Come Join Us in “New Zealand's Happiest Place”*

Home , Buller District, Cape Foulwind, Carters Beach, Granity, Karamea, Living (New Zealand)

THE BULLER GUIDE TO LIVING WELL

Come join us in “New Zealand’s Happiest Place”* * The Happiness of New Zealand Report – UMR Research 2012

Top 10 reasons why people move here

• Easy lifestyle and quality of life • We’re kid-safe and family focused • A strong sense of community and caring • So much to see and do right on your doorstep • World-renowned scenery • Get a great house on an average wage • Getting to work, school or play takes just minutes • An unbeatable range of sport and recreation • Great retail, support services and cafes • Great transport links to main centres

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10 great Housing, Perfect Place Education & Sports, Health and Culture, Relocation reasons Living for the Active Community Recreation, Wellbeing The Arts, Support Intro Essentials Retiree Learning Entertainment Heritage & Useful & Climate contacts

SPACE & freedom The Buller district covers Reefton just less than 8600 square – gateway to the Buller from the Lewis Pass route from kilometers with 84% in Christchurch - born from gold in the 1860’s and now a conservation land and National modern goldmining town with a wonderfully preserved Park. All of this wonderful play heritage main street. Entry way to the magnificent Victoria Conservation Park. area for a population of around 10,000 people! Westport Choose your town – – our biggest little town of around 5,500 with all mod cons. The service centre for the Buller sited at the mouth or go country of the Buller River. The Buller seaside settlements of - Waimangaroa, Granity, Ngakawau and Hector – nestled Renowned for their pioneering between the forested high plateau and the Tasman Sea. spirit and friendly hospitality, These areas provide entry to the Denniston Area and Charming Creek Walkway. The areas of Charleston, each of our towns is true to its Carters Beach, Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind also roots: surround Westport.

Punakaiki – a tourism centre right in the middle of the Paparoa National Park on the famous Coast Road. Tiny in population and size with huge visitor numbers to the main attraction the spectacular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes and so many other beautiful areas to explore by horseback, walking or kayaking

Karamea A MILLION DOLLAR LIFESTYLE – rich in dairy and horticulture with an amazing Pictures speak much louder than words so microclimate. Gateway to the Heaphy and Wangapeka click on this amazing video for a taste of Tracks, Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara Basin, Buller. Oparara Arches and the world heritage Honeycomb Caves. http://www.buller.co.nz

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2 Moderate Climate with few frosts Our climate is similar to Nelson and Golden Bay – moderate to warm (normal range of around 9 – 25 Celsius).

Our regular rainfall is something we can count on and critical for economic growth - Champagne for the rainforest.

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3 Transport Links There are excellent passenger TRAVEL TIMES TO OTHER CENTRES: and freight services by road, rail, Westport to Nelson 2.5 hours air and sea linking Buller with Westport to Christchurch 4 hours all major markets – including Westport to Greymouth 1.5 hours flights operating most days. Westport to Picton 4.5 hours Westport to Wellington by air 45 minutes Travel by Air - Flights operate most days see www.soundsair.com for information and bookings. Charter flights to and from Westport are also available for corporate groups, sports teams, special interest groups and those attending events. People and History

Early Maori arrived here by canoe around 950 A.D. but the population was small and mostly coastal. The routes you travel today by car were all old Maori trade routes.

The Maori name for the Buller is Kawatiri – which means “swift and deep” referring to our mighty Bull- er River flowing swiftly and deeply through the rocky gorge. ‘Buller’ is named after a British politician Charles Buller – a director of the New Zealand Company which was formed to set up the colony of New Zealand.

The rest of New Zealand call us - “Coasters”. Early Coasters came mainly from Ireland, Scotland and Eng- land to mine gold, coal, or break in the land. To survive they had to pull together…and that ‘togetherness’ still exists today. Coasters work hard and play hard with a strong sense of family, community and a huge sense of humour.

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4 “Even if you win the rat race you’re still a rat” Living Lily Tomlin Essentials By making the move to Buller, you will keep more of what you earn and lower your stress levels – so what are you waiting for? Housing – Spend less and get more!

A recent Fairfax Media home loan affordability survey, done by interest.co.nz, shows the weekly mortgage repayment on a median-priced Auckland home would swallow up 97 per cent of the median net pay packet of people aged 30 to 34.

But not in Buller where the average house price is around the $195,000 mark (QV May 2015). This is one third of the price of Auckland properties and half that of the national average.

In Nelson prices have steadily risen with the average 2015 house price around $412,000. Just think what you could do with the thousands you would save by buying in Buller. Rents range from around $160 (studio) to $300 plus for a And of course Christchurch and the surrounding Selwyn new 4- bedroom quality home. Compare these with other area is also a heated market – with average house prices places. Follow these links to the great market rental data on there from $553,000. the Ministry of Business and Innovation’s site.

This means that Buller people have a much higher rate of www.dbh.govt.nz/sector-information home ownership than in most places – and there’s a great range from quaint early settler cottages by the sea to brand new four and five bedroom homes in new subdivisions.

To see the range of properties available here visit:

Buller Real Estate www.propertybrokers.co.nz

Ray White Real Estate www.rwwestport.co.nz

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5 Keep all the money you used to spend on city living costs

Parking at $280 to $400 a month superb recreational and cultural facilities as part of business/ (based on Auckland CBD charges) community partnerships. Living ‘out country’ can mean Even in places like Nelson hourly parking fees are around anything from a 10 – 20 minute drive from Charleston, $1.60 and there are no parking buildings so over a month Tauranga Bay or Carters Beach or a slightly longer drive from you can expect at least $30 a week on extra parking expense North of Westport. These areas that surround Westport ($120 a month). It all adds up. In Christchurch as the provide a fantastic lifestyle - wherever you make your home rebuild expands, parking is increasing – currently $3.10 an the commute is a stunning drive with breathtaking scenery hour or a $7 all day fee in Council car parks. and sunsets with no traffic jams unlike city life!

In Buller we have no parking costs not even in the town centres, you get more for your money when buying a home, Shopping and land or business and our rental prices also give great value Everyday Services for money. Other costs not required in Buller unless you live ‘out country’ are: Daily commuting costs and monstrous Westport’s busy CBD provides a wide range of retail fuel bills. shopping and services. All the essentials are here with Nor do you need to keep up with the rat race – why not? two modern supermarkets, post office, pharmacy, There isn’t one! Giving you the opportunity to live well in service stations, and a great range of individual retailers Buller and spend that saved money on living life, socialising, specialising in everything from Asian imports to fashion, entertainment, holidays, family, fun and friends. furniture and appliances. Westport has everything except the complications of city life Buller has seven different banks and building societies Born from the self-sufficiency of isolation, modern day based in Westport to assist with mortgages and lending Buller is now digitally connected to the rest of the world including all the big names in banking. A full range of through fast broadband and internet. With New Coast trade services are also available in Buller and Coast-wide families coming to live here, Buller has invested in its and if there’s a specialism missing visiting tradesfolk from future –upgrading essential infrastructure and developing Nelson and Christchurch also provide services.

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6 Perfect Place for the Active Retiree We believe Westport and the surrounding Buller District to be an ideal place for those looking to retire.

We have all the usual activities you would expect to enjoy Southern Hemisphere - The Oparara as well as the in the main centres, here, such as golf, bowls, volunteer Honeycomb Hill caves and a variety of short and long work and other charities and community organisations. walks - tramps such as the Heaphy Track (Karamea is only 1.5hours from Westport). As well as first class recreational hubs for you to enjoy such as The Solid Energy Sports and Aquatics Centre, Westport itself and its immediate surrounds offers a Westport’s Coaltown Museum and The NBS Theatre. variety of short, medium length or longer walks and tramps such as the breath taking Charming Creek We have lovely cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, Walkway voted in New Zealand’s top 10 half day walks, pharmacy etc and a real main street with locally owned the Seal Colony and Cape Foulwind walkway and the and operated retailers with all the main things you need. un spoilt often deserted beaches only minutes from Westport’s centre. We also have a few other things that many areas of NZ now lack such as a great community spirit, a sense of Not to mention other activities such as fishing both river who your neighbours are and a safe – family friendly and sea fishing, kayaking, gold panning and exploring living environment. our beautiful nature with the Seals, abundant bird life, Hectors dolphins and more. On top of all this we can go one better – we have the most stunning West Coast setting for you to enjoy. If Gateways to the Kahurangi and Paparoa National Park you want to stay active or just relax in your retirement as well as Reefton’s Victoria Conservation Park where we can offer both options. walking, mountain biking and enjoying the heritage and wildlife are all popular. With some of the best, most accessible and most beautiful outdoor recreation in the country – Buller is If all that sounds too energetic you can just sit back and the place for you. relax with great dining, the local theatre and many other options for the quiet lifestyle. With the Northern part of the district being home to Karamea with the largest limestone arches in the www.movetowestport.co.nz

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7 Looking to invest or start your own West Coast business with the lifestyle to match... Some of the key industries that may be on the up in the coming years are tourism and horticulture. We have fantastic tourism attractions, accommodation You will be amazed at our horticulture sector here in options and links to the outside world so why not explore Buller and what grows in our microclimates around the the existing options for yor next business venture or start district. your own tourism business here in Buller. Our area is loved by International and Domestic visitors alike year Feijoas, tamarillo, passionfruit, limes, cranberries, round, including coming into Buller for some of our lettuces, capsicum to name but a few have all been grown fantastic annual events. successfully and commercially in growing numbers.

Why not consider an investment in growing and producing value add produce in the Buller district such as chutneys, pickles, ciders etc etc.

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8 The best jobs are those you create yourself It’s so easy to be your own boss here – simply find a gap in the market, come up with an idea and then there’s all the help in the world to get you started.

One of Development West Coast’s core functions is to offer business support. The team at DWC are continuously developing and expanding the Business Toolbox which provides access to a range of services. Including business mentoring, networking opportunities, training and development.

It also partners with a number of organisations, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and New Zealand Institute of Management Southern. Partnering with these organisations provides additional support opportunities to our businesses through enabling access Many of our new entrepreneurs have created wonderful to a greater range of information, support and funding. new tourism ventures using the incredible landscapes These courses are run Coast-wide. and history we have here to tell stories or let people get closer to nature and its power. www.dwc.org.nz Some have developed new services like coffee importing, roasting and blending; sandblasting and protective coating application to sports energy foods. Others are working to develop new horticulture ventures – cranberries, hydroponic growing, organic sand-fly repellents, and micro-power generation.

The best jobs are the ones you create yourself – start your own business in Buller

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9 Training for Business and Trades There are heaps of courses, some special ‘schools’ for those special skills we need for our mines, our outdoor adventure tourism and our hard stone carving.

Industry Training New Zealand is an NZQA registered and accredited provider with 35 operational staff and specialist trainers on the Coast and is based in Westport. It runs an extensive range of specialist industry training courses for a wide range of workplaces throughout New Zealand.

www.industrytraining.co.nz

Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) is a large tertiary provider on the West Coast. Their tutors are all experts in their field, have excellent industry connections and are passionate about teaching. They are serious about education and want you to learn the skills you need to succeed.

TPP offer a wide range of practical programmes, with a focus on vocational education and applied skills. All TPP programmes have NZQA approval and are designed to give you a strong foundation in your chosen career.

Areas of study available from Westport include: Engineering, Science, Early Childhood Education, Business, Hospitality and Tourism to name a few.

In addition to its campus in Westport, TPP has campuses in Greymouth, Reefton, Christchurch, Wanaka and Auckland, and offers industry training throughout NZ. Planning Ahead

www.tpp.ac.nz Although Mining has always been a big part of the West Coast economy it won’t be around For our important dairy and agriculture industries the forever. West Coast Farm Training Scheme and the Agriculture The Buller District Council is developing a 2050 strategy ITO provide valuable support and training. in partnership with the community to shape Buller’s future with a focus on sustainable employment post-mining. The Westport Deep Sea Fishing School is a specialist NZQA registered private training establishment teaching Good, affordable commercial and industrial land available vessel operations and seafood processing skills. for business or industry start-ups is zoned and ready for The school is based in Westport and offers a residential development – and the Department of Conservation keen to program that is suited to the development of skills needed assist in the development of concessions for innovative use by the fishing industry. of the national park and conservation land that covers over 80 percent of Buller. www.deepsea.co.nz

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10 Education

There is a wide range of educational facilities in Buller Pre-Schools Community Learning Support More than seven pre-school and early learning centres Part of having a caring community is making sure everyone providing safe, quality learning environments for littlies from has the chance to learn and upgrade their opportunities, Karamea in the North through to Reefton. Westport has two especially in isolated areas. In Buller we have several very top class new facilities built in the last couple of years – one special educational providers who do this. of which is right next to the Solid Energy Recreation Centre. The Buller Rural Education You are spoilt for choice in Westport with three child care centres, Kindergarten and Playcentre. There are also Activities Programme Playcentres in Reefton and Karamea. There is also a full (REAP) is a ‘Not For Profit’ organisation, that started in programme in Westport every week of fantastic things for 1981, with a main office based in Westport. Their function mums with babies and young children to get out and about is to provide special learning opportunities and community meet and mingle for example movement to music. support uniquely tailored to the needs of people living here. All their programmes are run to ensure that people who live in small communities and rural areas have access to first class learning opportunities and support while learning.

For more detail about the wonderful programmes they run from film workshops for young people, to Te Reo Maori, and home visiting programmes for house-bound or lonely oldies, visit their website

www.bullerreap.co.nz

Primary and Secondary Schools Eight Primary Schools provide caring creative learning throughout the region; and three secondary schools (in Westport, Reefton, and Karamea) cater for our Buller secondary school students. Buller High School being the Adult and Community largest secondary school facility based in Westport. For more information and news from Buller High click here Education Programme Tai Poutini has a good Adult and Community Education buller.kiwischools.com Programme and also run the useful STAR programmes. These help young people move more easily and successfully Both Reefton and Karamea are composite schools catering from high school study to tertiary study. for intermediate and high school age students. Karamea www.tpp.ac.nz offsets the isolation of its location by ensuring many trips away in the school vehicle and a good library and internet facilities for students.

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11 Sports & Recreation Hailed as the envy of the country in the 2009 Nelson Marlborough Architecture Awards – public category, it is simply magnificent! “Have fun, stay healthy, live life” is what they’re all about. Take a look!

www.solidenergycentre.co.nz

The Solid Energy Centre is council owned and operated, it is community rather than solely profit focused. Accessible for older folk the hydrotherapy pool is hugely beneficial, there really is something here for everyone. Swim Star Swim School @ the Solid Energy Centre Each term our swimming lesson programme kicks into action, with close to 250 children and adults participating. Our qualified instructors know exactly how to motivate your kids to learn, have fun and be safe in the water as well as teach adults who want to enjoy the many health benefits that come with swimming. Enquire at reception or check out our website for all the details.

The Centre attracts many tournaments and smaller conferences bringing revenue into the district and houses a Sports and Recreation Adviser for local clubs and programmes.

The Solid Energy Centre has a two court stadium, hydrotherapy pool, children’s pool, lap pool, squash court, multipurpose room, Hockey turf and meeting room with lots of classes to have fun and keep fit for all ages and abilities.

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12 Thriving Sports Clubs, Quirky Pubs and Award-winning Cafes

Buller has a massive range of sports and recreational clubs and a full range of service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, and Freemasons along with the RSA in Reefton, Westport and Karamea, and top class Chartered Clubs such as the Club Buller in Westport. In many rural areas the Golf Clubs and Volunteer Fire Brigades also serve as licenced social and networking centres for local communities where everything from local talent quests to big funerals are held.

West Coast Pubs are legendary and Buller is rich in them. They are true social centres with strong social clubs, family events, and good homely local food and accommodation.

Buller has the best and most award-winning cafes on the Coast with even rural communities well served with great food and fun in stunning locations. As our community becomes more and more culturally diverse, we are seeing a rise in interesting foods being available in our supermarkets and restaurants with more ethnic restaurants also opening.

Check them out on

www.buller.co.nz/show/activities/cafes-restaurants-bars

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13 Buller’s Past leads to new world class visitor experiences Three of Buller’s most exciting attractions are built around its past. Each of these is unique, true to its roots and cannot be experienced anywhere else. Some of them have been developed by New Coasters – entrepreneurial folk from ‘away’ who’ve fallen in love with the area and harnessed that passion for its past to the present. We reckon the more ‘virtual’ life becomes the more precious REAL experiences will be. Coaltown Museum Purpose-built on Westport’s main street, Coaltown is an industrial Museum dedicated to telling the stories of the pioneers that battled our rugged environment in search of a better life. https://www.facebook.com/Coaltownmuseum Visitor Centre and Information Centre - Westport I-Site Entry into Coaltown Museum is through the Westport I-site. These two projects are another community/business partnership led by the Buller District Council which is very much focused on making Buller a great place to live work and play.

One of New Zealand’s most accessible seal colonies can be found just out of Westport on the edge of Tauranga Bay. The 10 -minute track from the car park is suitable for wheelchairs and leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony. Although this is a year-round colony, the best time to view is October to March when the BIG BULL SEALS return to mate and the pups are at their most playful. The The Old Ghost Road Seal Colony is also part of a longer walking track The Cape The Old Ghost Road - part of the New Zealand Cycle Foulwind - Lighthouse Walkway to walk the full length of Trail - is an epic 80km cycling and tramping trail through this track on to Cape Foulwind takes one-and-a-half hours some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring natural and (three hours return) and is well graded as it crosses rocky cultural heritage in New Zealand. granite bluffs, grassy downs, swampy streams and sandy beaches. Be sure to take good windproof clothing if it’s Day trips or multi-day adventures await you! Information windy. The walk offers panoramic views of the cape and and hut bookings available at rugged coastline including rock stacks and steeples. A side track leads to Cape Foulwind lighthouse. www.oldghostroad.org.nz

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14 The Great Outdoors Over 84% of Buller land is national park and conservation land. Making it not only wild and beautiful but packed with activities to enjoy!

Buller is a mecca for many things in the great outdoors especially short walks, tramping and mountain biking. Other popular pursuits include kayaking, white water rafting, surfing, fishing, exploring our deserted beaches, experiencing the local heritage and enjoying the eco / nature experiences. No matter what outdoor pursuit takes your fancy you are spoilt for choice in Buller. With the Heaphy Track, Charming Creek Walkway, the Old Ghost Road, Denniston, The Buller River, Victoria Forest Park, The Seal Colony, Kahuranghi and Paparoa National Parks and The Oparara to name but a few. Find out more from the department of conservation.

www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation

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15 Entertainment & Events

The NBS Theatre

This state of the art film and performance complex is one of Buller’s community/business partnership projects. It is incredible. Take a look!

www.nbstheatre.co.nz

Buller folk get to see the latest film releases at the same time Aucklanders do and at much better prices! The small art- house theatre in the complex caters for less mainstream interests from opera, to art and foreign film – it’s also the home of the new and active Westport Film Club.

Best of all its giving Buller locals old and young an outstanding venue to feature and grow local talent of all kinds and the chance to perform in front of sold out, admiring audiences.

Regular live shows from theatre and live drama, to ballet and symphony are featured throughout the year.

There is almost always an event in Buller with some of the most popular being The Buller Gorge Marathon, The Best of The West, Westport Performing Arts Competition to name but a few.

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16 Health and Wellbeing The West Coast health system has a shared vision, to be clinically sustainable, financially viable and wrap care around people to help them stay well in their own homes and are absolutely committed to providing quality health services for the people of the Coast, throughout their lives. Maori Health Care Services Poutini Waiora delivers culturally appropriate health This journey starts with the Find Your Midwife website (www. services to the West Coast Maori community. Their findyourmidwife.co.nz) and an ensuing trip to the Kawatiri Birthing Buller offices are based at Buller Health. Services Unit at Buller Health, for low risk pregnancies, or onwards to Grey Base include whanau support, rural nurse specialists, Hospital when required. mental health and community health.

Well Child/Tamariki Ora services are delivered in Buller by Plunket and Health Services Contacts the DHB public health nurses. These are a package of health services If you need healthcare urgently, ring 111. offered free to all New Zealand families/whānau for children from birth For health advice any time phone your usual general to five years. practice team.

A new oral health mobile unit screens Buller pre-schoolers and school-aged If you’re not enrolled with a general practice on the children for any dental problems. When required, they are subsequently Coast, you can call Buller Health Medical Centre. treated at a newly refurbished clinic at Westport South School. General Practices To make an appointment with your general practice, Buller Health provides primary health care services (includes the likes of or talk to a nurse or GP at your practice: doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, community • Buller Health Medical Centre, mental health, sexual health etc), and there’s a second private general cnr Derby and Cobden Sts, Westport, practice, Coast Medical. phone (03) 788 9030 • Coast Medical, 161 Palmerston St, Westport, Buller health services cover the geographical area from Punakaiki in phone (03) 789 5000 the South to Karamea in the North, and Inangahua Junction in the East. • Reefton Health Medical Centre, 103 Shiel St, Rural clinics based in Karamea and Ngakawau are staffed by highly Reefton, phone (03) 732 8605 qualified rural nurses, supported by visiting doctors and specialists. • Karamea Clinic, 126 Waverley St, Karamea, phone (03) 782 6710 • Ngakawau Clinic, Main road, Hector, phone (03) 788 5062

Pharmacy Buller Pharmacy, Palmerston St, phone (03) 789 7629

Community Dental Care 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 8255 83384) When Buller residents need more specialised health care, this is either provided by appointment through Buller Health for a time when specialists visit Westport, or at Grey Base or Christchurch. The West Plunket Line (available 24/7) Coast District Health Board is able to offer telehealth video conferencing 0800 933 922 for some appointments. Telehealth connects Buller clinicians and patients to specialists in Christchurch and other parts of the country. Mental health Emergency Services 0800 75 76 78 Reefton Hospital is equipped with beds for assessment and observation, emergencies awaiting transfer, palliative care and aged residential care. Green Prescription The Reefton Medical Centre provides general practice and emergency (physical activity for health and wellness) care from Monday to Friday, and weekend emergency clinics. 03 768 6182

When our Buller residents get older, the West Coast health system works Giving up smoking? with them to try and help them to stay well at home while it is safe to do so. • Quitline on 0800 778 778 Our home-based support services provide assistance for residents and it is • Aukati Kai Paipa is a Coast-wide worth asking your general practice team about this service. Maori-based face-to-face service Phone (03) 768 1160 ext 712 or 027 212 7390 The DHB provides some aged residential care services at Kynnersley Home, and hospital level care at Dunsford Ward (Buller Health). An independent trust runs the O’Conor Home in Buller, which provides rest home, hospital and dementia level care.

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17 Culture, Heritage, and Support for New Coasters “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” MARCUS GARVEY

Wonderful stories Buller Library Services Buller’s wonderful stories of the past are told and displayed in a Buller has a fantastic library service on offer – far more than network of museums and living history walking trails through just books. No matter if you want to enjoy the latest Bestsellers, the region, and through some fantastic new experiences picture books for the kids, or research a topic; the library is developed by tourism business operators and volunteers. Each easy to use, engaging and enjoyable. one reflects its past and present and the people who shaped it. It also provides a wide range of services most New Zealand There are so many we can’t cover them all but here’s a great link public libraries nowadays make available including computer to get a taste access, scanning facilities and free internet or Wifi services. The library is a great place to meet and bring the children as well. Holiday activities and reading programmes are very www.buller.co.nz/show/activities/ popular with kids of all ages. heritage-experiences The district library is located in Westport and a branch library in Reefton. Library membership is free to all residents. The Art Scene As a library member you can access the whole collection. A 24/7 online service is available to browse the catalogue, renew The creative arts flourish here – but in a shy West Coast way. or request a book. If you find expiry dates an inconvenience, use the virtual library and download e-books or audio-books Many artists from well-known to emerging work here. Artists or even research full-text-databases. This helps save trees and working with oils, to water colour, to textile arts, and crafts. is a great alternative if you can’t travel to town. Then there’s the talented furniture and wood artisans working To get a taste of our library, check out the latest library news or with our red beech, kahikatea, and rimu. Timber’s in the blood visit their Facebook page…. here and treasured. Quilting is big too with knitting and home crafts popular. www.bullerdc.govt.nz/libary

Most artists and crafters display their work at cooperative www.facebook.com/Buller-District-Library galleries in Punakaiki, Westport, Granity and Karamea but some are open at their own galleries along the way.

Sculptors, jewellers, ceramic artists and some of the best hard stone and jade carvers in the world work here – no surprise as one of the top hard carving courses in the country is taught here.

West Coast Kete There are so many stories to tell to capture the true spirit of our place. The West Coast Kete –is for groups and individuals who want to digitally preserve stories, photos, memories and other living histories on a safe and accessible website. The “kete” – a maori word used for a woven flax basket – is a free service. You can even use it to keep safe irreplaceable materials you have collected. It is important that we don’t lose the stories of our people. Look up the memories of Denniston mining and other early settlers locations. Listen to some of the old folks interviewed and find images of unique heritage sites in our region. The West Coast Kete is a joined project between West Coast libraries and National Library to preserve the historical and current memories to be shared with all New Zealanders. Be part of it!

ketewestcoast.peoplesnetworknz.info

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18 Media – we have our own opinions! There’s no Rupert Murdoch influence here. We still have our own voice with one of New Zealand’s last remaining privately owned daily newspaper and radio network giving Buller people a mix of national and local news, views and information uniquely tailored to them. Relocation Support More and more New Coasters are coming to live in Buller and we are becoming less ‘European’ and more diverse culturally and ethnically. Two of our recent imports now run the following help groups for recent arrivals. New Coasters is an award winning Coast Wide organisation with bases in Westport and Greymouth. The Newcomers Network This is a social network group for all those new to Westport & surrounds who wish to share their experiences and meet new people The Settling-in Programme The New Coasters contact offers migrant support and advice.

There’s an email network, a monthly newsletter, and several get Currently we have people from 30 different countries living togethers a month including coffee mornings and social events in the Buller. The biggest groups of migrants are from The like pot luck dinners, movie nights, group walks, crafting etc. Philippines, South Africa and India. We have people from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Czech Republic, www.newcomers.co.nz Cambodia, Fiji, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, The Netherlands, Nepal, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Sri New Coasters come from around the world and from all Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, Ukraine, USA over New Zealand and Zimbabwe. We love ‘em all.

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19 Start Now Invest in Yourself & Your Future

All the essential information and services you need to:

check us out make a move find a job develop a new idea build or buy a business invest in the region

USEFUL LINKS: Relocation Resources Education and and Information Training Buller Information Centres Buller High School www.buller.co.nz/show/collections buller.kiwischools.com

Buller District Council Industry Training New Zealand www.bullerdc.govt.nz www.industrytraining.co.nz

Buller Real Estate Tai Pountini Polytechnic www.propertybrokers.co.nz www.tpp.ac.nz

Ray White Real Estate Buller Reap www.rwwestport.co.nz www.bullerreap.co.nz

Sounds Air Development West Coast www.soundsair.com www.dwc.org.nz

New Coasters Newcomers Network Westport Deep Sea www.newcomers.co.nz Fishing School www.deepsea.co.nz Buller Events www.bullerdc.govt.nz Buller’s Recreation, Sport Great Outdoors & Entertainment The Old Ghost Road Buller Top of The West Coast www.oldghostroad.org.nz www.buller.co.nz Department of Conservation The Solid Energy Centre Westport www.doc.govt.nz www.solidenergycentre.co.nz Find the perfect retirement lifestyle NBS Theatre www.nbstheatre.co.nz www.movetowestport.co.nz

Coaltown Facebook Page www.facebook.com/Coaltownmuseum

Click on our interactive menu and links throughout to go directly to the section you would like to see.

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Produced by Buller District Council 20