Issue #17

6 October 2020

Inspiring stories, real news and the hard questions

One size does not fit all!

We tell the story this week of protest on the Coast and discover that we Coasters are no easy push-over when it comes to undermining our livelihoods.

In breaking news, Council has purchased the Mountain Jade Building and has plans to create an exciting front door to Hokitika.

We listen to musician Jimmy Cory and poet Mark Raffills and take in updates from Aratuna Freighters and Williams Hotels Group. Our Coaster’s Pass offers you a holiday deal at the fabulous Carters Beach and we talk to Coasters Michael O’Brien and Murray Molloy.

There’s our top posts from the Coaster’s Club, all the events happening on the West Coast and Allan Birchfield talks about gold in our Chat Around The Fire.

Have a listen to my take on all the good stuff that’s happening in this issue of Coaster’s Weekly here:

Enjoy this issue of the Coaster’s Weekly.
Bruce Smith

About The Coaster’s Club

The Coaster’s Club is of course the vehicle by which we can all stay connected so I would encourage you to join up.

I know we can’t always agree on all things, but we can agree that we all want the best for the Coast and the people whose lives and history are intrinsically tied to this wonderful place.

Here’s how you can be part of the Coaster’s Club:

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Hope to see you soon
Bruce Smith

Coast issues

The West Coast: making its voice heard since 1864

The assumption in politics that ‘one size fits all’ does not go down well on the West Coast; it creates concern and leads to protest.

In this story we look at how Coasters have voiced their concerns on matters that have affected their livelihoods over the last 156 years.

Tony Kokshoorn, former Mayor of the Grey District Council, talks in this clip about significant protests and confrontations on the Coast since 1864. These include protests relating to the discovery of gold (1864), the crib time strike at Blackball (1908), the Beer ban (1947), the Watersiders Strike (1951), the West Coast Forestry Accord (1986), the closing of Lane Walker Rudkin (1986) and the halting of West Coast native logging (1999). In 2010 access to gold mining for McRae’s at Reefton and the issue of mining in conservation reserves were the subjects of further protests.

The interview here was recorded in August 2010 by Jackie Gurden:

The West Coast: making its voice heard since 1864

Coast issues

One size does not fit all

In 2019 Coasters took to the streets once again to protest Government environmental policies which were seen on the Coast as leading to job losses and creating unemployment.

The message – one size does not fit all!

Any Government makes a mistake if it thinks it can walk all over Coasters. This clip from the Clark/Anderton days shows ordinary Coasters voicing their concerns over job losses resulting from the government policies of the day.

The Coast is not afraid to make its voice heard, even on the most formal occasions. In this clip, West Coast Labour MP Damien O’Connor is taken to task by his local constituents, at the official opening of the new Taramakau road bridge on SH6.

And staying with the new Taramakau Bridge opening, these two clips from January 2019 shows the protests that took place at the opening of the bridge. The protests, organized by the mining industry on the Coast, were aimed at Labour’s Plan’s to ban mining on Conservation land.

Breaking News

Westland District Council buys Mountain Jade building

Council maintains its commitment to ensuring that the Carnegie Building has a long-term future through earthquake strengthening and refurbishment.

Council has agreed to purchase the Mountain Jade Building at 41 Weld Street, Hokitika. A final purchase price of $1.2 million, $300,000 less than first agreed, was negotiated.

Council felt comfortable after hearing the reports on the Building Assessment and Earthquake Assessment Review that this purchase will be an investment in the future of the town.

“Council was never going to buy the building on a whim,” explains Westland District Mayor Bruce Smith.

“We can see the opportunity this purchase gives us to create a vibrant entry to Hokitika.

“The swimming pool and the Discovery Centre will be on the Mountain Jade site, linking with the Pounamu Pathway on the other side of the road, explains the Mayor. “This will lead around to the refurbished Seddon House, past the new Mitre 10 shop and the upgraded Renton Building, to the refurbished Carnegie building. The result will be a stunning pathway from the east end of town right down to the Esplanade and along the beach to Sunset Point.

“It’s a unique opportunity created by an unforeseen set of circumstances and we thank John Sheenan for the way he has worked with Council to make the purchase a reality,’ says the Mayor.

Council is working to create something really positive in Hokitika as it ensures the infrastructure is in place to allow the town to be enhanced further. The result will be

a modern, world-class facility that will enhance the social and cultural wellbeing of the town and be enjoyed by the whole community.

Bruce Smith discusses the purchase of the mountain jade building in this clip:

Breaking News continued

Allaying fears & developing concepts

There was some concern expressed by the public in the lead up to the decision to purchase the mountain Jade building about the location of the site and the potential for flooding.

However, records show that the building has not been known to flood. Cr Jenny Keoghan worked in the building for 25 years and her experience has been invaluable.

A comprehensive Building Report from Matthew Fairmaid, Jeff Evans, and Mark Eason highlighted some design issues – mainly around skylights and some West facing windows with failed seals that have caused some leaking problems. These of course can be easily fixed, and the building is generally considered to be of sound structure and in better condition than has been previously reported.

The Earthquake Assessment Review from Simco Consulting stated that the building itself is of sound nature but would require some strengthening work to get a result of 67% National Building Standards. This is considered an acceptable seismic risk by the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.

Council will develop concepts for the new building and how the Library and some of the Museum exhibitions will work in this space. Staff are very positive about the idea and have provided feedback on their vision for the building. We will be discussing this with the community in the near future.

Regardless of who is in power after the 17 October elections, Council will continue to focus on attracting Government and private investment to help facilitate the development of community infrastructure. It is fair to say this strategy, developed by staff and Councilors, has proved to be the right plan at the right time with both the Seddon House and the Carnegie

Building projects benefiting from Government funding and subsidy.

Regarding the Carnegie Building, please note that many of the recent submitters seemed to be of the understanding that the refurbishment and strengthening of the building was not going ahead. Nothing could be further from the truth. This will be happening so stay tuned for further updates on the exciting develop of Hokitika and its infrastructure.

Take a wander around inside the Mountain Jade building in this clip:

Mountain Jade building Hokitika.

I had the chance to go for a wander through the Mountain Jade building and its huge inside. The building which is mostly vacant at present is under a conditional contract to WDC.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Thursday, August 27, 2020

Williams Hotels Group Update

The Williams Family – Coast pioneers

There are people and families whose vision, determination and perseverance helped establish the West Coast and its indomitable character.

And in so doing, they provided a strong foundation on which the Coast has continued to be built by others who have been drawn to this wonderful place.

A wee reminder that The Ashley Hotel in Greymouth, the Beachside Hotel in Hokitika and the Punakaiki Resort should be your first ports of call when booking accommodation for AgFest on 11 and 12 November 2020.

This week we talk to Williams Hotels group’s Mark Williams about the Punakaiki Resort and activities around Punakaiki.

Coasters Pass

Westport Top 10 Holiday Park

An ideal holiday spot at the fabulous Carters Beach

Just minutes from Westport, the Top 10 Holiday Park is Westport’s only beachfront holiday park.

A wide range of accommodation options are available, from top motels to standard cabins, powered sites and tent sites.

With its mild climate and relaxed atmosphere, Carters Beach at Westport makes for an ideal New Zealand year-round, holiday destination.

We offer the ideal Westport accommodation choice whatever your style:

We have a bed for every budget including kitchen cabins with cooking facilities and standard cabins. We have a campervan park and a camping ground with sheltered sites for campervans, caravans and tents near the beach. So come and relax in a pleasant landscaped Holiday Park.

If you are looking for a Westport motel, we offer fully self-contained and serviced one-and-two bedroom motels and studios as well as cabin accommodation.

Have a look here:

Westport is an ideal base to explore the regions attractions, including historic mining towns, or the many adventure tourism pursuits from whitewater rafting, jet boating, kayaking and horse trekking.

Book here or call 0508 937 876 and be sure to say you are booking the Coaster’s Pass Deal!

Free Phone: +64 3 789 8002
Text: 0508 937 876
Email:holiday@top10westport.co.nz
Web:www. top10westport.co.nz

Coaster’s Club Top Video Posts

This week’s top posts from the Coaster’s Club

Our most popular posts this week include the Birchfield Grey River Gold Dredge and Bob Williamson, 20 years on the road with Aratuna Freighters.

Birchfield Grey River Gold Dredge

This is part two of an eight part series where Gold miner Allan Birchfield shows us around the Grey River Gold Dredge. It’s a first for me Coasters and at 3500 tons and 6 stories high, the dredge is just stunning.

The 3,500 tonne dredge was built pre-World War 2 and originally operated in Kaniere, but was moved to Ngahere where it’s been operating since 1987. It can dredge up to 800 cubic metres an hour and runs on electricity.

Birchfield has taken almost two tonnes of gold out of the river and estimates more than four tonnes are within the permit and consented area.

“We’ve taken two tonnes of gold out, and there’s more left than what we’ve taken,” says Allan. “We’ve done 250ha, but there’s as much ground left to do as we’ve done already.

It’s a big a job, the project has another 10 to 20 years to run.”

Have a look here:

Bob Williamson has driving in his blood

We catch up with Bob Williamson and talk about his amazing driving life. 20 years on the road with Aratuna Freighters and tonight he will be receiving a special award for his outstanding service.

Before Aratuna it was Williams transport with Graeme and Tony Williams.

Bobs another super star driver and the stories during the night just kept coming.

Some we can’t publish!

The ones we can are here:

Bob Williamson has driving in his blood.

We catch up with Bob Williamson and talk about his amazing driving life. 20 years on the road with Aratuna Freighters and tonight he will be receiving a special award for his outstanding service.Before Aratuna it was Williams transport with Graeme and Tony WilliamsBobs another super star driver and the stories during the night just kept coming.Some I cant publish !

Posted by The Coasters Club on Saturday, October 3, 2020

Aratuna Freighter’s Update

Aratuna Freighters: a competitive road service throughout the South Island

Aratuna Freighters operate a large configuration of Iveco and Hino trucks and trailers throughout the South Island.

The management and staff take great pride in their company, the whole team working together to see that the freight is delivered on time. They are proud of their consistent commitment and service to their customers, always offering competitive prices. The company’s Head Office is in Greymouth and the Rural Office is based in Hokitika.

Aratuna Freighters has a comprehensive freight and courier service that covers the whole of the South Island. Here’s what the service and schedule looks like.

General freight overnight to Christchurch – five days a week (Monday to Friday)

General freight to South Westland – four days a week service

Worldwide & Nationwide freight on-forwarding – being the West Coast Branch of Mainfreight we are able to offer this service

Courier Service – ARAMEX Courier Service 5 Days a week.

Bulk Fuel Distribution Service – our BP fuel distribution offers a reliable service of bulk fuel deliveries to farmers, miners and contractors throughout the West Coast including Westport and Karamea areas.

Home heating delivery service – a small truck home heating delivery service for Greymouth and Hokitika Areas.

Refrigerated and frozen freight service – Greymouth to Christchurch & South Westland with a Nationwide on forwarding service available.

Stock Transportation – our service offers reliable, humane cartage of stock to farms or meat works daily

Farming freight requirements – we offer South Island-wide cartage of hay, bulk fertilizer and timber for all farming requirements.

Container swing lifts and hiab services – a West Coast-wide service for all hiab and swing lift container requirements. We can arrange a nationwide forwarding service for containers also.

Wanted now!

Would you like a change ? Come and join the movement to the Coast.

Class five drivers and mechanics are needed to become part of the team at Aratuna Freighters. Call us 0800 756 666

Aratuna Freighters look forward to having the opportunity to quote for all Coast transportation needs. For a quote on freight, fuel or other services they provide, please call their toll-free number 0800 756 666. If you have a rural enquiry, please call the Hokitika team on 03 756 8012.

Celebrating the Aratuna Freighters Awards

Shantytown, 3 October 2020

Celebrating with Tony Hines as he chalks up 20 years with Aratuna Freighters

Coast Characters

Michael O’Brien – a Coaster

We chat with Michael about his early days in Gore, picking apples, working in a foundry, the move to Australia and joining the Catholic Monastery as a priest.

Then we cover his marriage to Carol, their 5 children and 35 foster children and his life as it is now in Hokitika.

Michael is 80 years old and in great condition. He is a man with a strong faith and a love of the scriptures. It was certainly a pleasure to interview him:

Coast Characters

Murray Molloy – a Coaster

Murray Molloy’s is a driving life; 52 years on the road and still going strong.

He started driving cars at eight years of age, trucks at 12 and he passed his HT on his 18th birthday.

Murray was a special guest at the Aratuna Freighters 2020 Awards at Shantytown last week.

His story is one of loyalty and passion for driving, have a listen Coasters:

Murray Molloys driving life, 52 years and still going strong

Meet a Coaster Murray MolloyThe event at Shanty town has a special guest tonght and its Murray MolloyStarted driving cars at 8Trucks at 12Got his HT on his 18th birthdayHis story is one of loyality and passion for driving, have a listen Coasters.

Posted by The Coasters Club on Saturday, October 3, 2020

of words, pictures and the arts

Meet Jimmy musician Jimmy Cory, aka ID Crisis

Jimmy, from ID Crisis, is a Greymouth musician who plies his trade at gigs ranging from awards shows, to weddings, birthdays, festivals and events.

He is a great musician and you can book him on facebook.

Watch him live here at the Aratuna Freighters Awards at Shantytown:

MEET JIMMY FROM ID CRISIS LIVE AT THE ARATUNA FREIGHTERS AWARDS AT SHANTYTOWN

MEET JIMMY FROM ID CRISIS LIVE AT THE ARATUNA FREIGHTERS AWARDS AT SHANTYTOWNMeet Jimmy from ID Crisis, listen and be wowed.Lives in GreymouthBrilliant MusicianYou can book him on.https://www.facebook.com/jimmycory1968

Posted by The Coasters Club on Saturday, October 3, 2020

Meet Jimmy musician Jimmy Cory, aka ID Crisis

of words, pictures and the arts

Delivering the Thursday Poem, with Mark Raffills

On the road

I’ve been on the road for many years, travelled this beautiful country from north Cape to Bluff more times than I can remember; up and down the Coast too.

And on the way I’ve have encountered a host of wonderful people; people in bus queues, shop queues, people in bars and people on the roadside; people whose names I do not know, but each one with a spirit that somehow makes a connection and enriches my own life. This in deed, is what makes us human. Video by Dr Jeff Obadiah Simmonds.

The Thursday Poem1 October 2020On the roadI’ve been on the road for many years, travelled this beautiful country from north Cape to Bluff more times than I can remember. And on the way I’ve have encountered a host of wonderful people; people in bus queues, shop queues, people in bars and people on the roadside; people whose names I do not know, but each one with a spirit that somehow makes a connection and enriches my own life. This in deed, is what makes us human. Video by Dr Jeff Obadiah Simmonds. Words below.On the roadYou wore your red dressin the blue pub and we drankfrom the same glassbefore you went off to have a dance.You were a Celtic rock-chic groupie,you said with a laugh,but I was no rock star; just some guyreading poems in a pub,raising a call above the hubbub,the end-of-week revelry andswagger that hid conversationand your name;but not the lilt of your voice; it drifted across the barto the wide-open sky outside,an empty canvas for the dawn.You wore your red dressin the blue pub but all I ever knew about you was that youwere somebody’s PA in Methven.Mark Raffills

Posted by Mark Raffills on Thursday, October 1, 2020

Chat around the Fire

Dredging for gold!

We talk with Allan Birchfield

Gold miner Allan Birchfield shows us around the Grey River Gold Dredge. It’s a first for me Coasters and at 3,500 tons and 6 stories high, the dredge is just stunning.

Birchfield Minerals operate the largest remaining alluvial bucket gold dredge in the world at Ngahere on the West Coast. They purchased the dredge in August 1992.

Birchfield operated the dredge up until around 2004 and then it lay idle before being recommissioned in 2009, working through to 2012. It was mothballed again in 2012 due to falling gold prices. Director Allan Birchfield said with gold at close to $3,000 an ounce in 2020, the dredge has become very viable once again.

Allan’s family has a long history of working in coal and gold mines and sawmills on the West Coast.

Have a listen to Allan here. He tells a very interesting story.

Bruce Smith

What’s happening on the Coast?

WAI presents Hopetown Brown
Tuesday 13 October, 2020, 7.30pm.
Old Lodge Theatre, $20.
Book tickets at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre or online here

Greymouth Motorcycle Street Race
Sunday October 25, 2020
Follow the link for all information and registrations.

WAI presents Anthonie Tonnon – Rail Land
Wednesday 11 November, 2020, 7.30pm.
Old Lodge Theatre, $20.
Book tickets at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre or online here

AgFest 2020
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, 2020
Follow the link for all information and registrations.

Ride the Wilderness
Saturday 14 November 2020
Follow the link for all information and registrations.

Horse racing
Westport Trots
Saturday 26 and Monday 28 December, 2020
Reefton Trots
Wednesday 30 December, 2020.
Kumara Races
Saturday 9 January, 2021.
Follow the link for all information.

Buller Marathon, Half Marathon and Walk
Saturday 13 February 2021.
Follow the link for all information and registrations.

Hokitika Wild Foods Festival
Saturday 13 March, 2021.
Follow the link for all information and tickets.

South Island Ute Muster
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 July, 2021
For information on the 2021 South Island Ute Muster email admin@thecoastersclub.co.nz

For inclusion on these pages please email details of your event and website link to: admin@thecoastersclub.co.nz