At yesterdays (Thursday 27th) ordinary council meeting Mayor Helen Lash provided a update to councillors.
Since the inaugural Council meeting on Thursday 23 October 2025, Mayor Helen Lash has represented Westland District across a broad programme of civic, regional, and central government engagements.
Community and Sector Engagement
The Mayor attended a number of local AGMs and community events, strengthening relationships with key organisations and volunteers across the district. These included:
·        Destination Hokitika AGM
·        Ross Community AGM
·        Heritage Hokitika AGM
·        SPCA Civil Defence Meeting and workshop
·        West Coast Minerals Forum in Runanga
The Mayor also took part in the Air New Zealand leadership event in Wellington, engaging with the airline’s new Chief Executive on regional connectivity, and delivered speeches at the Jackson Bay funding announcement, acknowledging the significance of the investment for the community.
Official Meetings and Regional Collaboration
The Mayor participated in several formal governance and strategic meetings, including:
- Te Tai o Poutini Plan Committee
- West Coast Emergency Management Joint Committee (Buller)
- Mayors, Chairs and Iwi Forum
- Destination Westland meeting with the CE and Chair
- Destination Management Plan Reference Group
In response to recent government announcements, the Mayor also attended an urgent regional leadership meeting with West Coast mayors, chairs, and iwi representatives.
Central Government and Agency Advocacy
Maintaining strong advocacy for Westland, the Mayor met with Ministers and MPs to progress key regional issues, including:
- Minister James Meagre (South Island) – video conference
- Minister Shane Jones – Franz Josef river protection and Future Franz
- Minister Louise Upston – tourism infrastructure, freedom camping, cycle trails
- Minister James Meagre – Knights Point and West Coast economic priorities
- MP Maureen Pugh – Te Tai o Poutini Plan
- MP Andy Foster – airport update and economic opportunities
Further discussions were held with Air New Zealand regarding regional airports, and with Colin Smith, Chair of the West Coast Regional Council, on shared regional matters. The Mayor also met with East West Developments regarding the racecourse development, and with Haast residents on local needs and issues.
Civic and Public Events
As Mayor, Helen Lash attended and supported several community events, including:
·        Official starter for the Wilderness Trail Race in Ross and at Wadeson Island
·        Hokitika Christmas Market
·        Journey of a Poppy Bowl book launch, as guest speaker
·        Christmas concert at the Regent Theatre
·        Switching on the district’s Christmas tree lights
·        Formal welcome and thanks at the Jackson Bay funding announcement