Ministers give update on Westport flood damage Sun, 18 Jul 2021, 4:09PM The town of Westport on the South Islands West Coast has been completely flooded with many residents been left without homes. Photo / George Heard Ministers give update on Westport flood damage Government ministers have arrived in flood-stricken Westport to see the damage to the region firsthand. Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi, Agriculture Minister and West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor, joined by Buller District mayor Jamie Cleine, are currently carrying out a flyover of the area to assess the situation before evaluating the flood damage on the ground. Speaking at this afternoon's press conference, Faafoi thanked the efforts of emergency groups including the Defence Force and police as they work around the clock to help residents.