Issue #4

7 July 2020

Inspiring stories, real news and the hard questions

Welcome to Coasters Weekly, issue #4!

We know Coasters are fiercely protective of their independence and the unique lifestyle the West Coast offers. It is our aim to keep Coasters connected, no matter where in the world they may be.

At Coasters Weekly we are prepared to ask the hard questions for you that others won’t. We will bring you news as it really is and share stories of courage, initiative and ingenuity that will make you even more proud to be a Coaster!

Have a listen to editor and publisher Bruce Smith as he talks about Coasters Weekly.

Where ever I roam the Coast is my Home.

Where ever I roam the Coast is my Home.You can receive the Coasters Weekly by clicking on the link or copy and paste it and put in your name and email addresshttps://www.thecoastersclub.co.nz/page/home-page.htmlCatch you later !

Posted by The Coasters Club on Thursday, May 14, 2020

Get your Coasters Weekly at 5pm every Tuesday and enjoy the news from home.

Every Tuesday a limited number of Coasters Passes will be made available to readers to encourage you to come home to the Coast. The packages the Coaster’s Pass offer will save you hundreds of dollars.

 

If you are already part of the Coasters Club you will automatically be subscribed to Coasters Weekly. You will receive an email each week with your link to each weekly edition.

New subscribers can sign up  to Coasters Weekly here

Inspiring stories, real news and the hard questions

Mining: the lifeblood of the Coast’s economy

Patrick Phelps – Manger, Minerals West Coast

Patrick works as manager for Minerals West Coast. A born and raised West Coaster,  Patrick grew up on a gold claim south of the Hokitika River.

His working life includes journalism, marketing and communications, wilderness guiding, and pest control. Prior to taking up the role at MWC he lived in Nanjing, China, studying Mandarin. Patrick provides much of the content for our Mining: the lifeblood of the Coast’s Economy series.

Mining: the lifeblood of the Coast’s economy

Mining news

NPS Indigenous diversity delayed until 2021

The threat of having both public and private land designated a ‘significant natural areas’ under the proposed National Policy Statement (NPS) for indigenous biodiversity, has been delayed until April 2021 at the earliest – after this year’s general election on the 19th of September. The policy would have been wide reaching in its ability to prevent land use on both public and private lands. The Ministry for the Environment said in an email yesterday that delivery of the national policy statement has been delayed due to the impacts of Covid19.

Coal users face higher energy costs as ETS unit price continues to rise

The Government in June raised the fixed price option for coal units under the Emisions Trading Scheme (ETS) to $35.00, effectively lifting the ceiling price by $10. This increase has significantly increased coal users’ operating costs, to the point where some operators are beginning to question the viability of their businesses. The impacts on New Zealand businesses, food producers and processors, and schools and hospitals will grow more severe as the price of ETS coal units continues to rise.

Submissions on air quality and mercury now ended

It remains unclear what the impact of new regulations on air quality will have on mercury use in refining alluvial gold. Submissions are due by the end of July on the government consultation document on changes to the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality. The consultation document is vague about what is being proposed, nonetheless, Minerals West Coast will be submitting on the proposals, and wishes to hear from any gold miners who still use mercury to refine gold and would be effected if restrictions were put in place.

Conservation mining ban off the table till after election

The word is that the issue of banning mining on conservation land (announced in the government’s speech from the throne in November 2017) has been kicked for touch till after the general election. MP Damien O’Connor said in the Grey Star last month there would be no moves on the issue before the election, and the Greens have since confirmed they are having difficulty in getting the ban confirmed. This gives miners time to make a case for the industry retaining access to the conservation estate.

Mining: the lifeblood of the Coast’s economy

Gold mining on the West Coast

 Let’s take a look at the Whyte goldmining operation on the West Coast

The gold recovery plant used by the Whyte mining operation uses a 5 foot rotary screen and riffle table. The top section of the table uses hydraulic riffles.

Throughput from the recovery plant varies depending on the ground being mined but the company aims to put through 1000 yards per shift. The plant was built by Dispatch & Garlick Ltd for Whyte Gold. Have a look at the plant in action here:

Black sand gold mining

It comes in fine specs but recovering the gold found in the black sands of the West Coast is no wasted effort. In this video you can see how they go about gold recovery  from the sand on this coastal beach claim.

Gold mining on the West Coast

Mokihinui – iconic whitebaiting village

Coasters Pass available from 5pm today Tuesday 7 July until 5.00pm Wednesday 8 July.

The Coasters Pass – Mokihinui

In the last issue of The Coasters Weekly we profiled the iconic wild spot of Mokihinui; this week we give you the opportunity to experience this wonderful location for yourself.

The Coasters Pass consists of:

  • Two nights accommodation for two in the beach cabin at Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation and Camping Ground.
  • Evening meal for two on both nights of your stay.

The cost of this week’s Coasters pass is $400

Go on line now to purchase your passes: www.thecoastersclub.co.nz

  • The Coasters Pass is only available over a 24 hour period between 5.00pm each Tuesday through to 5.00pm on Wednesday.
  • There are a limited number of passes on offer each week so it is first come, first served.
  • The Coasters Pass can be used at any time within 90 days of purchase. It’s an individual transferable pass.
  • Once the booking dates for accommodation, attractions and restaurants are confirmed they can’t be changed.

Take a look at Mokihinui

You will love the Gentle Annie campground and the family that has operated the camp for years are true coasters. Take the surf caster and your walking boots! And to wet your appetite, take a look at the stunning camp ground here:

From your accommodation at Gentle Annie, you can stage your own expedition on the reaches of the Mokihinui river itself, explore the river mouth – the source of life – and the ruggedly beautiful beach. Take a look here:

Mokihinui River Mouth the source of life for this community.

Mokihinui River Mouth the source of life for this community.Mokihinui is the first of our look at what makes a small coastal settlement at the mouth of a river work on the Coast. How does the community survive and proposer ?How does business get its revenue ?A couple of common themes, the income during the whitebait season and that’s 2 weeks before as the stands are set up, the season itself and 2 weeks after as they are taken down makes up about 33% of the revenue streams. From Dec to the end of April with domestic tourism makes up another 33% and the rest comes when it comes and every one I have interviewed makes the statement that the last 33% is part of the cost of the unique life style we as Coasters treasure so much.Mokihinui takes us back to staff picnics and egg and spoon races where family was everything and our mates were solid and long term.Mokihinui is nestled under the western shoulder of Kahurangi National Park Mokihinui is a small coastal settlement on New Zealand’s West Coast in the South Island, about 40km north of Westport. It is situated between the sea and the foothills of the Glasgow Range and State Highway 67 passes through Mokihinui just before reaching its northern end on the other side of the Mokihinui river.The Mokihinui River is the West Coast’s third largest river which provides wonderful wilderness fishing for a large head of fish that can reach trophy size. This is one of the countries top wilderness rivers and has good fishing throughout its length though most popular are the two upper branches. Northern Buller is renowned for beautiful rugged coastline, shallow landfall, and spectacular bush clad mountains.The unique location provides access to Whitebaiting, Trout, Kahawai, and Herring fishing in the bordering river; and surfcasting for Rig and Snapper off the beach.The perfect place for Coasters to unwind. Light a beach bonfire, toast some marshmallows, and listen to the waves lapping at your doorstep and you can drop in to Pub ‘N’ Grub to enjoy the friendly country atmosphere, or takeaway and enjoy the outdoors at the nearby beach or picnic spot.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

 

If you are lucky during your stay, you will meet local identity Basil Climo, who will give you a run down on the Mokihinui seawall that has been protecting Mokihinui for quite sometime now.

Basil Climo show us a sea wall that has WORKED at Mokihinui.

Basil Climo (AKA The Boss) shows us a sea wall that has WORKED at Mokihinui.Mokihinui is the first of our look at what makes a small coastal settlement at the mouth of a river work on the Coast. How does the community survive and proposer ?How does business get its revenue ?A couple of common themes, the income during the whitebait season and that’s 2 weeks before as the stands are set up, the season itself and 2 weeks after as they are taken down makes up about 33% of the revenue streams. From Dec to the end of April with domestic tourism makes up another 33% and the rest comes when it comes and every one I have interviewed makes the statement that the last 33% is part of the cost of the unique life style we as Coasters treasure so much.Mokihinui takes us back to staff picnics and egg and spoon races where family was everything and our mates were solid and long term.Mokihinui is nestled under the western shoulder of Kahurangi National Park Mokihinui is a small coastal settlement on New Zealand’s West Coast in the South Island, about 40km north of Westport. It is situated between the sea and the foothills of the Glasgow Range and State Highway 67 passes through Mokihinui just before reaching its northern end on the other side of the Mokihinui river.The Mokihinui River is the West Coast’s third largest river which provides wonderful wilderness fishing for a large head of fish that can reach trophy size. This is one of the countries top wilderness rivers and has good fishing throughout its length though most popular are the two upper branches. Northern Buller is renowned for beautiful rugged coastline, shallow landfall, and spectacular bush clad mountains.The unique location provides access to Whitebaiting, Trout, Kahawai, and Herring fishing in the bordering river; and surfcasting for Rig and Snapper off the beach.The perfect place for Coasters to unwind. Light a beach bonfire, toast some marshmallows, and listen to the waves lapping at your doorstep and you can drop in to Pub ‘N’ Grub to enjoy the friendly country atmosphere, or takeaway and enjoy the outdoors at the nearby beach or picnic spot.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

 

You evening dining will be at the Mokihinui pub where your hosts, Tony and Di will make sure you experience a real Coast welcome. and where the Coasters pass includes the evening meals for 2 people for 2 nights.

Meet Tony and Di at the Pub ‘N’ Grub Mokihinui

Meet Tony and Di at the Pub ‘N’ Grub Mokihinui where family and community is everything.Mokihinui is the first of our look at what makes a small coastal settlement at the mouth of a river work on the Coast. How does the community survive and proposer ?How does business get its revenue ?A couple of common themes, the income during the whitebait season and that’s 2 weeks before as the stands are set up, the season itself and 2 weeks after as they are taken down makes up about 33% of the revenue streams. From Dec to the end of April with domestic tourism makes up another 33% and the rest comes when it comes and every one I have interviewed makes the statement that the last 33% is part of the cost of the unique life style we as Coasters treasure so much. Mokihinui takes us back to staff picnics and egg and spoon races where family was everything and our mates were solid and long term.Mokihinui is nestled under the western shoulder of Kahurangi National Park Mokihinui is a small coastal settlement on New Zealand’s West Coast in the South Island, about 40km north of Westport. It is situated between the sea and the foothills of the Glasgow Range and State Highway 67 passes through Mokihinui just before reaching its northern end on the other side of the Mokihinui river.The Mokihinui River is the West Coast’s third largest river which provides wonderful wilderness fishing for a large head of fish that can reach trophy size. This is one of the countries top wilderness rivers and has good fishing throughout its length though most popular are the two upper branches. Northern Buller is renowned for beautiful rugged coastline, shallow landfall, and spectacular bush clad mountains.The unique location provides access to Whitebaiting, Trout, Kahawai, and Herring fishing in the bordering river; and surfcasting for Rig and Snapper off the beach.The perfect place for Coasters to unwind. Light a beach bonfire, toast some marshmallows, and listen to the waves lapping at your doorstep and you can drop in to Pub ‘N’ Grub to enjoy the friendly country atmosphere, or takeaway and enjoy the outdoors at the nearby beach or picnic spot.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

 

New ‘Experience Centres’ to boost West Coast tourism

Parliamentary Under Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau is no stranger to the Coast. He gave his first State of the Nation speech at our Arahura Marae in February of this year.

He recently returned bearing gifts with the announcement that the West Coast had been given an $18 million boost with four new Government-funded visitor experience centres.

The new experience centres will be part of a ‘pounamu pathway’ for New Zealand and international visitors to learn about the West Coast’s culture and history.

Fletcher made the announcement at the Arahura Marae near Hokitika on Tuesday last week. He said the $17.87m state-of-the-art tourist attractions would be built in Haast, Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport.

Bruce Smith talks with Fletcher Tabuteau about the new centres and Government’s funding of these:

Parliamentary Under Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau

The West Coast has been given an $18 million boost with four new Government-funded visitor centres.The new "experience centres" will be part of a pounamu pathway for visitors to learn about the West Coast's culture and history.Parliamentary Under Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau made the announcement at the Arahura Marae near Hokitika on Tuesday.He said the $17.87m state-of-the-art tourist attractions would be built in Haast, Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport.Fletcher Tabuteau MP

Posted by The Coasters Club on Monday, June 15, 2020

New ‘Experience Centres’ to boost West Coast tourism

FEATURE: Aratuna Freighters Ltd

From the Coast to the South Island and beyond

Andrew Havill and his wife Monique, part-owners of Aratuna Freighters, have plenty to celebrate in this 34th year of the company’s operation.

Andrew and Monique Havill hold the reins these days while Durham and Lorraine, who founded the company in 1985 along with son Andrew, remain committed to the company.

Today, Aratuna’s trucks can be seen all over the South Island and even in the North Island.

Hear Andrew discuss the latest instalment of the Aratuna Freighters story in the video clip here:

Aratuna advert

Coast Property

Trending on the Coast

Pauline Cox, from Property Brokers Hokitika, updates us on Coast property trends from a Hokitika perspective.

A former Deputy Mayor and Director of Hokitika Airport Ltd, Pauline has an eye for the opportunities the Coast presents and is well placed to offer expert and heart-felt advice to those considering living here.

Property in Westland with Pauline Cox.

Property in Westland with Pauline Cox.So you live away and want to come home ? Each week we will catch up with Buller,Greymouth and Hokitika real estate agents to see whats hot and whats not.Today its Pauline Cox from Property Brokers Hokitika.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

 

Meet Pauline Cox

Pauline tells us her story about growing up on the Coast. She was born in Hokitika and has been involved in all aspects of community life and work. In this interview with Bruce Smith she tells, among other things, why she thinks the Coast is one of the best places on the planet to live.

Trending on the Coast

Off the beaten track to...

Nelson Creek

Once you’ve reached Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, you can follow in the footsteps of nineteenth-century fortune seekers, fossicking for gold, by following State Highway 7 north. After 25 kilometres you arrive at Nghaere where you take a right turn to the Nelson Creek Settlement.

Nelson Creek has had a varied goldmining history from its beginnings in 1865. At the height of the rush, over 1,200 miners were scattered throughout the aptly-named Try Again Terrace (downstream from Nelson Creek). The Nelson Creek area is formed by sandstone layers overlaid by glacial gravels with the gold concentrated in hollows on the sandstone’s surface. Ground sluicing was used to wash the gravels out of the working gold face.

There is a recreational gold fossicking area at Nelson Creek and visitors are invited to bring a gold pan and have a go at fossicking for themselves. However, respect for the environment is paramount so follow the sign-posted guidelines and fossick with care, using hand tools only.

This area is rich in history (if not in gold) and you will also see the Nelson Creek suspension bridge originally built in 1872. There are also plenty of short walks including the Colls Dam Walk which is suitable for wheelchair access.

We say stay a couple of nights and can confirm a Nelson Creek experience will be included in our Coasters Pass promotion in the coming weeks.

Nelson Creek

Off the beaten track to...

Nelson Creek – the Domain, the Community Centre and the Pub!

Watch the videos below and get a feel for the facilities and services on offer in this inviting little settlement.

The Nelson Creek Domain

Nelson Creek Domain a camping area like we all remember

The Nelson Creek Domain a camping area like we all remember and worth considering when you come home Coasters. Its brilliant.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Sunday, June 28, 2020

 

The community centre Nelson Creek

Nelson Creek community center.

While exploring at Nelson Creek i see the door to the community hall open.In i go for a look and see who was there !The Boss and she gave me the offical look around which was great.Good luck with the project.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Sunday, June 28, 2020

 

Meet Neville and Jackie at the Nelson Creek Hotel

Nelson Creek Hotel

I get to meet Jackie and Neville the owners of the Nelson Creek Hotel and they have agreed to be in one of our Coasters pass offers.A major life style change would scare most people but these guys are loving it and the pub is the centre point for the community.Take a look at the numbers on the pool ladder it would make many town hotel envious.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Sunday, June 28, 2020

Nelson Creek – the Domain, the Community Centre and the Pub!

Coast characters

Peter Bennett

Peter Bennett

Meet Peter Bennett, a Coaster. Life can be tough on the Coast, and Coasters are not exempt from the ills that befall us all. But when times are tough or we have health issues to face, maybe we face them with more of a positive determination. This interview with Peter was completed some months before he lost his battle with cancer.

Coast characters

Johnny Currie

Meet Johnny Currie a Coaster. Johnny lives in a bush hut on his property that was originally built more than fifty years ago. There’s no electricity or other modern aids. Instead, a huge wood fire provides heat and food, as well as the warmest welcome.

Johnny talks about the colourful history of the property and his almost religious conversion from clear-felling bushman to protector of the forest. With the savvy to overcome the nuances of Mother Nature and the weather gods over a lifetime, he paints a vivid picture of what bush life and living in a tin hut can be.

Many thanks Johnny you are an inspiration for so many reasons.

You need to organise well in advance if you would like to visit Johnny by calling Mickey or Doreen Ryan on 0800-688937. Johnny does not have phones or them internet things, but will give you a rich Coast welcome.

The Coast Business Series

Innovative business on the Coast

The West Coast is renowned for its innovative approach to life. Our people are always looking to express themselves in business ventures that draw deeply on the Coast’s resources and scenic attractions.

On the Coast we have businesses that are making national impact, food supply outlets that are at the top of their game as well as some historic establishments that are well worth a visit. You can check out some of them right here via our library of video clips.

 

Historic Aharau Hotel just listed for sale.

Ahaura Hotel has just been listed for sale.

The Ahaura Hotel has just been listed for sale.Have you ever had a beer or a feed at this hotel , let us know?Its just come on the market at $350,000 the price of a small house !A brilliant chance for a young couple to do good things. It located in a thriving rural community and has real history.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Saturday, June 27, 2020

 

Coast business – Ramco spares

Ramco Spares Greymouth

I get to talk to Aaron from Ramco in Greymouth and Coasters have a look.Ramco Spares Greymouth is a two man team specialising in Hitachi excavators, wrecking machines right upto zx/5. Good honest reliable service, buy from us and buy with confidence.They buy Hitachi excavators around New Zealand.Call Arron on 027 812 4842 hes a good bugger.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Saturday, June 27, 2020

The Coast Business Series

Developments & happenings

Coaster in business Jane Riley

Jane Riley a Coaster raised in Fox Glacier has won the Lawson's Dry Hills People's Choice Award

BREAKING NEWS:Jane Riley a Coaster raised in Fox Glacier has won the Lawson's Dry Hills People's Choice Award.Here is her winning piece "Norwest Stratus Formation." Congratulations Jane! Jane Riley was raised beneath the spectacular Southern Alps at Fox Glacier. Here majestic peaks thrust thousands of metres above foothills blanketed with native rainforest. Jane’s oil paintings reflect her love of the natural environment interpreted with tremendous energy, passion and flair, often incorporating textures of sand, gemstones, shells and other natural materials. The finished artworks are striking – unique – vibrating with flamboyant colour and design. “There is magic everywhere and I aspire to create and help visually inspire others. I love the challenge to eternally better myself. Once you know the ropes (techniques) you can stray from them. I take lots of risks and apply a variety of the learned techniques to my vast repertoire of self taught ideas.” “I find great excitement in pouring my new liquitex creations. I have designed the custom wood circle with rectangle sided triptychs – that are proving to be very popular. They feature New Zealand viewed from outer space looking through the atmospheric plantery layers, made possible by the translucency of liquitex. I hope the artworks I produce on a national level help in promoting and inspiring the beauty of New Zealand. They would make great diplomatic gifts and I aim to introduce these in the future to the International Marketplace.”Riley is published as one of New Zealand’s Favourite artists and her artworks are displayed in various national and international private collections. Extensive overseas travel has amplified the artist’s appreciation of the peace and beauty in New Zealand where she can live “The life of Riley”.www.artbyjane.co.nz

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

 

Coast business rebuilding its premises in Hokitika – Waiwai Ponanmu

Waewae Pounamu to build a new building in Hokitika

Waewae Pounamu to build a new building in HokitikaAnnounced yesterday in conjunction with the Pounamu Trail PGF funding was the decision to build a new building to replace the Waewae Pounamu building in a prime location.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 16, 2020

 

Griffen and Smith rebuilding in Hokitika

Griffin and Smith new building in Hokitika starts

Griffin and Smith new building in Hokitika starts on the corner of Hamilton and Sewell street in Hokitika.Henry Adams is doing the dig out and Evan Jones Construction is the Builder.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Tuesday, June 16, 2020

 

What’s happening on the Coast

Greymouth’s Mighty Mud Challenge
Sunday July 26, 2020
Click here for all information and registrations.

Greymouth Motorcycle Street Race
Sunday October 25, 2020
Click here for all information and registrations.

Agfest 2020
Friday 13 November, 2020
Click here for all information and registrations.

Ride the Wilderness
Saturday 14 November 2020
Click here for all information and registrations.

Buller Marathon, Half Marathon and Walk
Saturday 13 February 2021
Click here for all information and registrations.

Hokitika Wild Foods Festival
March the 13th 2021
Click here for all information and tickets

 

For inclusion on these pages please submit your information here: https://coastersweekly.buzzit.co.nz/

What’s happening on the Coast

A Chat Around the Fire

You are never lonely if you know what you believe!

David Seymour the ACT party leader joins me for this week’s Chat Around the Fire.

David grew up in Whangarei where his mother was a pharmacist and his father a draughtsman. He had two younger brothers. As a teenager, he moved to Auckland for high school then University of Auckland where he graduated with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Philosophy.

It wasn’t long into his engineering career when he was offered a role as policy analyst for a Canadian ‘think tank’. He took the opportunity and during his time in the role, appeared on almost every Canadian media outlet on topics ranging from taxes to taxi regulations.

After returning to New Zealand in 2011, David advised John Banks on the initial policy development for Partnership (or charter) Schools. He then went back to Canada to work with with Reform Party founder Preston Manning.

Today, David lives in central Auckland and, when he is not promoting ACT, tinkers with the sports car he built, plays guitar (when nobody else is in earshot), enjoys a craft beer and keeps up with friends and family.

David Seymour the Act party leader 02-07-2020

Coasters most of us have not had the chance to meet David Seymour the leader of the act party before so today its my pleasure to invite him to the coast online.David on this stunning Coast day it’s a big welcome.@David Seymour

Posted by The Coasters Club on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

You are never lonely if you know what you believe!