Westport, New Zealand

2025-10-16T04:43:44Z

2406:5A00:B822:2600:D87D:AB70:1B45:32E3: typo

{{Short description|Town on the West Coast, New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Westport
| official_name =
| other_name =
| native_name = {{lang|mi|Kawatiri}} ([[Māori language|Māori]])
| image_skyline = Westport Municipal Chambers 2019.jpg
| area_total_km2 = 11.53
| area_footnotes = <ref name="Area"/>
| population_total = {{NZ population data 2018|Westport|y}}
| population_as_of = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| population_footnotes = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = New Zealand
| subdivision_type1 = Region
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]]
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = [[Buller District]]
| subdivision_type3 = Ward
| subdivision_name3 = Westport
| seat_type = Electorates
| seat = {{ubl|[[West Coast-Tasman]]|[[Te Tai Tonga]]}}
| leader_title = Territorial Authority
| leader_name = [[Buller District Council]]
| leader_title1 = Regional council
| leader_name1 = [[West Coast Regional Council]]
| leader_title2 = [[Mayor of Buller]]
| leader_name2 = {{NZ officeholder data|Buller District Mayor|y}}
| leader_title3 = {{nowrap|[[West Coast-Tasman|West Coast-Tasman MP]]}}
| leader_name3 = {{NZ officeholder data|West Coast-Tasman MP|y}}
| leader_title4 = [[Te Tai Tonga|Te Tai Tonga MP]]
| leader_name4 = {{NZ officeholder data|Te Tai Tonga MP|y}}
| image_map = {{Infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|41|45|29|S|171|36|8|E}}|zoom=6}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41|45|29|S|171|36|8|E|region:NZ_type:city|display=inline,title}}
}}

'''Westport''' ({{langx|mi|Kawatiri}}) is a town in the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]] region of the [[South Island]] of New Zealand. Established in 1861, it is the oldest European settlement on the West Coast.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Municipal Chambers (Former)|url=https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/5000|website=[[Heritage New Zealand]] }}</ref> Originally named '''Buller''',<ref name="teara">{{cite web |last1=Nathan |first1=Simon |title=West Coast places – Westport |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-3 |publisher=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> 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 (New Zealand)|State Highway 6]] with [[Greymouth]], {{convert|100|km|mi}} to the south, and with [[Nelson, New Zealand|Nelson]] {{convert|222|km|mi}} in the northeast, via the [[Buller Gorge]]. The population of the Westport urban area was {{NZ population data 2018|Westport|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}. The [[Buller District]] had a population of {{NZ population data 2018|Buller district|y}}.

== Name ==
The Māori language name for the river and the region is {{lang|mi|Kawatiri}}, meaning deep and swift.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grzelewski|first=Derek|date=Oct–Dec 1997|title=Buller—the mighty river|url=https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/buller-the-mighty-river/|access-date=21 September 2020|website=New Zealand Geographic|language=en-NZ}}</ref> The town is thought to have been named after [[Westport, County Mayo]] in [[Ireland]], although the choice of name was no doubt also guided by its location.<ref name="teara" />

==History==
From an archaeological excavation site, near the mouth of the Buller River ({{lang|mi|Kawatiri}}), it is clear that [[Māori people|Māori]] were living close to Westport by the early 14th century.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nathan|first=Simon|date=1 September 2016|title=West Coast region – Māori exploration and settlement|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/21070/kawatiri-archaeological-excavation}}</ref> Māori mostly lived in coastal areas, though they explored the mountains for [[pounamu]] (jade or greenstone), which they then traded with other [[iwi]].<ref name="HIST">{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://www.bullerdc.govt.nz/main/History/ |title=History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525060702/http://www.bullerdc.govt.nz/main/History/ |archive-date=25 May 2010 |website= [[Buller District Council]]}}</ref>

The first wave of European settlers came to Westport in 1861 as [[gold mining|gold miner]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westcoast.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=16&PHPSESSID=69a89b6b0cd3bc66d408e889d2b9675c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928135943/http://www.westcoast.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=16&PHPSESSID=69a89b6b0cd3bc66d408e889d2b9675c |archive-date=Sep 28, 2007 |website=Buller Community Development Company |title=Westport }}</ref> and the first European vessel said to have entered the river was the [[Seal hunting|sealing]] [[schooner]] ''Three Brothers'' in 1844,<ref>{{Cite periodical |date=22 Aug 1846 |title=Return of Messrs. Brunner and Heaphy From Exploring the Western Coast |periodical =Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle |volume=V |issue=233 |page=98 |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NENZC18460822.2.7.1 |access-date=2022-12-15 |via=Papers Past }}</ref> though other sealing vessels were recorded in the Cape Foulwind area in the 1820s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ian Smith |date=2002 |title=The New Zealand Sealing Industry |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/nzsealingentire.pdf |website=DoC |page=32}}</ref> The 1840s saw many exploratory parties of [[geologist]]s and [[surveying|surveyor]]s combing the area for the presence of valuable resources and taking the measure of the land. Amongst them were [[Charles Heaphy]], [[William Fox (politician)|William Fox]] and [[Thomas Brunner]]. While gold brought initial interest to the area, and for example, led to large areas of the coastal areas (covered by sediment from the river) being [[dredging|dredged]] for the valuable mineral,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=23 Feb 2009 |title=Westport |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-3 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |language=en}}</ref> the area soon became much more famous for [[coal mining]], still a dominant concern in the region today.<ref name="HIST"/>

[[File:Coal Mining. Westport, Nelson.jpg|alt=Loaded rail coal trucks, rail tracks and the river on the left|thumb|Loaded coal trucks in the Westport Railway yard]]
A coal mining company was formed in 1878 called the Westport Colliery Company Ltd, and then became [[Denniston, New Zealand|The Westport Coal Company]] in 1881 when a group of Dunedin businessmen purchased the mines.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Circa Theatre – Wellington Heritage|url=https://wellingtoncityheritage.org.nz/buildings/301-450/408-circa-theatre?q=|access-date=21 September 2020|website=Wellington City Council Me Heke Ki Poneke}}</ref> The coal fields were at Coalbrookdale ([[Denniston, New Zealand|Denniston]]) and Granity Creek ([[Millerton, New Zealand|Millerton]]) and coal was transported to the Westport harbour to be shipped out. By 1905 The Westport Coal Company was New Zealand's largest coal producer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.westportharbour.co.nz/history.php|access-date=21 September 2020|website=Westport Harbour}}</ref>

Westport was administrated as part of the [[Nelson Province]] from 1853 to 1876.

Westport has been damaged by several earthquakes, the worst the [[1929 Murchison earthquake]], in which several buildings collapsed, including the post office tower. The town now has a number of [[Art Deco]] buildings that were constructed after the earthquake,<ref name=teara/> for example the [[Clock Tower Chambers]].<ref>{{NZHPT|5000|Municipal Chambers (Former)|29 August 2020}}</ref>
[[File:G_Parkhouse_(Firm,_Westport)_-Palmerston_Street,_Westport._New_Zealand_post_card,_issued_by_G_Parkhouse,_Westport._Phototyped_in_Saxony_(ca_1910)_(21453604688).jpg|thumb|Palmerston Street, Westport. New Zealand post card, issued by G Parkhouse. Phototyped in Saxony (ca 1910)]]

===Flooding===
Westport and the Buller District have had several floods since 1846. In January 1868, heavy rain led to flooding, which destroyed two wharves. The town was flooded again in October and November 1926, and yet again in 1970, 2012, and 2015. In 2018, Westport was damaged by Cyclone Fehi during the [[2017–18 South Pacific cyclone season]]. According to Land River Sea Consulting founder and river engineer Matthew Gardner, Westport is sited on a flood-prone catchment and climate change is causing water levels to rise. A [[West Coast Regional Council]] spokesperson expressed concern about the under-investment in flood protection including dredging and river management work in Westport.<ref name="Stuff between two rivers">{{cite news |last1=Allott |first1=Amber |title=Between two rivers and the sea: Westport's long history of catastrophic floods |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/127744119/between-two-rivers-and-the-sea-westports-long-history-of-catastrophic-floods |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213032332/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/127744119/between-two-rivers-and-the-sea-westports-long-history-of-catastrophic-floods |archive-date=13 February 2022}}</ref>

In July 2021, [[2021 central New Zealand floods|wet weather]] throughout New Zealand caused more flooding, leading to the evacuation of about 2,000 people, roughly half of the town's 4,600 residents.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taunton |first1=Esther |title=Insurers brace for rush of claims after South Island floods |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/125788842/insurers-brace-for-rush-of-claims-after-south-island-floods |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718054921/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/125788842/insurers-brace-for-rush-of-claims-after-south-island-floods |archive-date=18 July 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="400 homes July 2022">{{cite news |title=More than 400 homes still not repaired one year on from Westport floods |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/300636197/more-than-400-homes-still-not-repaired-one-year-on-from-westport-floods |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=15 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161639/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/300636197/more-than-400-homes-still-not-repaired-one-year-on-from-westport-floods |archive-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> The flood caused millions of dollars in damages and damaged hundreds of homes in Westport.<ref>{{cite news |title=Westport and Buller prepare for heavy rain, locals warned to avoid non-essential travel |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460704/westport-and-buller-prepare-for-heavy-rain-locals-warned-to-avoid-non-essential-travel |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215064448/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460704/westport-and-buller-prepare-for-heavy-rain-locals-warned-to-avoid-non-essential-travel |archive-date=15 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> 563 homes were damaged with 70 homes being red stickered and 393 homes being yellow stickered.<ref name="Stuff between two rivers" /> 23% of the town's 983 dwellings required repairs.<ref name="400 homes July 2022" /> By mid-October 2021, 450 homes remained uninhabitable or damaged. 140 remained in temporary accommodation including cabins, motels, or relatives' homes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gee |first1=Samantha |title=Westport flood: 450 homes still unlivable or damaged |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/453511/westport-flood-450-homes-still-unlivable-or-damaged |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=14 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102213845/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/453511/westport-flood-450-homes-still-unlivable-or-damaged |archive-date=2 November 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2022, Westport and the Buller District had heavy rain and significant flooding, which damaged homes, infrastructure, farms, and roads. Residents were also evacuated. On 10 February, a [[state of emergency]] was declared in the Buller District.<ref name="Stuff between two rivers" /><ref name="Newshub 11 Feb 2022">{{cite news |last1=Speedy |first1=Juliet |title=Westport residents 'very depressed' as yet another flood brings more devastation |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/02/westport-residents-very-depressed-as-yet-another-flood-brings-more-devastation.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411064610/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/02/westport-residents-very-depressed-as-yet-another-flood-brings-more-devastation.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=11 February 2022}}</ref> Minister of Rural Affairs [[Damien O'Connor]] described the February flooding in Westport as "one of the worst he had seen" and attributed it to climate change.<ref name="Newshub 11 Feb 2022" /> On 23 February, [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Minister]] [[Jacinda Ardern]] announced a NZ$500,000 scheme to assist farmers in Westport and the wider West Coast region with flood damage called "Task Force Green."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brownlee |first1=Kaysha |title=Government supports flood-stricken Westport as it announces scheme to help farmers with clean-up |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/02/government-supports-flood-stricken-westport-as-it-announces-scheme-to-help-farmers-with-clean-up.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223094659/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/02/government-supports-flood-stricken-westport-as-it-announces-scheme-to-help-farmers-with-clean-up.html |archive-date=23 February 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2022, [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] reported that over 400 homes in Westport had not been fully repaired since the floods that struck the city in July 2021. Of the 563 flood damaged homes, just over 100 had fully completed their repairs. The [[Buller District Council]] and the [[West Coast Regional Council]] submitted a NZ$54 million business case for the region which includes investing in flood walls, subsidising people to move from flood-prone areas, and investing in Westport's stormwater system.<ref name="400 homes July 2022" />

==Geography==

===Climate===

The Westport climate is strongly influenced by the high amount of precipitation from the [[Tasman Sea]], with all months being rather wet on average. Despite very high annual rainfall, Westport is often prone to drought and conservation measures are sometimes triggered. While colder than the more northern parts of New Zealand, average temperature changes over the year are not extreme.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
{{Weather box|location = [[Westport Airport (New Zealand)|Westport Airport]] (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1937–present)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 29.1
| Feb record high C = 29.2
| Mar record high C = 28.6
| Apr record high C = 28.4
| May record high C = 25.0
| Jun record high C = 20.3
| Jul record high C = 18.0
| Aug record high C = 19.3
| Sep record high C = 22.0
| Oct record high C = 22.7
| Nov record high C = 25.7
| Dec record high C = 27.3
| year record high C = 29.2
| Jan record low C = 4.7
| Feb record low C = 2.9
| Mar record low C = 1.0
| Apr record low C = 0.7
| May record low C = −2.5
| Jun record low C = −3.5
| Jul record low C = −1.5
| Aug record low C = −2.5
| Sep record low C = -1.8
| Oct record low C = -0.6
| Nov record low C = 0.5
| Dec record low C = 3.7
| year record low C = −3.5
| Jan avg record high C = 23.7
| Feb avg record high C = 24.2
| Mar avg record high C = 23.1
| Apr avg record high C = 21.0
| May avg record high C = 18.9
| Jun avg record high C = 16.4
| Jul avg record high C = 15.9
| Aug avg record high C = 15.9
| Sep avg record high C = 17.5
| Oct avg record high C = 18.5
| Nov avg record high C = 20.3
| Dec avg record high C = 22.0
| year avg record high C = 25.1
|Jan high C = 20.2
|Feb high C = 20.7
|Mar high C = 19.8
|Apr high C = 17.5
|May high C = 15.5
|Jun high C = 13.7
|Jul high C = 12.9
|Aug high C = 13.4
|Sep high C = 14.5
|Oct high C = 15.4
|Nov high C = 16.9
|Dec high C = 18.7
| year high C = 16.6
|Jan mean C = 16.4
|Feb mean C = 16.8
|Mar mean C = 15.8
|Apr mean C = 13.6
|May mean C = 11.7
|Jun mean C = 9.8
|Jul mean C = 8.9
|Aug mean C = 9.5
|Sep mean C = 10.7
|Oct mean C = 11.8
|Nov mean C = 13.1
|Dec mean C = 15.2
| year mean C = 12.8
|Jan low C = 12.6
|Feb low C = 12.9
|Mar low C = 11.8
|Apr low C = 9.7
|May low C = 7.8
|Jun low C = 5.9
|Jul low C = 4.9
|Aug low C = 5.6
|Sep low C = 7.0
|Oct low C = 8.2
|Nov low C = 9.4
|Dec low C = 11.6
| year low C = 9.0
| Jan avg record low C = 8.2
| Feb avg record low C = 8.6
| Mar avg record low C = 7.1
| Apr avg record low C = 4.9
| May avg record low C = 2.7
| Jun avg record low C = 1.1
| Jul avg record low C = 0.8
| Aug avg record low C = 1.1
| Sep avg record low C = 2.3
| Oct avg record low C = 3.6
| Nov avg record low C = 5.0
| Dec avg record low C = 7.1
| year avg record low C = -0.3
|Jan rain mm = 163.4
|Feb rain mm = 121.4
|Mar rain mm = 143.1
|Apr rain mm = 163.8
|May rain mm = 186.5
|Jun rain mm = 199.5
|Jul rain mm = 170.1
|Aug rain mm = 187.0
|Sep rain mm = 182.6
|Oct rain mm = 202.2
|Nov rain mm = 157.3
|Dec rain mm = 196.9
| rain colour = green
|year rain mm =
| Jan rain days = 12.0
| Feb rain days = 10.4
| Mar rain days = 11.6
| Apr rain days = 12.3
| May rain days = 15.3
| Jun rain days = 16.4
| Jul rain days = 14.1
| Aug rain days = 15.7
| Sep rain days = 17.0
| Oct rain days = 17.9
| Nov rain days = 14.6
| Dec rain days = 14.9
| unit rain days = 1.0 mm
| Jan humidity = 83.3
| Feb humidity = 86.4
| Mar humidity = 86.7
| Apr humidity = 85.8
| May humidity = 87.7
| Jun humidity = 86.6
| Jul humidity = 84.3
| Aug humidity = 85.2
| Sep humidity = 82.7
| Oct humidity = 84.6
| Nov humidity = 80.3
| Dec humidity = 82.4
| Jan sun = 213.0
| Feb sun = 174.9
| Mar sun = 164.2
| Apr sun = 151.5
| May sun = 114.7
| Jun sun = 93.4
| Jul sun = 120.7
| Aug sun = 118.6
| Sep sun = 138.9
| Oct sun = 158.4
| Nov sun = 171.7
| Dec sun = 179.4
| year sun = 1799.4
| collapsed = Y
|source 1 = NIWA Climate Data<ref name = NIWA>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240520001949/https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/climate-data-and-activities
| archive-date = 20 May 2024
| url = https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/climate-data-and-activities
| title = Climate data and activities
| publisher= NIWA
| access-date = 20 May 2024}}</ref>
|source 2 = CliFlo<ref name= CliFlo>
{{cite web
|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz
|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 5 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent number: 3810, 3814, 7342, 41382)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 14 Aug 2024}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
Westport covers {{Convert|11.53|km2||abbr=on}}<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=ArcGIS Web Application|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787| access-date=12 March 2024|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Westport|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Westport|y}}|R}}/11.53|0}} people per km2.

{{Historical populations|2006|4,509|2013|4,755|2018|4,389|percentages=pagr|align=left|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}}
Westport had a population of 4,389 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], a decrease of 366 people (−7.7%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and a decrease of 120 people (−2.7%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 1,998 households, comprising 2,214 males and 2,172 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.02 males per female, with 729 people (16.6%) aged under 15 years, 651 (14.8%) aged 15 to 29, 1,911 (43.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,092 (24.9%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 91.9% European/[[Pākehā]], 12.1% [[Māori people|Māori]], 1.8% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]], 2.7% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 1.6% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 9.2, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 56.3% had no religion, 33.6% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.3% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.5% were [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.1% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]], 0.3% were [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]] and 1.5% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 303 (8.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 1,179 (32.2%) people had no formal qualifications. 351 people (9.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,398 (38.2%) people were employed full-time, 561 (15.3%) were part-time, and 159 (4.3%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Westport North (309200) and Westport South (309400)}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Individual statistical areas
|-
!Name !! Area (km2) !! Population !! Density (per km2) || Households !! Median age !! Median income
|-
| Westport North || style="text-align:right;"|8.66 || style="text-align:right;"|1,893 || style="text-align:right;"|219 || style="text-align:right;"|858 || 48.1 years || $21,500<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|westport-north|Westport North}}</ref>
|-
| Westport South || style="text-align:right;"|2.87 || style="text-align:right;"|2,496 || style="text-align:right;"|840 || style="text-align:right;"|1,140 || 47.5 years || $23,100<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|westport-south|Westport South}}</ref>
|-
! New Zealand !! !! !! !! !! 37.4 years !! style="text-align:left;"| $31,800
|}

===Rural surrounds===
Westport Rural surrounds Westport on the west, south and east, and includes [[Carters Beach]]. It covers {{Convert|90.06|km2||abbr=on}}<ref name="Area"/> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Westport Rural|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Westport Rural|y}}|R}}/90.06|0}} people per km2.

{{Historical populations|2006|975|2013|1,230|2018|1,260|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for Westport Rural|source=<ref name="Census 2018 WR"/>}}
Before the 2023 census, Westport Rural had a smaller boundary, covering {{Convert|88.76|km2||abbr=on}}.<ref name="Area"/> Using that boundary, Westport Rural had a population of 1,260 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 30 people (2.4%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 285 people (29.2%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 498 households, comprising 624 males and 639 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.98 males per female. The median age was 50.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 249 people (19.8%) aged under 15 years, 96 (7.6%) aged 15 to 29, 606 (48.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 306 (24.3%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 94.0% European/[[Pākehā]], 8.8% [[Māori people|Māori]], 0.7% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]], 1.7% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 2.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 9.0, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.7% had no religion, 32.9% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.7% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.5% were [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.5% were [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]] and 1.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 129 (12.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 285 (28.2%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $24,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 144 people (14.2%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 441 (43.6%) people were employed full-time, 192 (19.0%) were part-time, and 21 (2.1%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018 WR">{{NZ census 2018|Westport Rural (309300)|westport-rural|Westport Rural}}</ref>

==Economy==

[[File:EPIC MRD 01.jpg|alt=|thumb|300x300px|EPIC Westport, a technology hub and coworking space in Westport.]]
Economic activity is based around [[fishing]], coal mining and [[dairy farming]]. Historically, gold mining was a major industry, and coal mining was much more extensive than today (especially in terms of employment numbers). However, the region still is home to New Zealand's largest [[opencast mining]] operation in [[Stockton, New Zealand|Stockton]].<ref>[http://www.solidenergy.co.nz/mines-stockton.htm Stockton (Opencast)] (from the [[Solid Energy]] website)</ref> Some native [[forest]] [[logging]] occurred in the area until cessation around 1999.

The [[Holcim]] company had a large [[cement]] plant in the southwest side of town until its closure on 30 June 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80416762/job-losses-for-westport-harbour-when-holcim-closes|title=Job losses for Westport Harbour when Holcim closes|first=Joanne|last=Carroll|date=26 May 2016|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref>

Westport is also home to EPIC Westport an innovation hub, which houses software developers and business startups.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baker|first=Glenn|date=27 February 2019|title=Coastal confidence|url=https://nzbusiness.co.nz/article/coastal-confidence-0|access-date=26 September 2020|website=NZBusiness}}</ref>

==Media==

A daily local newspaper is published in Westport, the ''[[Westport News]]''. The Westport News building also houses coast-wide local radio station [[Coast FM (New Zealand)|Coast FM]].

==Tourism==

Tourist attracts in the area include [[Cape Foulwind]], Tauranga Bay with its large [[New Zealand Fur Seal|fur seal]] colony, and fine surfing beaches. The opening of the [[Old Ghost Road]] which runs between [[Lyell, New Zealand|Lyell]] and [[Seddonville]] to the north of Westport has seen an explosion in the number of mountain bikers visiting the area. The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is under development between Westport, [[Carters Beach]], [[Cape Foulwind]], and [[Charleston, New Zealand|Charleston.]]The Pūwaha Section of the trail from Westport to Carters Beach was the first of nine sections to be built. It was officially opened on 6 December 2020. The remaining sections are expected to be completed by June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About the Kawatiri Coastal Trail|url=https://www.kawatiricoastaltrail.co.nz/#:~:text=The%20P%C5%ABwaha%20Section%20of%20the,public%20on%206%20December%202020.|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Kawatiri Trail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=7 December 2020|title=New West Coast Trail provides tourism boost thanks to PDU funding|url=https://www.growregions.govt.nz/media-centre/news/new-west-coast-trail-provides-tourism-boost-thanks-to-pdu-funding/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Growregions.govt.nz}}</ref>

[[Rafting]] and [[jetboat]]ing in the Buller Gorge are popular.<ref>[http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/regions/west-coast/history.html West Coast – History] (from the [[Tourism New Zealand]] website)</ref> Westport is a base for trips to [[Karamea]] and the [[Oparara Basin Arches]] with the only road access to the area running north from Westport. [[Paparoa National Park]] is also located nearby.

== Transport==

[[File:Westport Cattle Wharf MRD.jpg|thumb|Old cattle wharf, Westport harbour]]
Westport is served by [[New Zealand State Highway 67|State Highway 67]], and the 8.9 km spur State Highway 67A to [[Carters Beach]] and [[Cape Foulwind]] which terminates at the former [[Holcim]] cement plant location.

The Holcim company managed the day-to-day operations of Westport's port until ceasing operations in the district, using it to ship their cement product to market,<ref name="BDC">[http://www.bullerdc.govt.nz/main/Buller_live/ Westport] (from the [[Buller District Council]] website)</ref><ref>[http://www.bullerdc.govt.nz/main/Harbour/ Harbour] (from the [[Buller District Council]] website)</ref> for example to the [[Port of Onehunga]] in [[Auckland]].

The first railway of the area in 1864{{failed verification|date=August 2012}} ran from Westport {{convert|18|km|mi}} to the coal fields, most of them north of town.<ref>[http://rsnz.natlib.govt.nz/volume/rsnz_76/rsnz_76_03_004250.pdf Westport Harbour] (from the ''Transactions and Proceedings of the [[Royal Society of New Zealand]], 1868–1961'')</ref> The first section of railway from Westport to [[Fairdown]] via [[Sergeants Hill]] opened on 31 December 1875; this line ultimately reached [[Seddonville]] in 1895 and was known as the [[Seddonville Branch]]. From this beginning, an isolated network of [[branch line]]s was developed: a Westport-Inangahua branch line of about 12 miles (19 km) was authorised by the Railways Authorisation Act, 1904.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/raa19044ev1904n36371/ |title= Railways Authorisation Act, 1904 |publisher= NZ Law online |date=1904}}</ref> But the lines were not linked to the national network until the completion of the [[Stillwater–Westport Line]] through the [[Buller Gorge]] in 1942.

[[Westport Airport (New Zealand)|Westport Airport]] is a small airport. It was formerly served twice daily on weekdays and daily in the weekend by [[Air New Zealand]] from [[Wellington]], and prior to that, flights to Christchurch and Hokitika were also operated. The Air New Zealand service from Wellington service ceased in April 2015 and its place was taken by [[Sounds Air]]. Sounds Air announced that it would cease their service in December 2024 and from January 2025 Originair took on this route.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/350454691/big-changes-coming-wellington-westport-route-new-operator-steps|title=Big changes coming to Wellington-Westport route as new operator steps in|date=17 October 2024|first=Alan|last=Granville|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref>

==Facilities==
[[File:Cape Foulwind And Holcim Cement Westport.jpg|thumb|256px|right|The Holcim cement plant was a large factor in the local economy.]]
The town used to have one cinema/theatre, the St James Theatre, able to seat 424 patrons for film screenings, theatre productions or other activities. After being found structurally unsound, the theatre had to be demolished. A new theatre has since opened. The NBS theatre has two movie theatres, one which seats 55 people and a boutique theatre that seats approximately 20 people. This theatre also has a large facility with seating for approximately 370 people and a stage for performing.<ref>[http://www.bullerdc.govt.nz/main/Theatres/ Theatres] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820043614/http://www.bullerdc.govt.nz/main/Theatres/ |date=20 August 2010 }} (from the [[Buller District Council]] website)</ref>

The township also has a links-style, 18-hole, par-72 golf course. The course measures around {{convert|5600|m|ft}} with medium to narrow fairways and small "target" greens.<ref>[http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/golf-course-regions/buller_westland.html New Zealand, NZ, Golf Course Regions]</ref>

The Pulse Energy Recreation Centre (originally named the Solid Energy Centre), a sports complex, was opened on 18 April 2009.

Te Taha o Te Awa Marae is based at Westport. It is a ''[[marae]]'' (tribal meeting ground) of [[Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō]] and its Pūaha Te Rangi hapū, and includes a ''[[wharenui]]'' (meeting house), also called Te Taha o te Awa.<ref name="tkmentry">{{cite web|title=Te Kāhui Māngai directory|url= http://www.tkm.govt.nz/ |website=tkm.govt.nz|publisher=[[Te Puni Kōkiri]]}}</ref><ref name="maorimaps">{{cite web |title=Māori Maps |url=https://maorimaps.com/map |website=maorimaps.com |publisher=Te Potiki National Trust}}</ref>

The [[Coaltown Museum]], opened in 2013, illustrates the area's local history.<ref name="Westport Heritage and Arts">{{cite web |title=Heritage and Arts Around Westport |url=https://westport.nz/heritage-and-arts/ |publisher=Westport Tourism}}</ref><ref name="nzmuseums-Coaltown Museum">{{cite web |title=Coaltown Museum on NZ Museums |url=https://nzmuseums.co.nz/collections/3238/coaltown-museum |website=nzmuseums.co.nz |publisher=[[Te Papa]]}}</ref>

[[Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library]], Buller District's library, is located on Palmerston Street.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Buller District Council, New Zealand » Library locations & opening hours|url=https://bullerdc.govt.nz/library-locations-a-opening-hours|access-date=23 September 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Westport Technical High School - Home science (3308574982).jpg|thumb|Home science class at Westport Technical High School|alt=|left]]
[[Buller High School]] is a secondary (years 9–13) school with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|301|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|301|Buller High School}}</ref> The school celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1997<ref>{{cite book|title=75 years of memories 1922–1997 Westport Technical High School, Westport Technical College, Buller High School|author=Centennial Committee|year=1997}}</ref> but also claims to have been operating for over 100 years, due to its connection to earlier secondary schooling in the district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buller.ac.nz/|title=Welcome to Buller High School|access-date=19 July 2008|publisher=Buller High School}}</ref>

Westport North School and Westport South School are full primary (years 1–8) schools with rolls of {{NZ school roll data|3235|y}}<ref>{{TKI|3235|Westport North School}}</ref> and {{NZ school roll data|3236|y}},<ref>{{TKI|3236|Westport South School}}</ref> respectively. The schools were founded in 1942<ref>{{cite book|title=Westport North Primary School Jubilee and reunion 1942–1992|first=Amber Jo|last=Illsley|year=1992}}</ref> and 1941<ref>{{cite book|title=Westport South School 50th Jubilee 1941–1991|author=Jubilee Committee|year=1991}}</ref>

St Canice's School is a full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|3220|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|3220|St Canice's School}}</ref> It is a state integrated Catholic school<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/ero\reppub.nsf/Institution/73D10793EEAE4AFDCC2573D9000611D3/$File/3220.htm|title=Education Review Report: Saint Canice's School|date=December 2007|publisher=Education Review Office}}</ref> and has operated since at least 1882.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=NZT18830112.2.12|title=St Canice's School Westport|publisher=New Zealand Tablet|date=12 January 1883}}</ref>

All these schools are coeducational. The town's primary schools all have a decile rating of 4, and Buller High School has a decile rating of 3. School rolls are as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}}

== Notable people ==
[[File:Westport James Colvin Memorial.JPG|alt=Carved bust of a man on a plinth in a lawn|thumb|Memorial statue of James Colvin in Westport]]
{{main category|People from Westport, New Zealand}}
* [[Marlene J Bennetts]] – poet and children's author
* [[Ben Blair]] – rugby union player
* [[James Colvin]] – politician
* [[G. F. J. Dart]] – educationalist, playwright
* [[Alan Deere]] – World War II fighter ace
* [[Anna Harrison (netball)|Anna Harrison]] – netball player
* [[Peter Hawes]] – playwright, author, actor
* [[Laura Jane Suisted|Laura Suisted]] – journalist

== Notable buildings ==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Clock Tower Chambers Westport MRD 01.jpg|[[Clock Tower Chambers]]
File:Westport MRD 05.jpg|Westport Post Office
File:Westport MRD 02.jpg|Former Bank of New Zealand building which now houses the ''[[Westport News]]''
File:Westport MRD 04.jpg|Buller County Chambers
File:Westport MRD 12.jpg|[[Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library|Old Westport Library building]]
File:St John's Westport MRD.jpg|[[Church of St John the Evangelist, Westport|Church of St John the Evangelist]]
File:St Canice's Westport 05.jpg|[[St Canice's Church, Westport|St Canice's Church]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Westport (New Zealand)}}
{{Commons category|Westport, New Zealand}}
* [http://www.westport.nz/ Westport Tourism Website] (Official Westport tourism website, Tourism New Zealand)
* [http://www.buller.ac.nz/ Buller High School]
* [http://www.westportnorth.school.nz Westport North School]

{{Buller District}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Westport, New Zealand| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in the West Coast Region]]
[[Category:Buller District]]
[[Category:Mining communities in New Zealand]]

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Westport, New Zealand