Buller District is located on the West Coast. It covers 8,574 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 10,000.

The district council is based in Westport, the principal town at the mouth of the Buller River. With a commercial port and an airport, Westport is an important transport hub and home to 45% of the district’s population. Other principal towns include Karamea and Reefton.

The economy is based on mining, agriculture, horticulture and tourism, with mining playing a particularly important role. Buller has abundant natural tourism resources, including protected areas such as Paparoa National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Punakaiki is one of New Zealand’s most visited conservation areas, and its renowned Pancake Rocks are among the South Island’s most popular attractions. Karamea is known for the Oparara limestone arches and caves, Kahurangi National Park and the Heaphy Track.

The current mayor is Chris Russell.