west coast A NZME Commercial Publication
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COVER
INSIDE Life on the Coast hard to beat | Why moving West makes sense
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Life on the Coast hard to beat .....................................4 West Coast’s Pioneering Spirit lives on ........................5 The little region that can ..............................................6 Working from home .....................................................7 Innovation - A Coast speciality .....................................8 Greymouth Town Square ..............................................9 A Winter Wonderland .................................................10 Karamea’s untamed wilderness ..................................11 Blackball - Set to shine ...............................................13 Moving West makes sense .........................................14 Hokitika, a cool little town ..........................................14 Cover - Hokitika Gorge, Photo: Stewart Nimmo Editor Greg Fleming | Design Courtney Wenzlick | For Development West Coast Aaron Rees Advertising Kipp O’Donnell | kipp.odonnell@nzme.co.nz | West Coast is a NZME commercial publication
Locally owned family business with over 60 years' combined experience. We have over 120 listings on the Coast from residential, lifestyle to rural and business. "Come on down, check out the unbelievable prices, the great lifestyle and environment."
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west coast work | live | play
Life on the Coast HARD TO BEAT The West Coast offers a backyard of exciting weekend activities, and you’ll have more time and money to enjoy it. Photo: Stewart Nimmo. Location: Punakaiki
The days of buying a first home with a quarter-acre section may seem a long way out of reach for city-dwellers in Auckland. With median house prices over a million dollars the dream of getting on the property ladder must feel exactly like that – a dream
N Photo: Stewart Nimmo. Location: Fox Glacier
Photo: Stewart Nimmo. Location: Punakaiki
o wonder 33,000 people left Auckland in the four years to 2017, and many of them have found welcoming and supportive communities in the bustling small towns that dot the landscape on the West Coast of the South Island. No concrete jungle. No traffic jams. No motorway congestion. These are just some of the advantages of living on the West Coast. And then there’s the wonderful natural landscape, high speed internet, close proximity to two airports and excellent roads ensuring those who live and work here are easily connected to clients and customers around the globe. Indeed Westport has more sunshine hours than most of Auckland and that’s just as well given the plethora of outdoor pursuits the region has to offer – from hiking and cycling to fishing, hunting, water skiing and boating. The West Coast offers a backyard of exciting weekend activities, and you’ll have more time and money to enjoy it. Yes Auckland incomes may be high compared to most parts of the country, but that comes with far more financial pressure. Auckland house prices are over 15 times that of annual earnings, compare that to the West Coast where the median house price hovers around $200,000 - not even four times average annual earnings. If you buy on the Coast your mortgage will be smaller, you’ll be debt free faster and have more disposable income to spend on what you want in life.
THE COAST WELCOMES BUSINESSES The digital age means the days of needing an office in a big city are long gone. Today West Coast businesses are busy leveraging digital technologies to be competitive in international markets. “Business opportunities are aplenty here. In addition to the new industries digital technologies are enabling, the region has thriving sectors in manufacturing and agribusiness, and so much more,” says Development West Coast (DWC) chief executive Chris Mackenzie. “Thanks to the region’s natural beauty and rich history, it is one of the fastest-growing tourist areas in New Zealand with all the opportunities that provides.” If you want a clean start in a new location and the opportunity to start up a new business of your own, the business services on offer from regional development organisation Development West Coast are here to support you. The employment market is also buoyant. Unemployment levels are incredibly low on the Coast, at only 3.3 per cent they are far below rates in Auckland. This means business owners are always on the lookout for skilled staff. LEAVE THE TRAFFIC AND BRING THE FAMILY Aucklanders on average waste 80 hours annually stuck in traffic jams - essentially two unpaid working weeks a year. On the
Coast, where traffic jams are unheard of, that extra time could be spent with your family enjoying the untamed natural wilderness on your doorstep. The Coast is the perfect place to bring up children. You’ll not only be able to spend more time with them but also have more disposable income to spend on their upbringing. They’ll grow up surrounded by grass rather than asphalt, and the sound of birds instead of traffic. And education is a key focus on the Coast. Good high schools in Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika provide the region’s young adults with stepping stones to a profitable working life, and the Greymouthbased Tai Poutini Polytechnic offers a wide range of technical study options. INNOVATION RULES The West Coast business community has always been pioneering, leveraging the latest technologies to open up new opportunities, whether that was during the gold rush of the 1800s or the present day block chain mining. There is a unique balance on the West Coast however. The acute awareness of being future-focused is matched with the appreciation of the region’s rich history. Living and working on the West Coast, it is difficult to ignore the stories of the founding fathers - true pioneers and trail blazers. The resilient nature of Coasters transcends the generations, making for a community of hard workers. And they are a friendly bunch, just pop into one of the region’s many cafes for a coffee and a yarn, and it won’t be too long before you’ll feel at home. That’s why a recent opinion survey by DWC found 70 per cent of local businesses rated quality of life here as an advantage over any other region in New Zealand. Time for a change? Why don’t you join us!
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West Coast’s
PIONEERING
SPIRIT LIVES ON (Above) Through the Reefton ‘Shop Front’ project business owners were able to renovate their shop fronts in a heritage style (Inset) Community groups have worked hard to bring back the distinctive character of Reefton’s heritage shop buildings.
The West Coast has always attracted pioneering people – from Maori trading pounamu to those who flocked here during the goldrush days
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ack in 1867 Wellington’s postmaster got a promotion. Where did this step up in his career take him? To the West Coast of course - the Charleston Post office. The Coast has always been the place to be, and Coasters have always been trailblazers. In 1888 Reefton was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to get electricity, beating London and New York. In 1934 New Zealand’s first scheduled air service began from Hokitika. Gold mining may have shifted to blockchain mining, but the pioneering spirit remains. People are still moving to the Coast for the opportunities this amazing region offers. Picking up and starting afresh in a new town may feel like a scary prospect. Especially if that means
selling your home and moving to another part of the country, without the comfort of your current networks. But it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. The work-life balance the West Coast offers comes with the added bonus of support from an organisation specifically set up to promote employment and economic benefits in the region. Development West Coast (DWC) was established in 2001 with the mandate to manage, invest and distribute income from a $92m fund allocated by the Government. This fund was an adjustment package for the loss of indigenous forestry and the privatisation of infrastructure on the West Coast in the late 1990s. DWC works hard for the community, promoting sustainable
employment opportunities and generating economic benefits for the entire region. A move to the West Coast from a city as large as Auckland would present many opportunities – first and foremost for Auckland home owners, the difference in purchasing power for a home on the Coast would be a significant financial advantage. So with cash in hand and a business dream to pursue, tapping into the support of DWC in setting up and getting that new business off the ground is a no-brainer. The DWC team offers a wide range of business services, commercial finance and other assistance to help businesses grow. Since 2001 many West Coast businesses have accessed assistance from DWC. This includes
Paul Thomas, joint owner ner of the Broadway Tearooms & Bakery, who has utilised a range of DWC services. Paul is one of the many passionate people involved in the revitalisation of the small West Coast town of Reefton. Over the years community groups have worked hard to bring back the distinctive character of the town’s heritage shop buildings, many of which reflected their goldfields character from the 1870s but had been modified over time to compromise their appearance. Born from this vision was the Reefton ‘Shop Front’ project, where DWC provided a commercial loan to a community-led group, who were then able to on lend to shop owners at very reasonable rates, enabling business owners to renovate their shop fronts in a heritage style. According to Paul, the idea of the Reefton Shop Front project was to emphasise Reefton’s distinctiveness; make it stand out from other towns, to engender pride from locals, to
create a destination for visitors and to develop the town economically. “The investment by DWC into Reefton through the shop front project was an innovative model, a leap of faith at the time for community-led economic development, a leap of faith at the time for the investment made, but it has created immeasurable results that have ensured the town’s longterm sustainability,” Paul says. “Local people now have great pride in their place. Visitors stream in, people desire to come and live here, and people are upbeat about the town’s economy.” And that is exactly what DWC’s support is for – assisting our present-day pioneers and ensuring the West Coast’s economy thrives. So if you have always wanted to leave the daily grind behind, why not consider the West Coast. With its lifestyle options, and business development support and digital accessibility, this exciting, growing region has something for everyone.
Do you want the career but also the lifestyle?
Hard day at the office? Time for a change?
Buller Electricity have positions available for: • Registered Line Mechanics • Electrical Engineer
Do you want to live in the most scenic part of the Country? Do you want to own your own slice of paradise at a reasonable price? Do you want to spend more time at home and less on a commute?
How about a change of lifestyle – come to the Buller area and enjoy the lifestyle which will be at your very affordable doorstep. Are you into tramping, fishing, hunting, sport and recreation, are you after more time for you or your family. If cycling is your thing, the Old Ghost Road track is in our backyard. If this sounds exciting and you’ve got what it takes Buller Electricity want to talk to you.
Please apply to Buller Electricity Limited PO Box 243 Westport 7866 Email to: info@bullernetwork.co.nz
Electro Services have position available for Electricians/Refrigeration Technicians Electro Services is a highly motivated company with the ambition to deliver a great work environment offering work and personal life balance, we will build an exciting position around your skills, and help you to develop these skills in a technically diverse industry. www.electroservices.co.nz
Please apply to Darren Stevenson (Business Manager) darrens@electroservices.co.nz
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west coast work | live | play
THE
Little Region
THAT CAN On the Coast it’s easy to get the work/life balance right. Photo: Stephen Roberts
The days of needing an office “in the city” are long gone and many companies are eyeing the regions as workers seek cheaper housing, family friendly lifestyles and that feel of New Zealand as it used to be
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dvances in technology now allow people to live wherever they want and many are choosing to base themselves amongst the truly stunning landscapes of the West Coast. And work’s abundant here with unemployment levels on the West Coast well below the New Zealand average, at only 3.3 per cent. West Coast business owners are always on the lookout for skilled staff. Data from Statistics NZ shows Aucklanders spend about 450 hours a year in a car. Why waste your life stuck in the traffic when instead that valuable time could be spent on the West Coast with your family cycling, fishing, hiking, surfing – or just
sitting back and watching a glorious sunset. “The West Coast is no concrete jungle,” says Development West Coast chief executive Chris Mackenzie. “There are no traffic jams, no motorway congestion - but nor is it isolated. It has high speed internet, two airports and good roads and rail. Those who live and work here are easily connected to their clients and customers around the country and the world.” Development West Coast works closely with local and central government, other economic development organisations, and business support providers, to encourage and support business to set up in the region and promote
Those who live and work here are easily connected to their clients and customers around the country and the world. Development West Coast chief executive Chris Mackenzie
sustainable employment. The assistance the agency gives ranges from commercial finance to business support and capability development through business mentoring, workshops and training assistance. “The West Coast is home to thriving industries in IT, manufacturing, agribusiness and so much more,” Mackenzie says. “Thanks to the region’s natural beauty and rich history, it is one of the fastest-growing tourist areas in New Zealand.” Today digital technologies are allowing the Little Region That Can to be competitive in international markets: software for many leading gaming companies such as EA and Disney started here, and can-do locals are carving out niches for successful online businesses. You don’t need to be a maths wizard to see the advantages of moving from a big city to the West
Coast. Auckland’s median house price is around a million dollars. In comparison, on the West Coast the quarter-acre section is still a reachable reality. Median house prices hover around $200,000 and each window is likely to offer a view of magnificent mountains, primeval forest, deep and silent rivers and dramatic coastlines. This is a region that boasts some of the New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes: a drive up the coast towards the world-famous Punakaiki Rocks on the edge of the magnificent Paparoa Regional Park will offer a different perspective and mood every time. Life is simpler on the West Coast and it is easy to see why people love to live and work here, says Mackenzie: “You can live by the sea and still have views of the snow-covered alps – with thriving cafes just a walk away.”
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Photo: Stewart Nimmo. Location: Lake Matheson
WORKING
FROM HOME
Advances in digital technologies and an inspiring backyard are making the West Coast a hub for creative artisans. Nestled between the snow-capped Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, the West Coast is an area renowned for its inspirational natural environment “From pounamu carvers to booker prize winning authors, the West Coast landscape has long attracted and inspired creative people,” says Development West Coast chief executive Chris Mackenzie. “Advances in digital technologies are opening new opportunities, enabling people to live where they want, and do business with the world. This has led to a new generation of pioneering artisans who have chosen to live on the Coast for the lifestyle, while selling their products online to wider markets,” he says.
Tessa Lindsay from www.nuzzlebaby.co.nz
Eczema salve from www.bluespurmilkandhoney.com
Kira Birchfield from www.kirabirchfieldjeweller.co.nz
Nuzzle Baby
Blue Spur Milk and Honey
Kira Birchfield Jeweller
Tessa Lindsay’s business, Nuzzle Baby, is a perfect example that geography is no-longer a barrier to doing business, especially when talent, passion and the internet are involved. Tessa and her husband were born and bred in Queenstown but were looking for a change. When her sister-in-law encouraged them to move to Westport they jumped at the opportunity. In 2014 they welcomed their first child, who was born with severe breathing and feeding issues. “I wanted to make sure that what he played with was safe and enjoyable for him, organic and free from toxins, so it wouldn’t affect his breathing at all,” she says. Tessa started designing products that would be safe, engaging and nurturing for her son. Seeing the enjoyment he was getting laid the seeds for her business, Nuzzle Baby. Tessa began making eco-friendly baby toys while her son was sleeping and selling them online. “Being an online business means you can live wherever you love and for us that’s right here in Westport. We want to bring our children up in a relaxed small-town environment. And being able to draw inspiration from the nature and landscape around me has been a huge influence in finding my unique style,” Tessa says.
Sick of the city-life, Miriam Rees and her family moved to the West Coast. They eventually purchased a lifestyle block just outside of Hokitika in Blue Spur. Their property soon became home to an array of animals: goats, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, bees and their dog Zeb. Miriam became busy taking up new hobbies. She learnt beekeeping and would use her goat’s milk to make cheese and soap. She started experimenting, adding honey from her hives to her goat’s milk soap and making solid hand lotion bars using her beeswax. With the help of her goats and bees, she found she could craft many different natural products and so her business ‘Blue Spur Milk and Honey’ was born. Miriam now handcrafts a range of rustic beauty products that encapsulate the untamed natural wilderness she is surrounded by. She avoids plastics, only using environmentally friendly packaging. “There’s no point making a beautiful natural product and then wrapping it in plastic! The charm of the West Coast is its raw natural beauty, and we want to keep it that way,” she says.
After nine years away travelling and studying, Kira Birchfield moved back to the West Coast with her husband. From her home workshop south of Hokitika, she has setup a new business – Kira Birchfield Jeweller. “My pieces reflect my connection to this unique landscape. I immerse myself in the West Coast surroundings – the rugged landscapes create incredible silhouettes, patterns, inspiration!” Kira says. “I am passionate about the art of the hand-made. I melt, form, roll, drill and polish precious materials to make unique artworks. Making work that is connected to the West Coast is important to me. “Having the freedom to work from home with such inspiring surroundings is something I am grateful for. Being able to head out for a morning horse ride along the beach before heading into my workshop is just magic,” Kira says. According to Chris Mackenzie, the ability of these artisans, and others like them, to carve out their own niches is a testament to the West Coast’s appeal as a digitally connected region, allowing people to run successful businesses remotely “all while enjoying the superior West Coast lifestyle.”
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Innovation
A COAST SPECIALITY Ben Dellaca is the founding director of CerebralFix a software development business, making mobile games for global entertainment companies, including Disney and EA.
T EPIC offers support for new business ventures for those who need a base for a day or a week when in Westport. Photo: Jules Anderson
Emily Miazga is the ‘Powergirl’ behind Em’s Power Cookies and a tenant at Westport’s EPIC. Photo: Jules Anderson
$195,000
ogether with partner Natasha Barnes-Dellaca, they have been the driving force behind the establishment of an innovation hub in Westport called EPIC Westport. As a collaborative centre, EPIC offers support for new business ventures as well as space for those who need a base for a day or a week when in Westport. The venture makes mobile working a normal way of doing business. “EPIC Westport has recently completed stage two of its development and now covers 800 square metres of office, event and coworking space - with 18 tenants so far,” Natasha says. “Space is going quickly.” Ben says they chose his hometown for the new venture because he could see the many benefits for both lifestyle and economic advantage. As more and more companies embrace the opportunities digital technologies offer, it opens doors to living in less expensive regions and this in particular was what Ben honed in on. “We have staff who have moved directly from San Francisco and Mexico City to work in our Westport office, as well as guys that have migrated from our main development
studios in Christchurch. They all love it here in on the West Coast.” “Home ownership is now achievable for all of our staff, as well as access to surfing and mountain biking within 15 mins of the office. Emily Miazga is an expat Canadian and former clinical dietitian who is now the ‘Powergirl’ behind Em’s Power Cookies and a tenant at EPIC. “We came to Westport in 2006 because we just wanted to get out of the city. It was really important for my husband Mitch and I to have a good lifestyle. It was so beautiful here, and the perfect training ground for the Coast to Coast, and we just fell in love with the Coast and never looked back,” Emily says. Emily has made a habit of coming first. As an endurance athlete she won the gruelling Coast to Coast three times. Now her business Em’s Power Cookies, has become the first to get commercially produced hemp protein cookies on the market in New Zealand, with supermarket chain Countdown stocking her products nation-wide. About two years ago, Emily caught wind that hemp food legislation was in the works, so she wasted no time getting into the kitchen and started developing her product in anticipation. “I always wanted to make a protein
$320,000
$459,000
cookie but didn’t want to use dairy or soy if possible,” Emily says. She calls hemp “nature’s powerfully nutritious superfood.” When legislative changes were finally made in November, Emily was ready to hit the ground running, and now distributes her hemp protein cookies across New Zealand and internationally, all while running her business from EPIC Westport. “Westport is a small town, and we are a little off the beaten track, but that is no barrier to us really thriving and kicking ass economically,” she says. And if you needed more evidence of how progressive organisations can thrive and ‘kick ass’ in a small town like Westport, look no further than another EPIC tenant, the NEM Blockchain Hub. While business and industry in other New Zealand centres are still grappling to understand what blockchain even is and how they can use it, this organisation is up and running in Westport, pumping out blockchainbased gaming products alongside virtual reality and augmented reality products. And what a fascinating progression from the town’s rich history in goldmining to now being a leader in all things blockchain and the cryptocurrency mining that platform supports! Which just cements the message that Westport offers the perfect balance for those looking to get more out of life. From working in the cuttingedge world of blockchain to the great outdoors, Westport has it all.
$180,000
Work, invest, live. We’ve got it covered. Affordable properties | Investment returns | Priceless lifestyle | Great retirement living
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Call us for sales and property management. Greymouth 03 768 7145 or Hokitika 03 755 8138
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The Town Square has been brought to life with community events. Photo: Tony Kokshoorn
Greymouth Town Square Take in the fresh West Coast air while relaxing in the outdoor dining area at the local café in the Town Square
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ip your favourite bubbly and catch up with friends and family on a warm summer evening. Admire the floodwall, historical Town Clock and the magical fairy lights that light up the CBD and make the town look beautiful. Don’t want to sit in a busy café for lunch? Head to the Town Square where two food trucks
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are parked up, chill out with your friends in the eating areas and enjoy a relaxed environment. The Town Square has been busy recently and has been brought to life with community events; between January and June 2019 there has been 11 events held. This includes kicking back on your bean bag and
listening to some of the West Coasts finest live bands, markets, talent show, book sale, street fair, as well as plenty of activities for the children to enjoy. There is a little something for everyone! If you enjoy a good Christmas carnival, make sure you swing into Greymouth on your travels. Each year Greymouth holds their annual Christmas Carnival, a three-day event filled with festive activities and the most amazing kid’s attractions. This includes bumper boats, archery and the best bouncy castles! Our Christmas parade is definitely
One-way car rentals available to most South Island cities Competitive car rental rates and first class service Modern, well maintained, affordable rental cars Friendly staff and convenient central Greymouth car rental location
Courtesy pickups and drop offs are available from accommodation sites within 10 km of our premises, the railway station and the region’s main airport at Hokitika
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Book online or call us now. Our operators are available 8am-5pm, 7 days a week.
something you won’t want to miss; the community always puts on such a great show with unique floats and lots of smiles and laughter. And make you join the other keen market goers, taking up the main footpath and Town Square, which creates such a buzzing atmosphere. The Greymouth Rotary Club also have their annual Rotary Street Fare in February so if you have adventurous taste buds, this event is for you. With a large variety of multi-cultural food stalls, you definitely won’t go hungry. Relax with a fresh coffee or grab yourself an ice cream from our
one and only Mr Whippy, while the talented locals entertain you. You might be wondering, who came up with this Town Square idea? The idea came from the Greymouth community. Our West Coasters saw a need for a place that can be utilised for a range of activities, a place where the community and visitors can come together and a place where everyone feels welcome. The Town Square opened in 2017 and has so far well exceeded our expectations. This stunning community space livens up the Greymouth centre and brings people together.
MAKE YOUR DAY BEAUTIFUL The stunning Beachfront Hotel Hokitika is located in central Hokitika on New Zealand’s West Coast and offers a wide range of quality accommodation, full dining, event facilities. The accommodation comprises five different categories of rooms - from elegant street front Driftwood Rooms to modern, luxury and spacious Ocean view rooms with an uninterrupted view of the beach, to the magnificent Penthouse. Full services including Oceanview Restaurant and Bar, event facilities for weddings, conferences, meetings and parties. Bike storage shed for those that are here to experience the fantastic West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail. The hotel is only a stone’s throw away from a stunning West Coast beach, and is close to the town’s restaurants, cafes, shops and charming craft galleries featuring jade, wood, gold, ruby, rock and precious metals. Hokitika is centrally located, making it easy to travel to the main West Coast attractions such as the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Shantytown, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, as well as numerous rainforest walks and gold mining history. Book your stay at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika and experience the best of the South’s Island’s West Coast.
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(Above) The TranzAlpine travels past beautiful Lake Brunner. Pic Tony Kokshoorn (Inset) The Monteiths brewery in Greymouth th was established in 1868 at the peak of the gold-mining era and is still going strong
A Winter Wonderland W Chris Birt celebrates the joys of the West Coast in Winter
hen it comes to winter, there is no place in Aotearoa New Zealand where the air is crisper, the colours more pronounced and the scenery more spectacular than on the West Coast. Unlike most of New Zealand, the pace of life here remains a constant – in low gear! The Coasters believe life is to be lived and thus winter is just another season to be savoured. On my most recent winter excursion to this long thin sliver of land sandwiched between the wild crashing waves of the Tasman Sea and the towering, majestic mountains that form the backbone of the South Island, one of my great misconceptions was remedied. I now know that it does not rain cats and dogs for all of the winter on the West Coast. The National Institute of Water and Atmospherics in fact reports
that parts of the West Coast have more sunshine hours annually than Auckland! Armed with this new-found knowledge and some quality clothing to be put on and taken off as conditions change – the layered effect which is highly recommended to anyone travelling in New Zealand – I venture into a region which boasts hundreds of different things to see, experience and enjoy as the mantle of winter takes hold. The snowfalls that blanket the Southern Alps to the east provide picture-postcard scenery, settling on the vast swath of beech forest that stretches from one end of this wild region to the other. Despite a previous journey over to the Coast on the TranzAlpine, I opt to do so again, based on the belief that every excursion will provide something new. And after another rail trip through the Alps,
I’m convinced I’ve made the right choice. Last time my TranzAlpine experience was at the start of summer. But now winter is settling in and hard frosts having taken hold. The surge of invigoration that comess from breathing in crisp, cold air has to be experienced to be believed. Heading past Moana, on the shores of the magical Lake Brunner, my anticipation builds, with the first sights of the great ocean – the Big Ditch as Kiwis affectionately call it – coming into view. Now I know that I am on the Coast, and that four days of adventures, interesting activities and entertainment are about to unfold. An evening in Greymouth, at the very end of the river of that name, is always illuminating, assisted in no small part by what has become a ritualistic pilgrimage to the Monteith brewery. Established in 1868 at the peak of the gold-mining era, this
historic establishment is going strong and I find out, yet again, so is the beer it produces! My intentions this trip centre around the attractions and activities in the centre and southern end of the Coast, taking in the treetop walkway at Hokitika and the twin glaciers, then onward to Haast. Any visit to the West Coast must include a visit to Shantytown, just off the main coastal highway just 10 minutes or so south of Greymouth. Set in 200 hectares of rainforest, this heritage park boasts a fascinating historic precinct, the chance to pan for gold, ride a steam train and a wide range of activities that can easily return adults to their
childhood days. For younger folk, it’s an enthralling world, delivered in the true tradition of The Coast. Just over half an hour by car to the south is the West Coast Treetop Walk and Café, but I don’t rush this part of the journey, stopping often as State Highway 6 hugs the coast, presenting one coastal vista after another. The braided rivers flowing from the Southern Alps also offer photo opportunities by the bucketful and every such scene must be captured for prosperity, of course! Just south of Hokitika stands one of the Coast’s most spectacular visitor attractions. The $7.7 million treetop walk provides an
exhilarating adventure, 20 metres up into the rimu and kamahi forest. Gently swaying in time with the ancient trees that surround it, this 450 metre long steel structure takes me into another rarely seen part of our natural world. The views from the central tower over Lake Mahinapua to the west and to the Alps in the east are nothing short of breath taking. Just beyond the treetop walk the state highway diverts inland and both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers beckon. Long-time favoured haunts with visitors to this region, the two glaciers depict a time in the evolution of the world when ice ruled supreme. The magnificence of these giant ice packs is beyond words and each of the glacier settlements provides a range of
accommodation and activities suited to any budget, and any duration. My time at Franz Josef, and the next day at Fox, require hours of downloads, but memories like this simply must not be lost. Like all good things, this renewed association with this enticing, exciting region has, once again, come to an end. The Gates of Haast and my onward journey to Wanaka beckon, but it’s hard to have regrets after four spectacular days on the West Coast. It’s been a leisurely trip and I depart this land with the thought that one or two days here would simply have not done justice – to the place, or its warm, welcoming and unpretentious people. www.westcoast.co.nz
west coast work | live | play
The $7.7 million treetop walk is one of the Coast’s most spectacular attractions.
Karamea’s UNTAMED WILDERNESS
The locals may joke about how Karamea got its name, but CHRIS BIRT reveals that there is a distinct allure about the place
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n the local version of events, Karamea was so named by a lovesick Italian during an artful bid to convince a fair damsel that this was a great place to spend the night - in his company, naturally! That’s not the true story, of course, but it is a perfect fit with the attractions and appeal of the small settlement that rests beside a picturesque estuary of the same name in the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast. Karamea is the northern-most settlement of any size on ‘The Coast’. But while it may not be substantial in resident population terms – less than 400 hardy souls lived there at last count - it is significant, for a whole lot of very good reasons. So significant that a documentary by a foreign director about Karamea, and what it can teach the world, recently premiered at the DOC Edge Festival in Auckland and Wellington. Located 96 kilometres north west of Westport, Karamea is the perfect base from which to launch excursions - of the adventurous kind - either further to the north, or to the south. There’s a range of accommodation available, from camping grounds to motels and backpacker hostels, so there is every good reason to make this a base. But there’s something of a ring to that name Karamea, leaving aside its alleged romantic connotations. And that’s the dilemma facing those who travel to the West Coast. There is just
so much to see and do, and so many delightful settlements and towns to sample, that decision-making never comes easy. With transport on hand, and baggage stowed in one of Karamea’s quality accommodation establishments, it is a simple task to travel. Further up the coast road is the Kohaihai River, forming as its does the southern end of the Heaphy Track, at 78.4 kilometres, the longest of New Zealand’s Great Walks. But for those not prepared for a multi-day excursion of this nature, there are also many other walking, or cycling adventures to be had around Karamea itself. The Oparara River runs through this part of the Coast and the large natural tunnels through which the river runs - they are known as the Oparara Arches - are a popular destination for those who maintain a willingness to enter into the wilderness zone. The winter season has so many things going for it, with the peak visitors flows dissipating and the landscape changing from its deep greens to green and white. As the locals tell it, this region has a proud record of recording some of the sunniest days and warmest winter temperatures anywhere in New Zealand. With that in mind, planning an escape to the ‘other world’ sounds like a stunning plan. After all, what is there not to like about the untamed natural wilderness that is the West Coast?
Karamea is the perfect base from which to launch excursions - of the adventurous kind. Photos: Stewart Nimmo
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Blackball SET TO SHINE A visit to Blackball is never complete without popping into the ‘Formerly the Blackball Hilton’
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he Paparoa Great Walk opens in less than five months and here in the Grey District we are excited and gearing ourselves up to make the most of the opportunity and to offer visitors an experience they will never forget. Not only is this New Zealand’s first dual purpose walking and biking track, but it is the first Great Walk to be built from scratch and it starts right here, near Blackball in the Grey District. Blackball is a small community 20 minutes from Greymouth steeped in history, with a distinct and unique personality all its own. They don’t take things lying down in Blackball and a leisurely visit to the Blackball Museum shows where that all began in the 1908 Blackball strike. Nowadays, they still celebrate their defining and colourful history, as well as also relishing and taking up the opportunities at being the starting
point of the 10th Great Walk. They are getting ready for the flow of walkers and bikers set to stop off in Blackball before their adventures in the Paparoa National Park. Airbnb’s are springing up, new public toilets are being built, gardens and verges are being tidied, areas for parking and campervans are being made and a new café is set to open soon. Of course, a visit to this amazing and historic little town is never complete without popping into ‘Formerly the Blackball Hilton’ or tasting the flavours at the Blackball Salami Company. Greymouth, being the Heart of the West Coast and biggest and closest service town, has everything you need to gear up, get ready and prepare for your days away on the track. Whether it’s bike hire, a flat white or even a cheeky ale, we have it all here for you. Boasting two fabulous supermarkets, a Recreation
Centre, many great hotels, motels and other lodgings, we also have plenty of places for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely long lunch or dinner. If you’re out and about and sightseeing in the Grey District, your days here are not complete without heading to the beautiful seaside spot of Rapahoe for a gorgeous West Coast sunset, ttaking a trip up the Coast Road through Barrytown to Punakaiki or seeing the amazing views from the Point Elizabeth Track. Ok, so we might have grey in our name, but we are anything but that. From a colourful history, colourful characters, to a colourful future, we have it all here in the Grey District. The communities of the Grey District are ready and waiting for what will come from having New Zealand’s newest and 10th Great Walk.
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Greymo
Blackball is a small community 20 minutes from Greymouth steeped in history, with a distinct and unique personality all its own
THE WEST COAST NOW HAS
TWO GREAT C YCLE TTRAILS RAILS CYCLE -THE BEST IN THE WORLD...
Come and visit the Westland Recreation Centre. It has swimming pools, hydroslides, spa, sauna, gym, group fitness classes, basketball courts and much more. We look forward to seeing you!
83 High Street,Greymouth Phone 03 768 9076 | www.facebook.com/westlandrec
Paparoa Track Photo:Jason Blair
Book your bike now for the new great ride The Paparoa Track..
www.trailtransport.co.nz
Financial Services Business Opportunity Looking for a lifestyle change for you &/or your family? Established, small/medium financial services business operating on the West Coast of the South Island. Large client base with existing revenues, plus continual new client activity and opportunity for growth. Finance &/or insurance industry background not essential, but would assist. Training available to on-board successful purchasers. Flexible hours, lifestyle and quality of life where you and your family are close to snow clad mountains, lakes, hunting and fishing, world class cycle trail and much more. For further details contact Tony on 021 359 611.
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Moving West MAKES SENSE Relocating from Auckland has paid off for family. By Lisa, Jayne and Harper Bronkhorst-Barrett.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail. Photo: Jase Blair
Our story may sound familiar to many people who have lived in large cities. We are a family of three, and regardless of Auckland’s growing unaffordable property market, we managed somehow, to find ourselves on the property ladder. Despite living within close proximity to work, we were still not living the kiwi dream. Our two bedroom townhouse had no garden for our daughter to play in, and the Auckland traffic managed to affect the lifestyle we desired. We decided to have a family meeting about moving out of Auckland, and residing in a lesser populated community. This was with the view of improving our lifestyle and being able to spend more quality time together as a family. We ensured our four year old daughter was included in the decision making process. We are both Registered Anaesthetic Technicians, so our first challenge was to find employment in a smaller town. An opportunity arose on the West Coast at the District Health Board (DHB). We investigated further, and the response we received was very warm and friendly. It was this reaction that led us to apply for the position. The West Coast ticked many boxes that we sought after; affordable housing, less traffic, a close supportive community, and good primary schools. However, the deal clincher for our daughter, was the promise of owning a home with a garden big enough for a trampoline! The West Coast DHB was instrumental
in making our move here as stress-free as possible. Over the last 10 months, our transition and integration into a smaller community has been pleasantly easy, and very welcoming. When we told our friends we were moving to the West Coast it was met with some scepticism. One of the major concerns seemed to be about the amount of rainfall the West Coast is renowned for. We have however been pleasantly surprised with the weather. Yes it rains and when it rains, it rains a lot, but we do have a lot of sunshine too, and this allows plenty of opportunity to enjoy all of our outdoor activities. We are currently building our new home, and our daughter has happily settled into school life with thanks to the wonderful staff at Paroa School. Our lifestyle has greatly improved. As a family, we are able to do more together now, as we have more time to spend doing the things we like. The outdoor lifestyle suits our family very well, and we enjoy spending time on our bicycle’s exploring the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail. There is so much to do and see, and we never grow tired of the rugged, untouched beautiful environment we have on our door step. Overall, our move to the West Coast has been a huge success and one that we would recommend to anyone considering a change for the better.
Contented Coasters Lisa, Jayne and Harper Bronkhorst-Barrett.
Hokitika, A COOL LITTLE TOWN
Joseph Walker and family moved to Hokitika from Denver and opened the Hokitika Sandwich Company. Photo: Jase Blair
Hokitika is a great place to do business. Photo: Jase Blair
Small town life ticks all boxes for family shifting from America. This is a town where you can appreciate the rich history of the West Coast, hear stories of shipwrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters, while also enjoying the conveniences of modern life. The streets of Hokitika are brimming with cafés and an inspired arts and culture scene. There are probably more galleries and studios per capita in Hokitika than anywhere in New Zealand. If you’re interested in genuine experiences and friendly characters that love to share a story then Hokitika is the place for you. It is not just tourists being attracted to the cool little town of Hokitika, the unmatched worklife balance Hokitika offers is a major drawcard for people looking for a better quality of life. Joseph Walker has been a firm West Coast convert since moving to Hokitika. Having been involved in the hospitality/ restaurant industry his entire adult life, Joseph has opened successful restaurants in both the Marlborough Sounds and the USA. “After four years living in downtown Denver with a very urban lifestyle, my wife Anna and I decided we wanted a cleaner, healthier and safer environment to start a family so we packed up and came back to New Zealand. “After looking at land and houses in every region of the country we fell in love with a small lifestyle block and villa in Kokatahi about fifteen minutes from Hokitika. This area ticked all the boxes for us, we were close to mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, an airport and the cool little town and community of Hokitika. Not to mention only a short flight or drive to Christchurch when we craved some city life,” says Joseph. Wanting to give Hokitika a fresh and affordable lunch option and add another layer
to the local food culture, Joseph opened the Hokitika Sandwich Company. “Having run a very successful sandwich shop in Denver I already had the blueprint, so I went about sourcing the best local ingredients to put between two slices of bread.” Joseph says there are many advantages to having a business in Hokitika. “The local council was very supportive in getting everything up and running. Our food safety officer was eager to see a vibrant community with great dining options and was supportive every step of the way. “Commercial rent is cheap which minimises the financial risk. There is a great tourist flow with a million people passing through the region annually. The commute is stress-free unless the neighbours are moving their cows. The town itself is humming and has a great seaside vibe.” Joseph says living in Hokitika and the West Coast is all about the quality of life, access to the natural environment and minimal financial pressure. “We are lucky to have clean air, plenty of fresh clean water and a very safe living environment. Our house is close to some of the most incredible natural features you can imagine, like the Hokitika Gorge and Lake Kaniere. We can go swimming in a lake then watch the sunset on the beach. “The community is warm and welcoming. The cost of housing is cheap which means low mortgages and minimal financial pressure and stress. “The Coast is going through a bit of a renaissance and has so much untapped potential, while other markets are saturated with competition there are many opportunities here for new types of businesses in the tourism, manufacturing and production sectors.”
ADVERTORIAL
Live and learn on the stunning West Coast
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here’s never been a better time than now to prepare for an exciting new career on New Zealand’s stunning West Coast. The region is home to Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP), which offers popular training programmes that make the most of the region’s wild and untamed nature. Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, the West Coast is home to some of New Zealand’s most striking scenery – you’ll experience sweeping mountains, deserted beaches, rainforests, remarkable rock formations, underground caves and some fantastic outdoor adventure opportunities, all on your back doorstep. TPP makes the most of the surroundings. The institute’s popular Outdoor Education programmes
draw students from around the country to learn technical, leadership and teamwork skills that help them to work and guide in the great outdoors. The West Coast’s rivers and mountains provide a real-world learning environment just next door to campus. Likewise, the unique Jade and Hard Stone Carving programme makes the most of the West Coast’s historic connection with pounamu. Students get right to the source of pounamu on local beaches and learn about the culture and significance of the stone as well as the technique and artistry needed to make a career from their carving. TPP’s Civil Plant students enjoy getting hands-on with heavy machinery at a specialised site in the hills behind Greymouth. With plenty of space to learn the fundamentals
of driving and operating machinery, graduates are snapped-up for careers in the local roading, mining or forestry industries. These are just three of TPP’s many popular programmes. The institute’s aim is to get students into real jobs in the community and help create better futures for everyone. TPP works closely with industry partners and employers to make sure they deliver training that is relevant and in-demand, matching graduates with real jobs in industries that are looking for skilled employees. There is something special about living and learning on the West Coast. People who choose to study at TPP have a unique experience and can choose to stay on the Coast or take the skills they have learned to jobs in national industries or overseas. TPP offers nationally recognised
qualifications that are in-demand across key New Zealand industries so graduates are ready for work. Students also have the option of living in TPP’s own student accommodation facilities. A home away from home while you’re studying. Tai Poutini Village offers 58 individual rooms and shared facilities for students. Village staff provide you with a living environment which encourages and supports the educational mission of the Polytechnic, supporting students in their chosen programme of study, and helping them to develop personally, socially and culturally. There are so many opportunities on the West Coast to create a better future. Head to www.tpp. ac.nz to find out more or call 0800 800 411.
Main picture: Outdoor Education students climbed over the main divide through the Harman Pass, the journey continued down the Taipo Valley and along the Arahura River towards the West Coast Ocean. Top right: Artist Credit – Nikita Stevenson, Arts and Design Graduate. Middle right: Brent Scott, Arts and Design graduate, craving stone in the TPP Art and Design workshop. Bottom right: Outdoor Education students ready for a day of sea kayaking throughout Okarito’s spectacular scenery.
Working towards a BETTER future SHAZA THOMAS CIVIL PLANT STUDENT
0800 TPP INFO
WWW.TPP.AC.NZ
Do you want to drive a Ford dealership? An exciting opportunity for future dealer principals and business owners. Ford New Zealand currently has a unique and rare opportunity in Greymouth for professional business minded people with automotive experience to own their own rural dealership. Join an established dealer network and the brand with the number one selling vehicle in New Zealand. If you believe you have what it takes please send your expression of interest, including a resume to: Ford New Zealand | nzinfo@ford.com
Coast Connect links job hunters with opportunities training and jobs on the West Coast It’s a new way for job seekers, employers and education provides to interact. See what opportunities are available on the West Coast and plan your future.
Why Coast Connect? West Coast businesses are crying out for skilled staff. Coast Connect removes the barriers to getting into a job on the Coast. By working with potential students and local employers, Coast Connect helps create opportunities and real outcomes that benefit local people and local businesses.
Why does it work? What makes Coast Connect different to other job sites is that Coast Connect gets involved, working with both job seekers and employers to identify skills gaps and suggest training opportunities that get them ready for the job. It’s about making connections in the community and creating great outcomes for everyone.
0800 CCNNCT www.coastconnect.nz
f coastconnectnz