Westport, New Zealand

Westport
Kawatiri (Māori)
Map
Coordinates: 41°45′29″S 171°36′8″E / 41.75806°S 171.60222°E / -41.75806; 171.60222
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWest Coast
DistrictBuller District
WardWestport
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityBuller District Council
 • Regional councilWest Coast Regional Council
 • Mayor of BullerJamie Cleine
 • West Coast-Tasman MPMaureen Pugh
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
 • Total11.53 km2 (4.45 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total4,250
 • Density370/km2 (950/sq mi)

Westport (Māori: Kawatiri) is a town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. Established in 1861, it is the oldest European settlement on the West Coast.[3] Originally named Buller,[4] it is on the right bank and at the mouth of the Buller River, close by the prominent headland of Cape Foulwind. It is connected via State Highway 6 with Greymouth, 100 kilometres (62 mi) to the south, and with Nelson 222 kilometres (138 mi) in the northeast, via the Buller Gorge. The population of the Westport urban area was 4,250 as of June 2023. The Buller District had a population of 9,670.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Area was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Subnational population estimates (RC, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (regional councils); "Subnational population estimates (TA, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (territorial authorities); "Subnational population estimates (urban rural), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (urban areas)
  3. ^ "Municipal Chambers (Former)". Heritage New Zealand.
  4. ^ Nathan, Simon. "West Coast places – Westport". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 29 August 2020.