post here: facebook.com/share/p/1BSEbyf4sC/
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UPDATE 8:30PM

SH6 will remain CLOSED overnight with convoys in place tomorrow, Tuesday 1 Sepetember.

The northern convoy (travelling southbound) meeting point will be Makarora village and the southern meeting (travelling northbound) point at Isthmus Peak Track car park at the following times:

• Convoy 1 southbound 7.15am then returns north at 8am from Isthmus Peak Track car park.
• Convoy 2 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 12pm; then returns south from Makarora village at 12.45pm.
• Convoy 3 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 5.30pm; then returns south from Makarora Village at 6.15pm.

Convoy times are now available - you can read our traffic bulletin here - journeys.nzta.govt.nz/escorted-convoys-planned-for-slip-affected-sh6

Be aware that these convoys may be cancelled at short notice if conditions change.
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UPDATE 10:50AM, MON 31 AUG

SH6 remains CLOSED between Lake Hawea and Makarora, due to multiple slips.

Crews remain onsite clearing slip debris. The road will remain CLOSED overnight with an update expect late morning on Tuesday 1 September.
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UPDATE 4:10PM, FRI 28 AUG

State Highway 6 will remain CLOSED between Lake Hawea and Makarora, due to multiple slips.

Crews will be clearing slip debris over the weekend, with an assessment carried out on the morning of Monday 31 August.

Continue to avoid non-essential travel over the weekend. This post will be updated if there are any changes to the status of the road.
Here is the link to our latest Traffic Bulletin: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/work-continues-on-sh6-closure-ahead-of-further-tricky-weather

Follow Queenstown Lakes District Council for local road information and Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management for official information and emergency advice.
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UPDATE 10:35AM

SH6 remains CLOSED between Makarora and Lake Hawea due to multiple slips. Road users are advised to avoid the area or delay your journey if possible. An update is expected later this afternoon.
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7:30AM, FRI 28 AUG

Due to a slip, SH6 is CLOSED between Makarora and Lake Hawea. Road users are advised to avoid the area or delay your journey if possible. ^JP

27/08/2026

𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 - 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲.
Due to several sections of the road being completely washed out, the Jackson River Road to the Cascade Valley will be closed until further notice.

27/08/2026

🏊‍♀️ Good news, swimmers! 🏊‍♂️

The countdown is on. We're planning to reopen the Hokitika Swimming Pool on Monday 28 September following significant progress on the heating upgrade project.

Since closing in May, a huge amount of work has been completed, including pool maintenance, lining repairs, roof repairs, electrical upgrades, ducting and pipework for the new heat pump system.

Even better, contractors have been able to bring forward the heat pump installation, meaning we can complete the commissioning process before reopening. That means no need to reopen, then close again later for testing.

We're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to a warmer, more efficient facility and thank the community for your patience while this important work has been carried out.

27/08/2026

PERRY LANE CLOSURE - SCAFFOLDING AND WATERMAIN WORKS

Scaffolding and Watermain works are scheduled from 7th September - 15th November on Perry Lane, Hokitika. The lane will be closed as illustrated below.

We would like to thank the business owners in the area in advance for their patience and understanding during this time.