West Coast Messenger 1 February 2023

Cyclone love from Greymouth

Hadden Waghorn, left, Aurora Young, Jensen Waghorn, Louis Creagh and Maisy Creagh tuck into a selection of delicious treats that were all on offer for the pop-up fundraiser held on Saturday in the Greymouth Courthouse car park in support for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. All proceeds from the sale of coffees, hotdogs, raffles and donuts added to the coffers. The event ran for only two hours but still raised over $5000 in cash and brought in numerous donations of essential goods for victims of the devastating cyclone that ripped through the North Island, especially Hawke's Bay. PICTURE: Meg Fulford

Goats eradicated from Springs Junction

and Zac Beardmore.

Not a trace of a goat was found on a key block of conservation land at Springs Junction despite an intensive operation involving 11 hunters and their dogs.

The Crooked Mary-Lake Christabel block has been a focus for goat control operations for about 20 years. Historically the Department of Conservation covered about a quarter of the block annually.

The block is not far from the area where DOC's Greymouth office runs the Te Maruia Waka Huia programme, an integrated species protection programme in the beech forests of the Maruia Valley. Greymouth staff have been involved in assessing the ecological impact of goats and the danger they pose to Te Maruia.

Last September four DOC hunters and six contractors, led by Hokitika biodiversity ranger Zac Beardmore, spent 10 days scouring Crooked Mary-Lake Christabel for goats or signs of them.

Hokitika operations manager Owen Kilgour says they did not find a thing – which was exactly the news everyone wanted to hear.

“It's a strong indication that goats have been eradicated from the block. We'd never had the resource to do a comprehensive check before. But the Wild Animal Control funding announced in budget 2022 meant we could finally go in and do a comprehensive sweep of the entire block. You can only be confident of success if you can cover every bit of the whole area.

“It's tough country and it was 10 days of hard work in cold wintry conditions. We chose contractors who were highly skilled and had eradication expertise to work with our own staff. They also had to be able to

work together closely in a mixed team.”

Hunters and dogs were flown to the tops but had to make their way through steep gorges and rugged valleys for the exhaustive checks needed.

“It might sound strange that all this effort went in without a single goat being shot but it's absolutely essential that we establish

that we really have been successful, before shifting focus. If we don't, all the efforts and the investment in the past could be lost.

“Now we can turn our sights to eradication in other places. This year we're exploring the feasibility of eradication in a key area of Westland Tai Poutini National Park and more work in Kahurangi National Park.”

DOC rangers Emma McCool

PICTURES: Owen Kilgour, DOC

Wider goat control work is also continuing around the Crooked Mary-Lake Christabel block at Diggers, Station Creek and Victoria Range.

Mr Kilgour says DOC's regional hunting team is based in Hokitika but covers the entire West Coast from Kahurangi National Park to Haast. Most work is carried out using indicating and bailing dogs.

The team and their dogs.

Weed project hits Karamea

of weed species pampas, gunnera, blackberry, gorse, ginger, banana passionfruit, Himalayan honeysuckle, willow, flowering cherry and wilding conifers at about 90 sites selected for their ecological significance across Buller.

Project manager Hudson Dodd said it was applying for further funding for native plantings, to enhance ongoing control of weed species.

“We are working with Alliance partners including Buller District Council, West Coast Regional Council and DOC. Initial intensive weed control will be followed by ongoing maintenance and native plantings to make sure the conservation gains are maintained. This project is starting to have an impact across Te Tau Ihu (NelsonMarlborough) as well as Kawatiri.

“It's early days but we expect that in a few years, as the natives grow with less impact from invasives, we'll see an increase in birds and other wildlife and richer native habitats for all to enjoy, and the employment opportunities are making a real difference to young people's career prospects.”

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said he was delighted to see work getting under way.

Karamea locals may see the team from MBC Environmental busy with weed control at various sites this year. The work is part of the Kotahitanga mo te Taiao Alliance Restoring and Protecting Flora project, led by the Nature Conservancy Aotearoa

NZ, an arm of a global environmental not-for-profit.

The project will be targeting pampas and wilding conifers on Karamea Spit, banana passionfruit and ginger along the Karamea River, and pink trumpet vine along the Oparara River, among other locations.

It is already starting to make a visible difference across Kawatiri with the $1.4 million government Jobs For Nature funding allocated to habitat restoration over three years.

As well as providing eight local jobs, the project is controlling serious infestations

The Oparara estuary being replanted.

PICTURE: Supplied

18,000

All-terrain wheelchair life-changing

n by Rose

O'Connor in Westport

Westport's Don Innes is one happy man since the arrival of his purpose built all-terrain wheelchair.

“It's the best piece of machinery I've ever owned!”

Mr Innes has a debilitating 'functioning neurological disorder' that affects 'everything' including talking, the control of his body temperature and mobility. He has had the disorder developing all of his life and now experiences it 'full blown' along with seizures.

“There are only a few extreme cases in New Zealand and sadly, I am one of them. It is a whole life change.”

“I've effectively been trapped for three years in my house.”

He saw the wheelchairs advertised in a local newspaper and made contact with the West Coast distributor for ViMo (Vitality in Motion), who arranged a home visit to assess Mr Innes' needs.

The all-terrains are not cheap. Mr Innes paid nearly $9000 which he is attempting to get reimbursed through ACC and the DHB.

“I have been declined by ACC as it was felt it was going to cause me too many future ongoing problems which would effect my ability to control and operate it. But it's extremely easy for me to use and I'm currently trying to get ACC to refunded me.”

Mr Innes is currently required to have a support person with him on outings.

“I got to the river my first time out - it was three years since I'd managed that and it was amazing!”

He has the first powered version on the Coast. The battery has about a 12km distance or two and a half hours depending on the speed and terrain. “I can take my charger with me.“

Navigating a rough footpath in Westport is far easier for Don in his all-terrain wheelchair. PICTURE: Rose O'Connor

Insurers: buyers beware of flood damaged vehicles

Insurers are urging buyers to look for signs of water damage and to check the NZ Transport Agency's written off vehicle register when buying a vehicle so they can make well informed decisions.

Between February 1 and 22, 524 vehicles were added to the register as write-offs with the water damage annotation.

“Until they are properly repaired and certified as

such, flooded vehicles pose a safety risk, which is why insurers write them off in the first instance,” said Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive Tim Grafton.

“When writing them off, insurers deregister them as water damaged write-offs on Waka Kotahi's Motor Vehicle Register then dispose of them through salvage companies.”

Water can easily get into electrical and mechanical

Old steam engines exposed in drought

components and start to corrode them. This means failures can often take weeks to become apparent. Problems can affect many vehicle systems, including those related to safety.

Water damaged write-offs must be inspected, repaired and then have that repair certified by NZTA-approved agents (see RepairCertNZ for more details of certifiers) before they can be re-registered and put back on the road. However, a permanent record of

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the vehicle having been written off for water damage remains. While insurers act responsibly to get water damaged vehicles written-off, off the road and deregistered in the first instance, there is no robust system in place to ensure the safety of floodaffected uninsured vehicles. Owners of such vehicles should take them to be inspected by main dealers or other appropriately qualified independent experts.

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Affected by the long spell of fine weather, the Grey River has been running at an all-time low this summer, which in turn has uncovered the burial site of a number of old West Coast steam locomotives. New Zealand Rail steam trains were a regular sight on the network of lines throughout the West Coast until they were replaced by diesel locomotives in the 1960s. Under the direction of Government, the old work horses were cut up for scrap or driven over the banks and left to lie in the bottom of the upper Grey River. While some trains were later retrieved and restored, the Omoto grave site will always be the final resting place for some. PIC

TURE: Paul McBride

Historic site returns to iwi

The Buller District Council has agreed to sell a piece of land near Carters Beach to the Department of Conservation to be returned to local iwi.

The land treasures a significant and well preserved historic archaeological site dating back to 1330AD and contains rare examples of early Polynesian settlement in Buller.

Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae iwi engagement manager Ned Tauwhare says: “This was a place where our ancestors first arrived and where taonga relating to them have been found. There has previously been little protection for the site despite its importance. We're looking forward to being able to protect, preserve and promote the mana of the site in the future.”

Department of Conservation's Western South Island director operations Mark Davies said it was a great example of collaboration between local government and iwi.

“It's a significant contribution to restoring the mana and cultural values of iwi. We'd like to acknowledge Buller District Council for the

leadership they have shown and sincerely thank Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae and Ngati Apa Ki Te Ra To for their patience during the process.”

In 2021, the council resolved to facilitate the return of the site of significance, at Carters Beach, back to local iwi. As part of the process, the council is changing the classification of the reserve on the western portion of the land from Local Purposes (Harbour Purposes) Reserve to Historic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 this week.

DOC can then purchase the land and transfer it back to Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae, and Ngati Apa Ki Te Ra To.

Council's group manager community services Krissy Trigg says: “Since 2021 we have been working closely with our legal advisers, DOC, Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae, and Ngati Apa Ki Te Ra To on an agreement for sales and purchase of this special site.

Ms Trigg says: “This sale ticks all the boxes. It returns the land into the hands of the people who can best look after it, protects

the significant historic archaeological values, strengthens our partnership with Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae and Ngati Apa Ki Te Ra To and utilises the land to the best benefit of the Buller community.”

Appeal to keep dogs out of Arthur's Pass National Park

n by Laura Mills

ARTHUR'S Pass residents are asking sometimes aggressive people to keep their dogs out of the National Park, to protect kiwi and kea.

BACH owner Chloe Barker often sees people taking their dogs to the Punchbowl Waterfall Track. To do so, they walk past signs stating dogs are not allowed. SHE and other village residents approach people and remind them dogs are not allowed in the National Park.

AT times, it has ended up getting aggressive. At one stage, two “nice big, bulky Arthur's Pass locals“ had to step in to help her.

THE town has put a huge effort into trapping, and kiwi in the area are doing well.

HOWEVER, a dog could knock back those efforts, Miss Barker said.

PEOPLE wanting to exercise their pets could walk

them along the State highway, and through the village instead.

THERE was another incident just recently when she could hear a dog barking from kiwi territory, and kea were on the ground as it was dusk, playing, looking for food, and even throwing rocks at each other.

BY the time they appeared, the dog was on a lead.

Miss Barker said she yelled out that there were kea on the ground, so they knew, but they pushed back.

SHE said locals “felt enough of a jerk“ having to ask people not to take their dog, without getting pushback.

HOWEVER, the dogs risked harming kiwi, and disrupting kea's natural area.

“WE all want to see kiwi and kea survival.”

RENÉE Habluetzel, the Kea Conservation Trust community engagement co-ordinator at Arthur's Pass, says: “It is an ongoing problem that dog owners abuse anyone telling them they are breaking the law by entering the park with a dog.“

Dyslexia forum

Currently there is very little protection in place and there is a risk of physical damage or destruction to the site if it is not well managed. Reclassifying it and returning it into the hands of the local iwi will rectify this.“

Coast beer and buns

WESTPORT-BASED Shortjaw Brewery has released a 'Hot Cross Bun Red Ale' just in time for Easter and the brewery's first anniversary.

The special brew is a 5.6% ale that is full of orange zest, allspice and cinnamon.

The beer was first brewed in Easter 2022, as a single-keg offering at the Shortjaw taproom. It did not even make it past a weekend, with demand for the unique beer creating a mini-frenzy in Westport, the brewery says.

“As soon as we put it on tap, word got around town and we had locals streaming in for a taste,” Shortjaw co-founder Emma Bemrose said.

“It's got all the spice you want for an Easter treat, and it's not too sweet for a dessert-style beer.”

A lot of the flavour comes from the real hot cross buns added on brew day. To get the buns, they tapped Westport bakery Rainbow Cake Kitchen to provide 4kg of fresh buns direct from the bakery. Then more cinnamon, allspice and orange zest were added as the beer bubbled away.

“There were some unknowns

scaling the beer up from a single keg batch to a full 2500 litre batch,” Ms Bemrose said.

“We used one cinnamon stick, and the zest of one orange in 25 litres, but we decided to not scale it one-for-one, because 100 oranges is a lot of zesting. I think we used about 30 in the end, along with all the cinnamon sticks and allspice berries we could find in Westport. “We cleaned out the supermarkets.”

The beer, one of two new limited releases from Shortjaw Brewery (the other a 100% Kiwi IPA) will be available in 440ml cans from select retailers throughout the South Island in the next couple of weeks. For Shortjaw stockists see https:// shortjaw.co.nz/stockists

 Shortjaw Brewing was founded in 2022 by returning Westport local Luke Robertson and his partner Emma Bemrose. Luke had worked in the beer industry in Australia for more than a decade before returning to Westport to revive the defunct West Coast Brewery.

The historic reserve is at left, and the larger block adjacent shows the rest of the land to be sold PICTURE: Buller District Council

Development West Coast held a workshop on 'Dyslexia in the workplace' last week with Mike Styles. Over 20 people attended the business breakfast at Paroa Hotel.

PICTURE: Development West Coast

As well as the 100 students starting at Tai Poutini Polytechnic for the West Coast Trades Academy recently, its Conservation and Earthcare Year 1 students started. This course is run by Papa Taiao Earthcare. There are 26 new students on the course

Supplied

Westport holiday activities

The Buller REAP holiday programme ran for the last two weeks of the summer break. Supervisor Jane Riddell said it was nearly filled to capacity most days with the outdoor activities proving very popular. Activities included fishing at Fox River, swimming at Ngakawau and PERC, and visits to North Beach and Tauranga Bay.

Charlie Thoms is happy with his creations.

Ruby-Willow Griffin loved the Lego.

Hunter De Treend liked

Anahera Kydd, left, Caitlin Richards and Victoria-Gene Griffin got creative with the Dukit.

Henry Yeng, left, Cruiz McConachy, Daphne-Emily Griffin and Leroy Richards were happy to chill in the beanbags.

Noah Richards loved the Dukit modelling clay.

West Coast farm features on new butter packaging

Graeme McNabb, on the farm at Kowhitirangi, and soon to feature on Westgold butter packaging.

West Coast farmer Graeme McNabb is delighted that images of their farm are a feature of Westgold's new packaging which is designed to catch the eye of consumers around the world.

The Westland Milk Products supplier says it was exciting to get the call from Westgold staff recently to say the photos taken on the farm about 18 months ago will soon be on their product packaging.

Westgold is changing its packaging, across all products, to build consumer awareness of the brand, as well as differentiating Westgold from other brands, and to showcase its quality, both locally and in international markets.

With its lush green pastures backdropped by bush and the Southern Alps, Graeme McNabb and Rachael Anderson's 213ha dairy farm is at the end of the road in the Kowhitirangi Valley inland from Hokitika. The picturesque property is where some of the first dairy farms were established on the West Coast because of its flat, fertile land and reliable rainfall.

“Not only is it a lovely part of the country as far as its scenery goes, but we grow great grass here year-round which in turn produces excellent milk,” says Mr McNabb, who moved to the West Coast property five years ago after running a dry stock farm in Canterbury.

“The West Coast is a great place to both farm and live. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.”

Hamish Yates, Westland Milk Products' general manager sales and marketing, says the new-look packaging follows two years of research to better understand

consumers' purchase drivers and the trends in food consumption. The design aligns with Westgold's brand story and reflects its home, Te Tai Poutini, the West Coast.

“We believe our home and where we source our milk from is a key driver for our intense flavours and great quality.

“It is important that we demonstrate integrity of source, place and way of doing things. Showing West Coast photos and a map on our packaging of where our products are sourced, grounds Westgold in something real and unique.”

Mr Yates says that as a brand, Westgold is going from strength to strength globally.

“In 2018 we were exporting to 10 countries and by 2022 this had increased to 18 countries. In 2022 we saw volume growth of 58% compared to the year prior.

“The rapid distribution growth has meant a greater focus on brand identity, ensuring there is consistency in messaging and brand story across all countries, but being mindful of the differences in consumer needs and wants in each country.”

The new-look packaging follows two years of research to better understand consumers' purchase drivers and the trends in food consumption. As a result, the first step was a tweak to Westgold's identity reflected through its marketing collateral, then to tone and manner with the tagline, “Real. Good.“, followed by a new advertising campaign. The packaging, developed over the last two years, is the last piece of the puzzle, Mr Yates says.

In addition to the West Coast images, the packaging also features the brand of Garden to Table – the national charity that Westgold supports.

Garden to Table, a charitable trust, supports primary and intermediate schools and kura to take learning out of the classroom and into the garden and kitchen.

“Westgold seeks to inspire people to cook healthy, nutritious, and delicious food. Our partnership with Garden to Table gives us an opportunity to spread that message at the same time supporting the charity's incredible work which is having an impact on the education and health of future generations.”

More than 22,000 children took part in the programme last year, spending more than 30,000 hours learning essential life skills while growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh kai.

Westgold will officially launch its West Coast inspired packaging for its retail and foodservice products in March, but it may be seen on supermarket shelves sooner.

“We firmly believe the new packaging will open up more global opportunities for our Westgold products and will ensure they continue to maintain a premium position in international markets.”

The packaging design on Westgold's foodservice packs differs to that on the retail packs. Instead of images, the food service packs feature patterns and textures that represent the West Coast environment.

Mr Yates emphasises that the change in packaging design will cement the Westgold brand as an international supplier of premium quality dairy products produced on the West Coast.

“The packaging is changing, but our products, such as our award-winning butter, are very much the same rich, natural grass-fed dairy products they have always been,” he says. Visit westgold.com

PICTURES: Supplied

The new-look Westgold packaging.

Summertime reading pays off

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

The Buller District Libraries ran a successful 2023 Summer Reading Challenge 'Story Quest for children, throughout January.'

Some 150 entered the challenge through the Westport library and 23 at Reefton.

Once the participants had signed up, they were required to read for a minimum of three nights a week for 20 minutes. They placed stickers on a 'pirates' treasure map' as they traversed a variety of reading genre sections including Narnia, Hogwarts and Greek Mythology. The books read were recorded on the back of the map.

“The feedback from the last reading challenge indicated that the prizes could have been better so this time we tried to make it more exciting. This time, the feedback has been that the prizes were great!“ said Buller community engagement librarian Janelle Hooper.

Weekly prizes included caps, stickers,

pencils and notebooks.

In addition, the participants were also required to complete a book review type of activity on a form which put them in a draw for a Chromebook. The winner of the Reefton challenge was Ruby Webb from Sacred Heart School.

During the recent presentation of her prize at the school, Miss Webb read an extract of her book review completed on David Walliams 'Awful Aunty.'

She has now participated in three summer reading challenges.

Harry Keen, from St Canice's School was presented with the Chromebook in front of his class.

Sixty book vouchers were also prizes for those completing the challenge.

The reading challenge received funding from Pub Charity Ltd.

“It is really cool that some local businesses know they have made a difference to our kids,” Ms Hooper said.

“One parent didn't even think her child could read and she was delighted to see how much they could read when prizes were on offer!”

Teenager fundraises for Heartkidz NZ

n by Claire Ward in Reefton

REEFTON 16-year-old Edith Chitty has always been a keen runner, along with boxing, and over the past few years she has combined her running with fundraising for children born with congenital heart defects. The reason? Her younger sister Esther was born with one.

“It's sad seeing my sister missing out on a lot of fun like hydrosliding because if she does that sort of thing it raises her heart rate, which is bad,” Edith says.

One in 12 children in New Zealand are born with a heart condition and Edith also feels empathy for them and wants to help fundraise for Heartkidz NZ and the Reefton Youth Development Trust.

On January 29 she competed in the Pegasus Bay Vine Run, winning the overall female 6km race out of a field of 134 of all ages, and raised $1700 along the way from her sponsors.

“I'm always thinking of ways to raise funds, so I'll be doing more runs in the future,” Edith says.

If you would like to support Edith visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ run-chitty-run

Westland moves to water chlorination

OVER the next three months, Westland

District Council will be implementing chlorination around the district at water treatment plants that previously were unchlorinated.

Chief executive Simon Bastion says: “This implementation is to meet compliance with the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules 2022. These rules primarily impose requirements on drinking water suppliers relating to supplying safe drinking water“.

“Chlorination is used to ensure protection against water contamination in New Zealand and worldwide and is a safe and effective treatment. Over the last few years, using funding approved

in the long term and annual plans, council has invested in upgrading the water supplies to have a multi-barrier approach using filtration, UV treatment and other barriers at water treatment plants around the district. Adding chlorine to the process protects water in the pipes when it leaves the water treatment plant until it arrives through residents' taps.”

Chlorination implementation is scheduled for the following communities: Kumara, Arahura, Hari Hari, Whataroa and Haast.

More information about chlorination can be found on the council website at: https://bit.ly/water-chlorination

Fouling of Hokitika toilets

THE Westland District Council was made aware of a video on social media showing the Tancred Street public toilets in Hokitika in a foul state.

“It was disgusting, to say the least,” says Scott Baxendale, group manager district assets.

“Our contractor advises that this is a fairly regular occurrence and it's disgraceful that they have to deal with this kind of mess. It's vandalism really.

“The toilets are regularly cleaned twice per day. However, if we are alerted to any extreme fouling then

the contractor will clean it as soon as possible.

“As with any other council managed issue, if you see something like this please report it, with photos if possible, using one of our reporting tools.” Reports of issues can be made by:

• Snap Send Solve https://www. westlanddc.govt.nz/do-itonline/snap-send-solve/

• Service request on council website https://www.westlanddc.govt. nz/do-it-online/request-aservice/

• Phone 0800 474 834

Ruby Webb of Sacred Heart School receives her Chromebook from Carol McFadgen from the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre.

Harry Keen with his Cchromebook prize.

PICTURE: Supplied

Edith Chitty at the Pegasus Bay Vine Run, where she raised $1700. PICTURE: Supplied

CRYPTIC Crossword No. 20824

– Est 1997 –

Reaching over 15,000 West Coast households and businesses every Wednesday

Editor: PAUL MADGWICK

Email: editor@greystar.co.nz

Reporters

• Westland, Greymouth 03 769 7913 ext 946 news@greystar.co.nz

• Hokitika JANNA SHERMAN

03 755 8421 | jannas@greystar.co.nz

Westport, Buller, Karamea ROSE O’CONNOR

021 185 9660 | buller@greystar.co.nz

Reefton CLAIRE WARD

021 250 1104 | reefton@greystar.co.nz

Advertising MIKE WILSON • Sales

03 769 7927 | mikew@greystar.co.nz

Deadline: 12 Noon, Friday

Fax: 03 768 6205

Address: PO Box 3, 3 Werita Street Greymouth 7840

Printed and published by the Greymouth Evening Star Company Ltd

DIRECTORY

MARCH

ACROSS

1. Small (4)

7.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Coast Calendar

All events are subject to change due to Covid-19 traffic light system.

2 Open Mic Night, Woodstock Grill, Greymouth, 7pm.

3 Friday Night Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

3 Nicky Moran, Dawsons Hotel, Reefton, 5pm.

4 Green Scene with Marie Island, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 8pm.

4,5 Lions Club South Westland Salmon Fishing Competition, Lake Mapourika.

4 TQ racing, Greenstone Park Speedway.

4 Lake Kaniere Scenic Triathlon.

4 Thomas Hurnik, fundraising cello performance, St Patrick's Church, Greymouth, 4pm.

4 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

5 Fox River Summer Market, 9am.

5 Childrens Day, Cass Square, Hokitika, 10am.

5 Kumara Boot Sale, Kumara Sportsground, 9am to 2pm.

5 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

5 Jan Preston Boogie Trio, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 4pm.

5 Celtic Sessions, All Nations Hotel, Barrytown, 5pm.

10 Friday Night Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

11 Wildfoods Festival, Cass Square, Hokitika.

12 Fox River Summer Market, 9am.

12 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

15 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 7.30pm.

16 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NBS Theatre, Westport, 7.30pm.

17 DJ and Sax Blackball's Inn and 08 Café, 8pm.

18 Moonlight Mountain View and Triathlon.

18 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway.

18 Searching for Waratah book launch, Reefton Oddfellows Hall, 2pm.

18 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence

Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

18 Sign of the Firebird, Blackball Workingmen's Club, 8pm.

18 Tattle Tale Saints, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 8pm.

18,19 West Coast Brick Show, Greymouth High School.

19 Fox River Summer Market, 9am.

19 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

19 Moondog's Blues with Scott Burke, Dunollie Hotel, 4pm.

25 Moondog's Blues with Scott Burke, Pioneer Hotel, Hokitika, 2pm.

25 Music Quiz, Greymouth RSA, 7.30.

25 Totally 80s Show, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 8pm.

25 Dust and Gold, Hotel Lake Brunner, Moana, 9pm.

25,26 Westland Series Motocross, round 1, Mawheraiti.

26 Fox River Summer Market, 9am.

26 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

26 Moondog's Blues with Scott Burke, Formerly the Blackball Hilton, 2pm.

APRIL

1 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway, Cobden.

1 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

2 Fox River Summer Market, 9am.

2 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

2 Demolition Derby, Greenstone Park Speedway, 12pm.

2 Junk 2 Funk wearable art competition, Hokitika.

ACROSS

1. It’s wine, pop (4).

7, Like the man who keeps slipping on the way home from the pub? (4-5).

8. The implement I’ve left to Olive (4).

9. Excitement created by an agitator? (4).

10. Only fishmongers will sell it to you (4).

11. So-called because she’s a feast for the eye’s? (4).

14. Much what you’d expect a timber merchant to say of his wood (1,5,4).

16. Not working-as a monk any longer? (3,2,5).

19. Possibly sent home (4).

22. Mould that will give good wear (4).

24. He has one advantage (4).

25. He started to pass twice (4).

26. Agreeing one’s not as young as one used to be (7,2).

27. Something to play coming back from school (4).

DOWN

1. Didn’t like to laugh at the boy (5).

2. How you feel when people thwart you? (5).

3. A gambler still, but not as bad as before (6).

4. It might be Gail or some other woman (6).

5. Fail to catch the girl (4).

6. From which a drink might be made by a valet with ease (3-6).

12. No longer able to shock you (9).

13. An overhead light! (4).

15. Fill in a hole (4).

17. The tenor, I find, comes from the East (6).

18. A monster-and a dull film about one will, interminably (6).

20. No longer do right (5).

21. Teach how to point a gun (5).

23. Counts how many drinks one’s had? (4).

Last week’s answer

Last Week’s Crossword Solutions

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 20823

Across - 7, Differential. 8, Cherry. 9, Rebate. 10, Robbers.

12, Ebony. 15, Adder. 16, Annette. 18, Accrue.

20, Lesson. 22, Professional.

Down - 1, Withhold. 2, Afar. 3, Prayers. 4, Angry. 5, Zimbabwe. 6, Flat. 11, Beetroot. 13, National. 14, Endless. 17, Vexed. 19, Cope. 21, Slow. CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 20823

Across -7, Main entrance. 8, Nipper. 9, Came-r.a. 10, Bullies. 12, A-side. 15, Reg-Al. 16, Deadens. 18, Wheeze. 20, Ram-ble(at). 22, Left standing.

Down - 1, Manicure. 2, Snap (rev.). 3, S-nar-led. 4, Brick. 5, Una-mused. 6, Dear (dear). 11, Leave off. 13, Dangling. 14, Hear-say. 17, Be-as-t. 19, Held. 21, Made (rev.).

On the street

6 Easter Bunny Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

6-9 Blaketown Rugby Club Reunion.

6-9 Ahaura Hunting and Fishing Competition.

8,9 Greymouth High School centennial reunion.

9 Fox River Summer Market, 9am.

12 Funfest Duathlon, Frank Jellyman Park, Cobden, 1pm.

12 Turkey the Bird, Old Lodge Theatre, Hokitika, 7.30pm.

13 Turkey the Bird, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 7.30pm.

15 Music Quiz, Greymouth RSA, 7.30.

15 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

19 Give it a Go Funfest, Greymouth, 9am.

22,23 Art in the Park.

22,23 Westland Series Motocross, round 2, Waipuna.

28,29 Taiko Festival, Punakaiki.

29 DnB, Hotel Lake Brunner, Moana, 9pm.

MAY

4 Kita Mean, Regent Theatre, Hokitika, 6pm.

6 Coronation Day of King Charles.

13 Music Quiz, Greymouth RSA, 7.30.

27 Burlesque and DJ, Hotel Lake Brunner, Moana, 9pm.

OCTOBER

14 General Election.

Are you prepared for an earthquake or flood?

“We are as we worked out a plan the other night. We have an extra cupboard of food, and plenty of bottles of water.”

To add any events to the Coast Calendar please e-mail: news@westcoastmessenger.co.nz.

Terry Young Hokitika “No,

Michelle Bloomfield Blue Spur

Anna Robinson Moana “Yes – food-wise, water and batteries, I'm prepared.”

John Park Hector “Yes.”

Roger Begg Ngakawau “Yes.”

Belle Kereopa Greymouth

Westport sympathy for Cyclone Gabrielle victims

As we witnessed the power of mother nature wrecking havoc across communities in the North Island during February our thoughts are with those families who have lost loved ones and the countless others who now face the huge journey of recovery to their communities and properties.

Buller has been there and is well aware of the shock and devastation severe weather events can bring during the response and recovery phase. West Coast councils provided staff and resources to the relief effort via our emergency management

Census caravan

network and our community can really make a difference by donating funds to any of the Mayoral Relief funds in affected districts.

The recent events in the North Island have again highlighted that authorities and the community appetite for development have not kept pace with the changing risk profile of the environments we build in. As a community we simply have to give greater cognisance to the hazard risks that are being exacerbated by climate change. Future regulatory settings must ensure our communities are building smarter and are sustainable or we

will condemn the next generation to the cycle of destroy and rebuild that many are facing now.

Buller continues to work with the West Coast Regional Council and central government to support the comprehensive $56 million plan to reduce Westport flood risk over time.

In the meantime, we have been working on the things we can achieve with substantial flood recovery funded projects now underway. These include improvements to the stormwater system to prevent backflow, network improvements and more resilient pump stations. There

is also major repairs to the wharf, rockwall repairs on the Westport tiphead and in Reefton as well as a dredging programme to improve flow and depth in the harbour. Council roading repairs are due to begin to make more resilient many of the severely impacted roads in Northern Buller. We continue work on our climate adaptation plan during 2023 with opportunities for community engagement. This will likely provoke challenging conversations with some in the community as we discuss the realities of adaptation to a changing climate.

TidyUsedMachinery

PUBLICNOTICES

WHEELCHAIRS and Scooters. New and secondhand.Contact Gerald andChristine on 021 1831177or 021 1008160.

Nelson Creek Hotel willbeclosed March4 and March5 foraprivate function. Sorr yfor the inconvenience.

SHUTTLE

CENSUS community engagement adviser Latham Martin with Dick Smith of Reefton and the pink Census caravan that is now travelling the West Coast. The caravan was purchased from Blacks Point resident Howard Anderson, who built it in the 1960s. It is now re-purposed as the Census caravan as the national count gets under way. “Our Census caravan is making its way around the West Coast and we are stopping in lots of towns. Come along and have a chat to our team,” Mr Martin said. Staff could answer any questions about the Census and help people complete their forms, however it is easiest.

“There will be tablets for you

to connect to the internet and complete, or paper forms available. Just turn up!“

The caravan is at Lake Brunner today, Ahaura on Thursday, Greymouth on Friday and Lake Kaniere on Saturday. The following week starts with Hokitika on Sunday, March 5, then Kokatahi and Kowhitirangi on March 6, Otira and Kumara on March 7, Ross on March 8, Hari Hari on March 9, back to Hokitika on March 10-11, then Franz on March 12, Whataroa on March 13, Okarito and Fox Glacier on March 14, Bruce Bay on March 15, Jackson Bay and Haast on March 16, Hokitika again on March 19, and back to Greymouth on March 20.

PICTURE: Claire Ward

WestportGreymouthChristchurchand return 7days aweek PhoneEastWest Coachesforbookings on0272018825or eastwestcoaches.co.nz

MEETINGS

Noticeof CommunityMeeting FederationMining is pleasedto invite interestedstakeholders toattendourupcoming community meeting plannedin Reefton to provideanupdate on siteprogressand to provideinformation on theplansforprocessing onsiteinmid-2024. Ourcommunity meeting willbehosted by Federation Vice President Simon Delander,Managing DirectorMark Le Messurierandsite GM LincolnSmith. Wednesday,March15

StJohnReefton SmithStreet, Reefton7830 6.30pm

Ifyouwouldliketo attendthismeeting, pleaseRSVPto info@federationmining. com.au

Jamie Cleine Buller Mayor

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

PHONE 03 769 7900

TRADE &SERVICES

CARPETLAYER

Availableforinstalls, repairs,restretches. Freelocalquote. Over30years experience. Phone02109074386, notexts.

PAINTER, topquality work, 30years experience. Phone Wayne 0272743541. Great rates.

PUBLICNOTICES

CALLGARETH

CLASSIFIEDS

Greymouth GreyPower

SubscriptionRenewal for2023//2024year canbepaidNOW. Single$18 orCouple$30 AtOntheSpot LottoShop 85MacKayStreet Greymouthoronline

PUBLICNOTICES

PUBLICNOTICES

WEST COAST AMATEURSPORTSTRUST FUNDING

Applications forsponsorshipfunding,are now open.

TheWest Coast AmateurSports Trustassists individualamateursportspeopleonthe West Coast,whohave been recognised by theirsportsbodyashavingpotential to reach representativelevel,toparticipate intraining and/or competitionthatwillhelpthem towardsreaching agoalinlinewiththe Trust ’s objectives.

OPENINGHOURS

Forfurtherinformationor to obtain acopyof theapplication form please e-mail: office.wcamateursportstrust@gmail.com or refertothe West Coast AmateurSports Trust Facebookpage.

Closingdate is March31,2023

MEANWHILEOnThe Sunny North Shore Allan hastheOleo-Mac GS650 chainsaw! 3/8' Chain, 20"barand 65cc. Only $1449 at WestlandLawnmower Services, SALES and SERVICE,Newcastle Street,Cobden.

WESTCOASTEAR NURSECLINIC. ClinicsinWestport, Greymouthand Hokitika

ForAdviceand appointmentscall JoSpargo (RegisteredNurse) 0279784334

ALWOODLTD. TREEWORKS

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IMPORTS

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2014MAZDADEMIO5DOORHATCH$14,999

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2013SUBARUXV $17,999

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2012SUBARUIMPREZA5DOORHATCH$13,999

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2016MAZDACX-5 $23,999

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2014MITSUBISHITRITONGLX2WD$27,999

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2007TOYOTABLADEMASTER $10,999 Auto,3500cc,popularhatch,thisonewiththelarger

2017MAZDACX-3

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2014MAZDACX-5 $21,999

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2013MAZDACX-5 $22,999

Petrol,auto,5doorSUV,just37,871kms

2013HONDACR-V(NEWERSHAPE)$19,999

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white

2013MAZDACX-5 $21,999

2litre,auto,just66,000kms,inblack

2012HONDACRV(NEWERSHAPE)$17,999

2litre,automatic,niceinpurple/grey,120,000km

2012HONDACR-V(NEWERSHAPE)$19,999

2litreauto,just72,000kms,mintcondition,jetblack

2012MAZDACX-5 $20,999

2-litrepetrol,strikinginblue,85,000km

2012MAZDACX-5 $21,999

Auto,2litre,just55,000kms,niceinaluminiumgrey

2010NISSANX-TRAIL $13,999

2litreauto,2WD/4WD,116,000kms

CLEARANCE-PRICEDTOGO!

2014FORDRANGERXLT4WD $32,999

Doublecab,6speedmanual,towbar,niceinaquablue

2009NISSANNAVARA4WDSINGLECAB$22,999 2500ccTurboDiesel,flatdeck,towbarjust104,000kms

2008HONDAACCORDEUROSEDAN$9,999 Auto2400cc,towbar,infantasticorder

2006TOYOTAHILUXSR-54WDTWINCAB$23,999 3litretubrodiesel,manual,towbar,hardlid,being prepared

2009VOLKSWAGENTIGUAN $10,999

2litrepetrol,AWD,auto,whitecracking,160,000km

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2014NISSANTIIDALATIOSEDAN $9,999

Just50,000kms,auto,amazingfueleconomy

2013SUBARUIMPREZASEDAN $12,999

Auto,2litre,smartcar,loadedwithextras

2010MAZDAAXELASEDAN $11,999

2litrepetrol,niceinlightgrey,91,000kms,factory alloysandrearspoiler

WAGONS

2017TOYOTACOROLLAFIELDERWAGON$19,999

Auto,1500cc,petrolonly,just38,000kms (CLEANCARREBATEOF$913.66 APPLIES)

2013SUBARUXV $15,999

2litreAWD,auto,smashinginbrightorange

2013SUBARUFORESTER(NEWERSHAPE)$16,999

2litreauto,102,000kms,darkblue

2012SUBARULEGACYS/WAGON$13,999

Auto,2500cc,AWD,pearlwhite,100,000km,chain drive,cruisecontrol

2009SUBARUFORESTERAWD $11,999

2-litre,auto,116,000km

2008SUBARUEXIGAGT $9,999

2litre,turbo,AWD,auto,just116,000km,7-seaterin darkblue

HYBRIDVEHICLES

2017TOYOTAAQUAL $16,999 1500cc,petrol/electric,auto,89,000km,white (CLEANCARREBATEOF$1676APPLIES)

2017TOYOTAAQUATSS $17,999

Auto,99,000km,1500ccpetrol/electric,ToyotaSafety

2015TOYOTAAQUAS $14,999

Auto,1500cc,petrol/electric,3.6litresper100km (CLEANCARREBATEAPPLIES,REBATE$1676)

2015TOYOTAAQUASHATCH $14,999

Petrol/electric,auto,97,000kms,silver (CLEANCARREBATEOF$1552.90)

2014TOYOTAAQUAPETROL/ELECTRIC$12,999

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2014TOYOTAAQUAHYBRID $14,999 Auto,1500cc,98,700km,silver,3.6litresper100km (CLEANCARREBATEAPPLIES,$1676REBATE)

COMMERCIAL

2021NISSANNV-350COMMERCIALVAN$35,999 2litre,petrol,8,000kmsonly,twinslidingreardoors, towbarandroofracks