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coastwestA NZME Commercial Publication

InsIde Coast gets down to business | A day in the life of a Coaster

• We fly between Karamea and Brown Hut, Takaka, Nelson, Westport, Wellington and beyond!• Heaphy Track air transfers for trampers and mountain bikers are a speciality.• Fly to and from the Old Ghost Road. • NZ wide charters. • Scenic Flights – Kahurangi National Park and Heaphy Coast. • Come take a flight in our awesome historic De Havilland Beaver.• Shuttle service for our passengers between the airport and the track or your accommodation.

We are your one stop shop for Heaphy Track transport. Ask us any questions on any aspect of your trip, we’re here to help!

Aerodrome Road, Karamea • Phone 03 7826 875 | 021 029 33117 • Email info@aircharterkaramea.co.nz

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aeroplane Charter Company.

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 houses

at $850,000 the dream of getting onto the property ladder must feel exactly like that – a dream.

Not so on the West Coast of the South Island, where the median house price is closer to $200,000 and the quarter-acre section is more often than not the reality. Not to mention the majestic scenery on display from almost every window.

The West Coast is home to 32,000 people, with bustling small towns dotting the landscape from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south. This is no concrete jungle. No traffic jams. No motorway congestion. Nor is it isolated. High speed internet, two airports and excellent roads and rail ensure those who live and work here are easily connected to their clients and customers around the country and the world.

The lush green landscape is the product of this region’s weather – although with 1,894 annual sunshine hours it is fair to say the Coast gets it share of sun too. Which is 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. What a playground for children to grow up in!Education

Education is a key focus here too. And at school the students learn all about the sense of community with curriculum aspects that provide an integrated approach to the wider community.

High schools in Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika provide the region’s young adults with stepping stones to working life, and the Greymouth-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic offers a wide range of technical study options.

Work life balanceThe evolution of the digital age brings

only opportunity for those looking for work-life balance. Long gone are the days of needing an office in a big city. West Coast residents are leveraging digital technologies to be competitive in international markets. Be that making software for leading international gaming companies or providing legal services to clients in the United States, Coasters are making it happen.

And should that work require a trip out of the region, connections are simply via Hokitika or Westport, with just short hops across the country to Christchurch or Wellington and onwards to the world. Any argument about isolation needs to be dismissed – it’s just as simple to get to Australia via Westport or Hokitika than from towns like New Plymouth or Hamilton. Ready for business

Business opportunities are aplenty here too. In addition to the new industries

digital technologies are enabling, the region has thriving industries in manufacturing and agribusiness, and so much more. The region is also 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 (DWC) are available to support you.

Business owners are always on the lookout for skilled staff, meaning a buoyant employment market.

A recent business opinion survey by DWC found that a net 20 per cent of local business owners expect their employee levels to increase over the next year, and 44 per cent expect their revenue to increase in that time.

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 blockchain mining. The progressive, innovative business community on the West Coast is proving that it holds its own in the world of mobile business practices.

There is a unique balance in 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 will be why the recent business opinion survey found 70 per cent of the community rated living and working here as an advantage over any other region in New Zealand. Time for a change? Why don’t you join us!

AucklAnd West coAstPopulation: 1.66 million 32,148Land area: 4,894 km2 23,276 km2Median house price: $850,000 $200,000Average weekly rent: $486 $228Mean earnings: $63,955 $53,478Unemployment rate: 5% 3.8%Average annual sunshine hours: 2,003 1,894 (Hokitika)Average time spent annually 80hrs What’s a traffic jam?in traffic jams:

Where Would you rather be?

Coast comes out on top

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THE PERFECT GETAWAY FOR BUSINESS OR ADVENTURELocated on the main street of Westport, just 2 minutes’ walk from the town centre and a 10 minute drive from the airport. Westport is just over one hour’s drive from the Karamea and the iconic Oparara Arches, 40 minutes from Punakaiki, and under three hours from Nelson.

Guests will experience the true West Coast friendly hospitality offering a relaxed atmosphere while our restaurant offers iconic New Zealand cuisine infused with tastes of the Pacifi c Basin and offers something for everybody. From fresh NZ Seafood to local sourced meats and delectable vegetables. Desserts that captivate the spirit of Kiwi cuisine and the best service with a good sense of fun.

During your stay with us, enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, go off-road on the Outwest’s Johnny’s Journey, or why not take on the Old Ghost Road, then satisfy your hunger with breakfast or dinner at our onsite Restaurant.

www.westportmotorhotel.co.nz or call 0800 500 989

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Have you ever thought about starting your own business but worried about commercial rents, overheads

and all the other complexities of the set-up? You won’t be alone – but that’s no reason to put your ideas to one side.

And that is exactly what one born-and-bred Buller man realised when he was considering how to grow his business without the hassles a big city can present.

Ben Dellaca is the founding director of CerebralFix a software development business, making mobile games for global entertainment companies, including Disney and EA.

Together with partner Natasha Barnes-Dellaca, they have been the driving force behind the establishment of an innovation hub in Westport called EPIC Westport. The centre is a spin-off of the original Christchurch EPIC (Enterprise Precinct Innovation Centre) which was set up as a hub for displaced and new businesses after the 2011 earthquakes.

EPIC Westport opened in 2016 in a building, which was once part of the Dellaca family’s Postie Plus clothing empire which originated in 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.

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.

Brett Cottle shifted from Auckland to Westport. He was working as a truck driver, but with a background in mechanical design and electronics, that was only ever going to be a means to an end. His passion for electronics led to the development of Vertigo Technologies, which manufactures desktop CNC (computer numerical control) machines.

First developed as a handyman’s desktop-sized device that cuts wood, plastics and aluminium, Brett’s CNC machines found a niche market with small and medium businesses wanting to bring manufacturing back in-house.

Business is booming for Brett, and he is looking to take Vertigo global – all from Westport.

Brett started out as an EPIC Westport tenant but with an ever increasing staff, the business outgrew the start up space and have since moved to a large restored railway shed.

“The West Coast lifestyle really brings a wonderful balance to running a technologies company. Westport has offered financial and business opportunities that are hard to come by in big cities, having less overheads meant we were able to grow our business a lot faster,” Brett says.

And if you needed more evidence of how progressive organisations can thrive 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. 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 cutting edge world of blockchain to the great outdoors, Westport has it all.

Tech growTh a coast specialty

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Vertigo Technologies, a Westport based desktop CNC manufacturer.

Surfing at Tauranga Bay, Westport.

Emily Miazga, Ben Dellaca and Natasha Barnes-Dellaca of EPIC Westport.

Hokitika’s thriving cafe scene.

Cindy and Gavin Hopper’s business West Coast Scenic Waterways.

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It’s a place where a stroll along the beach gives you stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook’s snow-capped peaks. This is a town where you can

appreciate the rich history of the West Coast, hear stories of ship wrecks, 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.

If you ever needed an example of how you can find work-life balance, look no further than to Andrea Rogers.

This Australian-native has been a firm West Coast convert since moving

to Hokitika permanently with her Coaster husband four years ago. She now runs a successful business from the family’s lifestyle block. That means that whenever she needs to take a break from working through shipping orders or making products, she can just step outside and chat to the sheep, ducks, geese, chickens and the occasional weka.

Her business, The Crafty Chook, is a unique soap-making business with a strong online presence. Andrea’s hand-crafted soap is designed, crafted and based around the rustic rugged beauty of life on the Coast and the quirky characters living there.

“Our aim is to flaunt, boast and share with everyone how amazing the West Coast is, with an ounce of humour, a small pinch of political incorrectness and a great bar of soap,” she says.

Andrea says there are many advantages to running her business from semi-rural New Zealand than from an expensive city shop.

“Hokitika is developing new growth in many sectors and the locals get right behind it. Supporting new businesses in their own backyard gives locals a sense of ownership and connection with the businesses,” she says.

And marketing her product is never easier than from her own backyard.

“Location-wise, we have the best naturally photogenic backdrops for any business. Sometimes I feel like such a tourist – everything is just begging to be photographed!”

As a new-ish local, Andrea says she can highly recommend the work-life balance and opportunities Hokitika presents. While her business started

with soap made from gorse flower “for a laugh”, she now distributes her product to around 50 shops across the country and has a large social media following, which ensures her business runs smoothly.

Andrea’s success is testament to the West Coast’s appeal as a digitally connected region, allowing people to run successful businesses from where they really want to live.

It’s a similar success story for Cindy and Gavin Hopper of West Coast Scenic Waterways. They moved to Hokitika after sampling its adventurous lifestyle and have not looked back.

“Adventure brought us to the Coast, and it hasn’t disappointed. We left a textile design and electrical career in Auckland to explore New Zealand. A roast meal and job offer in Hokitika kept us in the South Island

for good,” Cindy says.The couple have since started

a successful tourism venture along the historic Mahinapua waterways, offering paddle boat cruises, freedom kayaking and a bed and breakfast, catering to the many tourists who explore the West Coast each year.

“What we love so much about Hokitika is it’s an awesome playground! There are not enough days in a year to tackle all the back-country huts and trails, water ski and go fishing on the lakes, and ski the slopes in winter... just an hour away. The list goes on,” Cindy says.

“Hokitika is a tourist town, so we are spoilt to have so many awesome gift shops, coffee shops, places to dine out, or take out, and enjoy a sunset on the beach. It’s a lovely community to live in with so much to offer.”

Andrea Rogers from The Crafty Chook. A cool little townhokitika,

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The stunning Beachfront Hotel Hokitika is located on New Zealand’s West Coast and offers a wide range of quality accommodation, full dining, event facilities.The accommodation comprises fi ve 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 magnifi cent Penthouse. Full services including Oceanview Restaurant and Bar, event facilities for weddings, conferences, meetings and parties. 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. Visit West Coast attractions such as the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Shantytown, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, Book your stay at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika and experience the best of the South’s Island’s West Coast.

111 Revell Street, Hokitika | 0800 400 344 | reservations@beachfronthotel.co.nz | www.beachfronthotel.co.nz

MAKE YOUR DAY BEAUTIFUL

THE WEST COAST TRADES ACADEMY

The West Coast Trades Academy is an exciting and very different training option for high school students across the West Coast. The Trades Academy is supporting young West Coasters to study towards a specifi c career, while staying at school completing their NCEA qualifi cations.

Thanks to funding from the Ministry of Education and support from our secondary schools, local organisations and businesses, the West CoastTrades Academy is free for all West Coast students.

In 2018 The West Coast Trades Academy offered 19 different courses across a variety of in demand industries, and had 230 students Coast wide.

Each year the majority of our graduates move into employment, apprenticeships or higher education.

Call us today on: 03 768 0472 ext 888 www.wcta.ac.nzQuestions?

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coast schools Thrive

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What does schooling in New Zealand’s most sparsely populated region look like? The answer may

surprise some so let’s take a look. Of the 36 schools, there are four

seondary schools and three area schools. Primary school rolls range from tiny (like 25 students) to pretty big (about 360) while the biggest secondary school roll is also small at about 500. Smaller schools mean strong relationships - and a community feel is a feature all West Coast schools have in common - everyone knows everyone.

But does small also mean limitations? It could, but these schools have developed ways to make sure their students don’t miss out on anything. The West Coast Trades Academy brings senior students from all across the Coast together for programmes at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Whenua Iti Outdoors (Motueka) and providers in Christchurch. Courses like automotive, culinary arts and carpentry training are popular, but so are Māori cultural tourism, outdoor leadership and computer programming. Schools blend this in with learning back in the classroom, sometimes using community contacts to add more “on the job” training leading to valuable apprenticeships or tertiary study. Students love working

in this blend and very few leave school without achieving NCEA level 2. The universities are a long way away but make for a fun road trip - schools take groups of students on uni visits each year and often make use of university facilities to enrich school classes.

Technology features strongly in most West Coast schools with collaboration to make life easier for students and parents - Toki Pounamu is one such cluster where both primary and secondary schools have set up a trust to enable student devices to be managed seamlessly without causing parents headaches. From year 5 to year 13, every student has their own device through this trust and teachers are trained to use creative techniques to provide powerful learning experiences.

Toki Pounamu is linked to clusters in Auckland, Christchurch and across NZ, and backed up by researchers from the University of Auckland, so that by sharing with each other we know our students are getting the quality experiences you’d expect anywhere.

Being community schools, with no private schools, the flavour is inclusive - deciles don’t mean much here. Ethnicities are mostly NZ European (about 75%) and Māori (about 20%). Māori medium education is small but growing in each of the main centres.

Small, mixed classes mean students of all backgrounds learn alongside each other. There are challenges that come with this approach of course, which can be seen in the schools’ achievement stats - most sit around or just under national averages - which reflect the communities’ diversity. But as families who have brought their children from boarding schools back to their local school will tell you, where families and schools work together the child always achieves. And as former students will tell you, an inclusive education gives a great start to life in ‘the real world’ - qualities such as relating to the full range of people and skills such as strong self-management are desirable to employers and it’s amazing how many doors the phrase “I grew up on the West Coast of the South Island” opens.

As the schools don’t try to compete with each other, most don’t do promotional material. They typically have an open and honest approach to prospective school families - go for a look around during a normal school day so you get to see them as they are.

So schooling in our least populated region looks similar to other regions, in terms of facilities and learning, yet comes with its own community feel with all the advantages that come with that.

Smaller schools mean strong relationships - and a community feel. Technology features strongly in West Coast schools.

Coal Creek Falls.

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Dan Butler and Lisa White moved from Tennessee to Greymouth in 2015.

one morning in September 2015, my husband Dan, an audiologist, and I, a Tennessee attorney, both

left for work at about 7:15am, and each worked hard all-day skipping lunch. We both arrived back at our house at eight in the evening, hungry, exhausted, and OVER IT. His suggestion: “let’s move to New Zealand.” I agreed.

Dan’s suggestion wasn’t really without a foundation, although we had never discussed it. As an audiologist, he frequently received recruitment letters because of New Zealand’s ongoing need for qualified and experienced audiologists. On the other hand, I am not sure New Zealand ever needs—or wants—American attorneys, but my work is primarily writing and research and is electronically filed. I assumed—correctly—that I would be able to work remotely. All I really needed is high speed internet and a pleasant space to work.

After a number of phone and skype interviews, Dan was asked if he would open an audiology office on the West Coast, in Greymouth. Before committing to the job, we visited and intentionally chose an AirBnB with a multigenerational “Coaster” family. We learned about the Coast from a true local, met other locals and transplants, and began to

build a network of people before we even arrived. We also saw that the community is diverse—people from virtually everywhere in the world call Greymouth home.

Greymouth geographically is an interesting place, sandwiched between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, with Punakaiki—the Pancake Rocks—up the Great Coast Road to the North, Hokitika Gorge and the Glaciers—Franz Josef and Fox—to the South. It is the western end of the TranzAlpine Railway, with Lake Brunner and Moana nearby, and Arthur’s Pass and the ski fields to the East.

Since our priorities are tramping, kayaking (the flat kind, not the fast kind!), photography, mountains, traveling, gardening, and other outdoor-related activities, the Coast is perfect for us.

In many ways, Greymouth is generally treated as the crossroads for exploring the South Island’s incredible and diverse landscapes but as a place to live, we’ve found it has all that and so much more.

People are friendly, housing is affordable, and the community has a strongly supportive spirit. The formal and informal groups in the community are the glue that pulls people together. We are now regular participants in a couple of wine tasting groups. I’ve joined a book club. We

frequently gather with friends for potluck dinners. We catch concerts at the Barrytown Hall and local theatre opportunities by the Greymouth Operatic Society. And of course, we have fun with the New Coasters—a group supportive of new arrivals, but regularly joined by lifetime locals and long-term transplants. Despite moving from a much larger city, we are far more involved in the Greymouth community than we ever were in the US.

So how has this move worked out for our professional lives? Dan opened an audiology office right in the center of the CBD, somewhat worried about whether any clients would show up. Instead, he has been greeted so warmly in the community that a quick stop at the supermarket is difficult. Meanwhile, my working patterns have changed by working remotely. I have no commute at all, and I practice law—at times—in my pajamas. On a rare occasion I need to wake up for a conference call at odd hours of the night, but my office appreciates the benefits of a near-24 hour workday when they pass me projects to work on as the US group leaves for the day. By their morning, just like magic, I pass the same project back substantially more complete. Sweet as!

Follow Lisa and Dan’s Greymouth adventures on their blog: www.nzdanlisa.wordpress.com

By Lisa White

coast a perfecT fiT

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Greymouth Café.

The Grey River / Ma-wheranui.

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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the West Coast has always attracted pioneering people – from Māori trading pounamu to those who flocked here during

the goldrush days. Back in 1867 Wellington’s post

master 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, even before 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 much 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. Based in Greymouth the DWC team offers

a wide range of business services, commercial finance and other assistance to help businesses grow. This includes helping businesses apply to the Government’s $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund, which identifies the West Coast as a surge region.

Since 2001 many West Coast businesses have accessed the assistance on offer from DWC. That includes Emily Miazga, owner of Em’s Power Cookies, who has utilised a range of DWC services.

Emily is a Canadian who shifted to the West Coast for her love of its untamed natural wilderness. It was the perfect place for her to train for the Coast to Coast – which she has won three times, and a great place for her to start a business. Emily is currently making the most of recent

legislative changes by manufacturing Hemp Protein Cookies.

“DWC’s support has been a game changer for me. They have given me confidence to execute my business strategy because they believe in what I am doing. This is really important because being in business can be challenging, so the objective and knowledgeable expertise they offer is invaluable.”

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.

business support for the coasT’s pioneering

spiriTMAIN PICTURE: Grey River. | TOP RIGHT: Reefton Distilling Co. | BOTTOM RIGHT: Emily Miazga – Em’s Power Cookies.

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Imagine this…

6am - Visit the Westland Recreation Centre to get the heart rate pumping with a Les Mills RPM class. The Westland Recreation Centre is the sports hub of the Grey District and boasts swimming pools, hydroslides, sauna, spa, stadium with two courts and first class gym. There is a fabulous range of group fitness classes on offer, designed for all ages and all abilities, including the Les Mills franchise of fitness classes, circuit, yoga and around 50 classes.

8am - Grab your caffeine fix from one of our upmarket cafes before

heading to work. No need for an hour long plus commute, traffic snarls or parking woes here in Greymouth.

noon - Head home for lunch with your partner or family on the deck of your home which didn’t cost you an arm and a leg and then some. The average house price in Greymouth is just $219,000 (as at September 2018, www.qv.co.nz) and our housing stock ranges from quaint bungalows and villas to modern new builds.

1.30pm - The boss has given you the afternoon off – or maybe you’re the boss and give yourself the afternoon off and head outdoors. You could

ride one of our many mountain biking tracks or pull on your tramping boots and get some practice in on one of our many walks through nature in anticipation of the Paparoa Track opening in 2019. This will be New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk, the first new Great Walk constructed in New Zealand in 25 years and it’s going to be right here on the West Coast!

4pm - Take a drive along the Great Coast Road, ranked in the top ten coastal drives in the world according to Lonely Planet. Sit and admire the rugged and authentic coastline of the mighty Tasman Sea, feel the power of Mother Nature and see if you can

spot a dolphin or two.

6pm - Head to Monteith’s and enjoy a refreshing craft beer, maybe also taking the opportunity to sample a prized West Coast delicacy, whitebait.

8pm - Time to put your feet up for a couple of hours and take in a 3D movie in one of the custom built cinemas at the Regent Theatre.

10pm - The day is almost done but before it does, wander down the main street and through the new Town Square, complete with sculpture designed by local talent and third in the 2017 WOW Awards, Weta

Workshop: Science Fiction category, Craig McMillan. Then stroll along the floodwall which sits beside the Grey River and protects the town. The last big flood in our District was in 1988 (there were actually two floods in 1988) and you can see how high the water rose by the plaque on the side of the Regent Theatre building.

11pm - Let the sound of the waves crashing onto the beach lull you to sleep. This can be heard through central Greymouth a surprising distance from the sea.

Don’t just imagine. Come and experience it for yourself.

a day in The life of a coasTer

ABOVE: Great Coast Road. | TOP RIGHT: The average house price in Greymouth is $219,000. BOTTOM RIGHT: Stop in for a drink at the iconic Monteith’s brewery.

Great Nibbles All Year Round - Sausages Venison Patties - Cooked Product - Salami - Bacon Majority of our products are MSG and Gluten Free.

Fresh sausages (gluten free), salami and a large range of smallgoods available in supermarkets.

SHOP HOURS: Monday to Friday 8am-4pm • Saturday 9am-2pm

See our website for order online options WWW.BLACKBALLSALAMI.CO.NZ

Silver Medal – Black Pudding Bronze Medal – PorkGreat NZ Sausage Competition 2011

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turning pure west coAst rAinwAter into gin

A glittering pAst And A shining future

reefton distilling co.

reefton

Reefton Distilling Co recently opened in one of Reefton’s original buildings which has been carefully restored to

accommodate their working distillery, tasting bar and retail store.

They are inspired to provide you with a truly unique West Coast experience; as they share the story behind the crafting of their local botanical gins, fruit liqueurs, vodka and whiskies.

Managing Director Patsy Bass answers some questions:

Q. Why did you decide to move to Reefton?I’m from Reefton, although lived most of my life in Christchurch. We’ve had a holiday home on the West Coast for the last 20 years and had got to the stage where we no longer wanted to head back to Christchurch after enjoying increasingly longer stays in Reefton. We started to wonder what it would be like if we lived here, and our Christchurch home became the bach.

We felt a sense of community here beyond anything we’d experienced before, so we began brainstorming ideas that would create jobs and a tourist attraction, and also keep us busy – Reefton Distilling Co. was the result.

Q. What are the advantages of having a business on the West coast?The enormous support from the locals who have rallied around us and done anything they can to help us get started. West Coasters are

fiercely proud of their region and were thrilled to hear a new business was coming to town.

They’re also hugely resourceful and handy – whatever skillset we need, there’s someone in town that can do it. Stainless steel welder, master potter, water prospector, botanist, cinematographer – got it, got it, got it, got it, got it.

Being so small, direct relationships are easily made. We had tremendous support from the Buller District Mayor Garry Howard, and the Council – they were real enablers.

We have so much fascinating history here, which we drew on to build our product brands – Little Biddy Gin; Moonlight Creek Whisky; Wild Rain Vodka.

The rain, which is some of the purest water on earth is a key part of our premium spirits.

Q. What are the advantages of living on the West coast? The people – they’re genuine, friendly, incredibly optimistic and hardworking. The rain – it’s invigorating and gives us the lush, green rainforest and pristine drinking water. The geography – this region is spectacularly beautiful, unpopulated and diverse. Our mountain biking and trout fishing is some of the best in New Zealand - if not the world. Home ownership is still attainable; you get to know everybody and crime is low (there’s an uproar if a feisty teen tips out a hanging flower basket on a Saturday night). Whitebait. Did I mention the whitebait.

the small West Coast town of Reefton is a place for everyone to enjoy - be it for a day or two, a week or a place to call home. Named for the extensive gold bearing quartz reefs that were discovered there in the late 1860s, Reefton still has a great deal of historic charm.

Reefton calls itself ‘the town of light’, because it was the first place in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere to have a public supply of electricity, even before London or New York.

Many of the heritage buildings have been restored and offer an insight to the past as well as providing a range of accommodation, places to eat and shop. Teamed with all the charm and character that Reefton has to offer, you will find a range of unique activities and attractions that help to make Reefton an iconic destination and place to live.For more information see: www.reefton.co.nz

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, which is more than enough reason for you and your family

to get-away and create some great family memories!

Why not fly to Christchurch and jump in the car to drive the scenic three hour trip over the Arthur’s Pass.

Break up the journey - relax and have some fun; stop at Arthurs Pass to watch the playful Kea, show the kids the amazing Otira viaduct from the Devil’s staircase lookout and spot waterfalls as you meander through the Southern Alps.

Before you know it, you’ll be in the heart of the West Coast, the Grey District.

Stop for lunch at Moana’s Stationhouse Café or pull out a

picnic on the banks of Lake Brunner before enjoying a bush walk through the rainforest.

Or board the world class TranzAlpine train, a 4.5 hour relaxing journey showcasing stunning countryside ad iconic views. Descend through the 8.5km long Otira Tunnel, which, when it was completed in 1923, was actually the second longest tunnel in the world! The train will also go through 15 short tunnels and over four dramatic viaducts, including the 72 metre high Staircase Viaduct. Find out more at www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

A great range of accommodation is available to suit every budget, including seaside holiday parks and modern, well equipped motels. However you travel and wherever

you stay, a family friendly, adventure hub awaits you in your Greymouth get-away. Set between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, Greymouth is central to Moana (30 mins), Punakaiki (45 mins) and Hokitika (30 mins), making it easy to fill your days with a variety of fun and inexpensive family activities.

Here are a few suggestions we’re sure you’ll love:•Ridethesteamtrain,panforgoldand visit the holographic theatre at Shantytown Heritage Park. •SpotthesealsatGreymouth’sbreakwaters or the Point Elizabeth walkway. •EnjoyabushwalkatLakeBrunner- the Rakaitane track is a short, easy track perfect for the family. •Haveanamazingoffroadquad

bike, haaglund or go kart adventure with On Yer Bike!•Headoutforafamilymovieinoneof the 3D theatres at Greymouth’s Regent Theatre.•VisittheBrunnerminesitememorial to explore and hear the interactive tales of these coal miners.•StrollorcycletheWestCoastWilderness Trail - just perfect for families. •Surprisethekidswithahydroslideand pool pass from the Westland Recreation Centre. •Visittheworldfamous‘PancakeRocks’, just 45 minutes from Greymouth.•Experienceavisualfeastofjadecarving, art work and photography at Shades of Jade and Nimmo Gallery.

•Getyourcoffeeorretailfixfromaselection of cafés, restaurants and boutique shopping in Greymouth’s town centre.

The historic Greymouth Railway station, home to the Greymouth i-SITE and disembarking point for the TranzAlpine train, is a great starting point for planning your family adventure and for any queries while you’re in Greymouth. The friendly staff will get you organised and make your planning as stress free as your get-away itself.

Visit www.westcoasttravel.co.nz or phone the Greymouth i-SITE 0800 GREYMOUTH (473966) to plan your adventure and create some great family memories.

creAte greAt family memories ABOVE: Surfing the West Coast. | TOP RIGHT: The TranzAlpine train is a 4.5 hour journey through some stunning countryside. BOTTOM RIGHT: Lake Brunner.

While in

83 High Street,Greymouth

Come and visit theWestland Recreation Centre. It has swimming pools, hydroslides, spa, sauna, gym, group fi tness classes, basketball courts andmuch more.We look forward to seeing you!

Phone 03 768 9076 | www.facebook.com/westlandrec

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