West Coast Messenger 7 December 2022

Kawatiri whare blessed

Coaltown Museum Trust, St Canice's School and the Kawatiri Coastal Trail (KCT) Project attended the dawn celebration on November 11.

An official blessing of the 'Ngahue Whare' along with the unveiling of heritage panels on the first section of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail near Westport was held recently.

Representatives from Ngati Waewae, local Maori, Buller District Council, Department of Conservation,

The whare was built in 2020 to coincide with the official opening of the Puwaha section of the KCT from the Buller Bridge at Westport to Carters Beach. However, the blessing did not take place until the completion of the associated information panels, according to KCT project administrator Trudy Harrington.

Continued on P2

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

During the official blessing at the dawn ceremony.

PICTURES: Rose O'Connor

Kawatiri whare blessed

Continued from P1

The substantial whare or shelter has been built adjacent to the ancient Maori village site near Carters Beach. This site is considered one of the most significant early Maori settlements in Aotearoa.

In collaboration with Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae, the heritage interpretation panels have been prepared that help celebrate the story of this highly important site.

It was named 'Ngahue Whare' after the great Polynesian explorer who according to legend found pounamu at Arahura.

The groups assembled at the Westport Bridge Club and departed to the site at 5.30am by Outwest Unimog. The official dawn ceremony began at 6am and was led by Ngati Waewae's Te Rua Mason. Stu Henley from KCT gave an archaeological overview of the site along with brief addresses by representatives of the groups in attendance.

The panels were unveiled at 7am before returning to the bridge club for breakfast. Former mayor Garry Howard was MC for the day.

Mr Henley said until ploughing in the 1920s unearthed some adzes nothing was known about this site. While some artefacts were collected, it was not until a detailed archaeological investigation was undertaken in 2003-04 that the significance of the site was realised.

In 2003 the NZ Historic Places Trust became aware of plans by the landowner to flip and hump and hollow the land. Historic Places Trust and archaeologists from Otago University led by Professor Richard Walter undertook some preliminary

excavations with more field work in 2005 and 2008 revealing the true significance of the site.

A large number of oven features were recorded while adzes, a variety of other stone tools made from different rock types, and animal bones and shells were recovered.

Radiocarbon dating – testing of a cockle shell from a large oven –indicates an occupation of the site from late 13th to early 14th century AD concluding the site was occupied about 750 to 800 years ago.

While numerous adzes and other tools have been found, it is the presence of flakes of different rocks that show that Kawatiri was a manufacturing site.

Many of the tools were made from rock types that are not present naturally in Kawatiri. This includes argillite from Rangitoto (Durville island), obsidian from Mayor Island in the Bay of Plenty, flint from Punakaiki, pounamu from Arahura and basalt from Auckland.

Excavations reveal a village divided into housing areas, cooking areas and stone manufacturing areas. A communal lifestyle appears similar to that back home in east Polynesia.

Prof Walter estimates about 250 people lived there for about 20 years. There was an abundant supply of food including fish, birds in the nearby estuary, shellfish, seals at Tauranga Bay and a variety of native plants.

The heritage panels have further enhanced the quality of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. The family friendly, cycle or walking, grade 2, 50km track is being built in nine sections and will link Westport to Charleston It is due to be completed in mid-2023.

Those gathered at the dawn blessing and unveiling.

Guests explore the heritage panels inside the whare.

Mystery bike tour of the Coast

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

Motorcyclists from as far away as Canterbury and the lower North Island merged on Reefton recently for the Bottled Lightning road rally around the West Coast.

The annual event has been held for the past 24 years, organised by Reefton's Andrew Lineham of West Coast Motorcycle Tours and Adventures.

“The destination is always kept a mystery. We leave Broadway at about 9am and participants receive the morning's ride. At lunchtime, they are given the afternoon's

destination. It is always about 500km.”

Checkpoints are held along the way to ensure the safety of the riders.

“We have a 'duty of care' and the riders are all accounted for at each checkpoint.”

Mr Lineham rides as 'tail end Charlie,' throughout the day.

The rally is always held on the second Saturday of November. The motorcyclists are e-mailed the information and pre-register for the event.

“It kicked off with a social get-together and barbecue at my place on the Friday evening.

This year, we rode through the Lower Buller Gorge to Westport. We stopped at Hawks Crag where we looked at the river's highest

recorded flood level. That is always an eye opener as it is hard to imagine it reaches that high,” Mr Lineham said.

The next checkpoint was Denniston.

“We try to choose interesting, historical places.”

The rally continued down the Coast Road to Greymouth. The scheduled ride to Hokitika and the Arahura Valley before returning to Reefton via Moana and the Grey Valley had to be cut short due to bad weather.

Following the ride, participants spent the evening sharing a meal and socialising at Wilson's Hotel in Reefton.

“We never drink any alcohol until our bikes are parked up back in Reefton,” Mr Lineham said.

It was a positive event for Reefton as it attracted around 50 motorcyclists many of whom had become regulars. They stayed locally in the camping ground, motels and hotels.

“About 100 use to take part, but due mostly to Covid, our numbers have dropped. Fifty is far easier to manage!”

Mr Lineham has previously run motorcycle tours in Europe and the United Kingdom. Prior to Covid, he also organised an annual adventure trail ride and a 'graveyard rally,' for which motorcyclists left Reefton at 4.30pm and had to visit a range of cemeteries, locate various gravestones and return before midnight. “That was always a bit of a laugh!”

Michael Green and his wife Louise are ready to hit the road again. PICTURES: Rose O'Connor

The 'leaders of the pack' are Ray Leach, left, from Hokitika and Steven Rothera from Greymouth.

Trev Devine and Meg MaGuire take a break.

Rally organiser for the past 24 years, Andrew Lineham from Reefton.

Phil Parish, left, talks 'bikes' with Aaron Mitchell from Inangahua and Geoff Davis.

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Makarora celebrates new fire station

The doors are officially open at Makarora's new fire station.

A brief sun shower sprinkled a blessing on the volunteer fire brigade and supporters in late November, as Fire and Emergency NZ celebrated completion of the $2.2 million facility that will also be a hub for the community.

Makarora, on the Otago side of the Haast Pass, responds to vehicle crashes on the Haast Pass highway, and medical calls as well as fires.

Speakers at the opening reminisced about how the brigade had evolved from a NZ Forest Service and Department of Conservation rural firefighting unit through the 1970s and 80s. A house fire in 1989 prompted the formal establishment of the Makarora Rural Fire Force, while a fatal accident in 1998 had highlighted the need for better equipment and training.

The new station is the first official home for the Makarora brigade, which used to house its fire truck in an open aircraft hangar. A garage with an office and first aid room comprised the only facilities for the brigade when the weather was too bad to be outside, the firefighters used to train at the local school.

Now the brigade has a fully equipped station with room for its fire truck, support vehicle and trailer, as well as a training room, office, gear room, toilets and shower, and a kitchen.

Fire and Emergency's deputy chief executive (service delivery design) Steph Rotarangi said that the fire station was “more than a building“. It will also be a community hub used by Police, Land SAR (Land Search and Rescue) and St John, and those partnerships all strengthened the community's resilience.

Region manager Mike Grant noted the strong community support for the Makarora brigade and the legacy of strong local leadership. Most of the $2.2 million for the build came from the Government's Covid Recovery Fund, with a $100,000 contribution from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, via the former Otago Rural Fire Authority, which was amalgamated into the newly created Fire and Emergency NZ in 2017.

The land has been leased from local benefactor Rhondda Osmers at a peppercorn rental.

The station has been constructed to IL4 standard, which is the highest level of seismic strength for public buildings that must be able to operate immediately after an earthquake. The plans took into account not just the seismic risk at Makarora but the frequency of heavy snow and gales.

SPCA warns against leaving dogs in hot cars

THE SPCA is appealing to dog owners to think twice before leaving their dogs in the car as the summer months approach.

SPCA inspectors have already received several calls from concerned members of the public after spotting dogs locked in cars during the months of spring.

Dogs being left inside hot cars is one of the biggest preventable welfare issues during summer, and SPCA inspector Ben Lakomy says it's disappointing the message still is not getting through to some pet owners.

“It is an offence under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilation, and trying to seek shade,” says Mr Lakomy.

“When it's 21degC outside, temperatures in a car parked

in the shade with the windows down can exceed 31degC in less than 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, it goes up to 40degC. On a hot day, the temperature inside the vehicle can exceed 50degC.”

Pet owners, whose dogs are found in this state, can be issued with a $300 infringement notice.

“SPCA inspectors across the country have noticed a number of people in emergency housing where dogs are residing long term in vehicles, and we know this will become an issue going into summer,” continues Mr Lakomy.

“We've managed to mitigate welfare concerns and educate dog owners during the winter months, but it is very concerning coming into warmer weather.”

From January 2021 to October 2022, SPCA received 214 welfare complaints relating to dogs being left unattended inside hot cars.

SPCA chief executive Gabby

Clezy also encouraged dog owners to think again before leaving their dog in the car on hot days.

“A lot of people leave their dog in the car thinking they're only going to be a few minutes, but it's important to always expect the unexpected,” says Ms Clezy.

“You might find that you get to the store and the queue is longer than usual, or you bump into someone you know and start chatting, all while your dog is waiting in the car.

“If you're planning on going out for a short time, leave your dog at home, or in the care of a friend, family member or neighbour. We know dogs are such important companions, but it's important to put their welfare first.”

Ms Clezy encouraged those who were concerned about dogs left in cars showing signs of distress to contact the SPCA.

Shakespeare in the Blackball Bathhouse

FOR the past three years

Greymouth-based theatre group Kiwi/Possum Productions have performed a theatre classic in the old miners' bathhouse in Blackball, with great response from local audience.

The process is condensed into a week of rehearsal and production, with actors arriving with lines learned. Often people from outside the Coast have been involved.

This year, three theatre companies are joining together to produce Shakespeare's The Tempest: Kiwi/ Possum, Christchurch's Free Theatre and Golden Bay's Dramalab. As well, Loudmouth's Cary Lancaster will be in the cast and there is an actor coming from Auckland.

“This is an exciting prospect,” says Paul Maunder, “that the Coast can

attract a diverse group of theatre personnel.”

“ The productions are rapidly becoming iconic. So far, Beckett's Endgame and Anouilh's version of the Greek tragedy, Antigone have been mounted. Shakespeare of course presents a new and different challenge, but this gives Coast audiences a chance to experience a work from the master.”

The Tempest was Shakespeare's last play and is often considered to be his farewell piece. Performances will take place on January 28 and 29, starting at 7.30pm. The cost is $20. The audience will assemble outside the Blackball Community House for a procession to the theatre. Early bookings are advisable and can be made by texting 021 106 3669.

Chris Wilson, Heather Pennycook, Careen Kemp and Clinton O'Brien. Ms Kemp is the current rural controller of the Makarora Volunteer Fire Brigade, the others are her predecessors.

PICTURE: Supplied

Win an electric Mercedes-Benz in time for Christmas

Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand are giving New Zealanders the chance to drive away with a brand new, all electric Mercedes-Benz EQA – just in time for Christmas.

The charity, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, is raffling tickets as a way to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.

“The demand for our services has continued to increase,” explains Ronald McDonald House Charities chief executive Wayne Howett.

“We are passionate about delivering on our mission to keep kiwi families together and continue to expand on our social good offering.”

Ronald McDonald House provides roughly 4000 New Zealand families free accommodation, meals and

emotional support annually; families who must travel an average of 210km away from home for their child's medical treatment. By removing the stressors of everyday life, they enable families to focus on what matters most – each other.

Fundraising during the past few years has proved challenging with events on hold due to the pandemic. All proceeds raised with this raffle will go towards giving families with a hospitalised child the support they need.

“Imagine winning this fabulous car five days before Christmas,” says Wayne.

“There are only 3000 tickets being sold – so your chances are extremely high!”

Tickets for the draw are $100 each and available to purchase at bit.ly/3geKOQG, or by using the QR code on the image.

$13.2m approved to fix Buller roads

THE Buller District Council has received $13.2 million in funding for the reinstatement of the roads in the district that were damaged by the February 2022 flood. $1.5m of this was received after the floods to carry out emergency repairs.

Manager infrastructure delivery Eric de Boer says: “We are delighted to receive this funding support from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency which will enable us to restore our local road network back to its condition prior to the February event. Repairs range from extensive road reinstatement to minor clean up works.”

The February floods were wide reaching across the region with some areas such as the Karamea Bluff and Denniston Roads particularly hard hit and suffering extensive damage.

“Buller relies heavily on our roading infrastructure with isolated communities requiring a

safe and reliable road network for personal travel and for access for emergency services and also for heavy vehicles to truck goods to and from these communities,” Mr de Boer says.

“This remedial work will allow our communities to continue to thrive and provide greater resilience to our road network. Reliable transport networks are key to a sustainable and prosperous economy and community.”

From the time of the event, a team of multi-disciplinary engineers and project managers have been working to identify the damage, provide engineered solutions, and cost estimates for discussions with NZTA.

A robust procurement process in accordance with Government rules of sourcing has been carried out to deliver the works with the successful contractor (or contractors), ensuring that the remedial works are to be delivered

Restoring native flora in Buller

THE Kotahitanga mo te Taiao Alliance (KMTT)'s Restoring and Protecting Flora project is starting to make a difference with the $1.4 million Jobs For Nature funding allocated to habitat restoration in Buller over three years.

As well as providing employment in Buller the project is controlling serious infestations of weed species in preparation for planting of native species that will further restore the environmental values at select sites.

The funding has provided for eight full-time equivalent jobs in Buller, and a team from local contractor MBC Environmental is controlling infestations of pampas, gunnera, blackberry, gorse, ginger, banana passionfruit, Himalayan honeysuckle, willow, flowering cherry and wilding conifers at

around 30 ecologically significant sites across the region.

The Floating Basin and Lost Lagoon estuaries on the Buller River were among the sites nominated by alliance partners for their ecological significance, and work currently under way to control many of the invasive cherry trees will be followed up with native plantings.

Flowering cherry is an exotic species that provides native birds with nectar for a short period in the spring. It spreads easily and tends to form dense stands that prevent regeneration of native tree species which would provide all-year-round food and habitat for native wildlife.

In some regions of New Zealand it is recognised as a high biosecurity risk for native habitats as it can easily spread into lowland native

forest and scrublands.

Native nectar sources such as pohutukawa, flax, kowhai, pigeonwood and ngaio are generally crowded out by the cherry trees, giving nectar-loving native birds a short-lived food supply but leaving them hungry for the rest of the year.

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said he was delighted to see the alliance's project starting to make a difference to restoring habitat in Buller.

“As KMTT partner right from the start, council is very supportive of the alliance's projects and seeing the restoration of the Floating Basin estuarine area progressing is great.

“The new plantings at this site will include native nectar trees that will replace the flowering cherries with a much more stable and reliable

year-round food source and habitat. I am looking forward to seeing the results of this rehabilitation work in an increase in biodiversity at this popular recreation location for Westport residents.”

The Nature Conservancy's Hudson Dodd, project manager for Restoring and Protecting Flora, said the Kotahitanga mo te Taiao Alliance is also applying for further funding for native plantings across the region, to ensure ongoing control of weed species in significant sites.

“We are working with alliance partners including Buller District Council, West Coast Regional Council and DOC to restore the native habitats at key Kawatiri sites. Initial intensive weed control is just the first step and will be followed by ongoing maintenance and

safely and in accordance with the proposed design solutions and budget. As the damage was significant; the remedial work required to return the network service levels is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.

Strong expressions of interest have been received from a number of tenderers wishing to be involved in the rebuild work. Some of the works will be undertaken by the council's road maintenance contractor. Contractors will endeavour to keep the roads open as far as practicable while delivering these repairs. Road repair crews will make an effort to minimise their impact on the travelling public but as this is a large repair programme there will be impacts and delays to journey times.

“This funding is another major step forward for the Buller district in recovering from the February events.“

native plantings to make sure the conservation gains are maintained.

“This project is starting to make a real difference, not just in Kawatiri but across Te Tauihu (top of the South Island) as well.

“It's early days but we expect that in a few years, as the natives grow, 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.”

Kotahitanga mo te Taiao Alliance is a collective of iwi and councils from Te Tauihu and northern Te Tai Poutini, as well as the Department of Conversation, and global supporter The Nature Conservancy. The Alliance is dedicated to environmental restoration.

NZTA road geotech engineers inspecting flood damaged roads in Buller. PICTURE: Supplied

ToniCurtis M 021768747 toni.curtis@pb.co.nz RobMaskill M 021762682 rob.maskill@pb.co.nz

Work to stabilise Westport reservoir levels

The Buller District Council shut down the Westport and Carters Beach water supply last Thursday to repair leaks in the water trunkmain to town. This is part of a concerted effort to prevent further water losses from the water reservoir.

Manager infrastructure delivery Eric de Boer says: “Currently the water reservoir is at 46.8% with Westport and Carters Beach using 5200 cubic metres of water each day. With no water going in, this would supply the town with water for six days.

“There is a major leak on the trunk main that our contractors will fix during the shutdown. Plugging this leak will result in reasonable conservation of water which will help considerably to slow down the depletion of water in the reservoir.”

Last week the council put in place an essential use water restriction order for the Westport and Carters Beach water supply. Essential use means water can be used for drinking, food preparation, hygiene, and sanitary purposes only. There is a complete ban on any outdoor water use.

Contractors re-established one of the initial settling ponds that were washed out by the rain. This water could be pumped into the intake that feeds the intake for the reservoir ponds which in turn supplies the water treatment plant. Staff are working on establishing another settling pond to pump water from. Pipes were put in place to channel clean water from some the clear side creeks into the intake.

“Our contractors and staff have worked on finding ways to find additional water sources to feed into the water treatment plant which will bring our water reservoir levels up. Combined with fixing the leak on the main trunk main, resident's efforts to keep their water use to a minimum, they are making a difference and will help us to keep reservoir levels stable and ultimately bring them back up,” Mr de Boer says.

Currently contractors are pumping an average of 52 litres per second from a small side stream into the water intake for the water treatment plant. Establishing the secondary pipes and settling area will add approximately another 25 litres per second which will result in a total flow of 76 litres per

second, meaning the reservoir is going to be gaining water.

“We are expecting to be able to at least hold reservoirs with a five-day spell of clear weather coming through.”

Essential use order will remain in place until storage levels have sufficiently recovered back up to 60%. Once this is reached the essential use order will be downscaled to restricted use to bring the water supply back to 80%.

“We are working hard on managing the situation and know that our water infrastructure is inherently fragile since the February 2022 weather event, but right

With love from Karamea

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

Anyone looking for inspirational Christmas ideas that will also support budding local artists may enjoy an outing to Karamea.

Following on from the previously successful pop-up galleries, 'With Love From Karamea' is being held on December 17-18.

“It will be the last for the year and it is going to be a special one,” according to gallery curator Senae Murray.

“It is an opportunity to buy unique Karamea artworks and give them to friends or family for Christmas – 'with love from Karamea,'“ she said.

“You can spread some Karamea love! Let's help save the planet by buying locally and showcasing the talents of Karamea in the process.”

Local artists from beginners through to professionals are being called to present their work to the exhibition.

“I am expecting to have range of art and craftworks including painting, sculpture, felting, flax weaving, t-shirts, small goods, knitting and much more,” Ms Murray said.

The gallery is held at Market Cross in the Karamea Hardware premises and will be open from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday.

“After closing on Saturday, there will be exhibition opening night with live solo and group music performances by local residents which everyone is welcome to.”

The gallery will open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Ms Murray encouraged people to make a trip to Karamea to visit the gallery that weekend and to explore the area.

“Vinnie's café is next door and it is popular with both locals and visitors.”

Anyone wanting to exhibit should contact Ms Murray on karameagallery@gmail.com or phone 021 118 4691.

now our primary focus is the supply of safe drinking water to the community. If we all pitch in, we will be able to maintain our supply.” 

Background

The Westport water supply is sourced from Giles Creek in the hills to the south-west of the town at the base of Mount Rochfort.

During the February 2022 rain events, there were significant slips within the catchment which resulted in the water becoming too turbid (dirty) to treat.

In the last 30 days, the Westport catchment has received 515mm of rain which has

resulted in further slips in the intake. This has meant the catchment water has become too dirty to treat.

The water treatment plant generally requires water that is under 5 NTU (turbidity units) and due to these recent slips, the water from the creek has been 15 NTU at the lowest. As a result, Council has been unable to extract water from the intake.

There are several branches of the intake which have varying levels of turbidity. Council currently has set up a pumping system to allow for clean water to be abstracted, however the quantity available from this stream is insufficient to meet demand.

The previous pop-up gallery at Karamea during the live music opening night.

PICTURE: Buller District Council

Social runners get together

n by Claire Ward in Reefton

Anew social fitness group has stepped out in Reefton.

Reefton Runners was set up by new resident Emma Timmis, a writer, athlete and artist, as a way to connect runners, meet new people, make friends, and soak up the scenic backdrop of the surrounding area.

Emma has been in Reefton for a year, and was then instrumental in getting a good friend of hers, freelance journalist and runner Tara Papworth to also move to the Coast six months ago.

Together they administer the group and are

meeting more and more people all the time.

The group has been up and running for only four weeks and already has 28 members, a mixture of men, women, ages and abilities.

“We do a cruisy 5-6km social run of 30 to 40 minutes every Monday, starting at 6pm outside the Bearded Miners on Broadway,” Emma said.

“We do a different route each time, and finish up having an ice cold refreshment and a good chat at Dawsons.”

She says it is not limited to the 6pm run, so if the day and time does not suit, runners are encouraged to check the Facebook page for options.

“Just post in the group and see if anyone fancies joining you,” Emma says.

Buller council's new website launched

BULLER District Council's new website went live on Monday, replacing the aged website.

“The new website will be a great improvement on what we currently have,” group manager community services Krissy Trigg says.

“Users will be able to do a lot more as the new site will include several helpful integrations like on-line payments, forms, a powerful search function and it will be mobile friendly.”

The new website will replace the outdated WordPress website that council has had for several years.

“The new website really brings council up to speed. We have designed the website focusing on the end user, which means that it will be a lot easier for people to locate information and get things done on-line. The userfriendly layout and the many on-line forms, will make interacting with council through the web a much smoother experience,” Ms Trigg says.

The council's communications team, IT department and external contractors have created the new website in partnership with a software development company over the past 12 months. Local contractors were

sought to assist the project where possible, with Nomad Audio and Video providing many new photos for the website.

The website was designed and tested to comply with high security and accessibility standards.

“This project was a big opportunity to create a completely new modern look and feel of the BDC brand. The result is a beautiful contemporary look, with new colours and designs that enhance the user experience. We wanted to steer away from an outdated and basic blue and red theme to a modern design that features lots of photos of our beautiful district and accents our natural surroundings.”

The decision to create a new website was made as parts of council's ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience for residents. The project was included in the annual plan 202122 and 2022-23.

“The website upgrade will be beneficial to our community as well as council staff. Ultimately, we see the new website as a great way to provide a better service to our community,” Ms Trigg says.

Check it out at www.bullerdc.govt.nz

Greymouth humming

build on the site that will be starting soon after the site is cleared.

The Pounamu Pathways build on the old Revingtons site is now under way and is going to be an amazing new experience, telling our West Coast stories and history in an interactive modern way, with Weta Workshop, a world-famous New Zealand creative design workshop, famous for its work on The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, involved in the creative space.

Grey District Council will be embarking on its own build for the new library which will be another significant commercial build for the town.

THE Grey district has been humming lately with many events and it has been great to see you all out and about.

We were able to enjoy Agfest, motorcycle racing, galas, sports awards, Halloween at Shantytown, stock cars and many more. I would like to thank and acknowledge those volunteers, sponsors and organisers who made these events happen for the benefit of our community. There is always a huge amount of work that goes into these events behind the scenes. You have all done an amazing job and I thank you on behalf the district.

There is more to come before we see out this year. Last weekend we had the Christmas Carnival, which was another celebration with concerts, Christmas markets, the Christmas parade along with children's attractions.

Finally, to see this year out and the new year in we have the Greymouth Business Promotions New Year's Eve Party. Early next year we have the Waitangi Day Picnic but we need some new people on the committee to help plan this event and if you are interested, please call Lara on 027 263 2650.

We are starting to see changes in our CBD with Broadcasting House demolished to make room for a new

Libraries are not what they once were and our build will not only cater for more traditional library services but will also have play spaces and be interactive using current technologies.

The economic development, work for local businesses and employment opportunities this will create around town will be exciting and be a longawaited positive change. In addition, we are seeing some great new businesses popping up in the CBD and around our district.

I welcome our new team of councillors at Grey District Council. We have a big three years ahead with many challenges but also many projects that will benefit our district. If you would like to be involved with what is happening in your community remember Grey District Council is having a by-election for a Central Ward seat. If you would like to run for council, nominations close on Thursday, December 22. Voting will open on Monday, January 23.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas. Over the Christmas and New Year period there may be changes to operating times for council facilities and services and details of these will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

Beth Scott, left, Emma Timms, Tara Papworth and Roz Wilson about to set off on their Monday social run in Reefton.

PICTURE: Claire Ward

Tania Gibson Grey District Mayor

– Est 1997 –

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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

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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

DECEMBER

7 Combined Churches Community Carols, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 7pm.

7 Santa photos, Westland Recreation Centre, 5.30pm.

9 Christmas Twilight Gala, Barrytown School, Barrytown, 5pm.

10 Blackball Community Centre Christmas Fete 10am.

10 South Island modified title meeting, Greenstone Park Speedway.

10 Christmas Tea fundraiser, Lyric Theatre, Granity, 6pm.

10 DJ Miss Implicit, Monsoon Bar and Restaurant, Franz Josef.

11 Greymouth Christmas Market, Civic Centre 10am.

11 Picnic at the Beach, Hokitika.

11 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

11 Community barbecue, Rapahoe Domain, 4pm.

15 Late night shopping, Christmas carols, food stalls, Greymouth Town Square 5pm till late.

16 DJ Miss Implicit, Monteith's Brewery, 5pm.

16 Christmas Roller Disco, Mac Gym, Grey High, Marlborough Street, 6pm.

16 Backshift Heelers, Speights Ale House 8.30pm.

17 Christmas Market Day, RSA, Karamea, 9am.

17 Christmas on Broadway and Santa Parade, from 9am, Reefton.

17 10-year anniversary, West Coast Treetop Walk and Café, 9am.

17 ROARS Christmas Show, Reefton Community Theatre, 2.30pm.

17 A Very Frugal Christmas, Fox Glacier Community Centre, 7pm.

17 World of Musicals, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 7.30pm.

17 Big Wheelie and the Hubcaps, Woodstock Hotel, Hokitika, 8pm.

17 Karamea Pop-Up gallery with live music, 10am.

18 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

18-22 Christmas Tree Festival, Regent Theatre, Greymouth.

18 Greymouth Christmas Market, Civic Centre 10am.

18 Karamea Pop-Up Gallery, 10am.

18 Blues open mic, All Nations Tavern, Barrytown, 2pm.

18 ROARS Christmas Show, Reefton Community Theatre, 2.30pm.

26 Westport Trotting Club race day.

26 The Arafats, Westport RSA, 8pm.

28 Westport Trotting Club Race Day.

29 DJ Miss Implicit, Monteith's Brewery, Greymouth, 5.30.

30 Reefton Trotting race day.

31 Noise Complaint, The Hard Antler Bar, Haast,

31 New Year's Eve Street Party, Greymouth Town Square, 7pm onwards.

JANUARY

2023

1,2 Westland Provincial Shoot, Barrytown Clay Target Club.

1 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

2 Moana Market Day, Helena Dense Park, 10am.

3 Omoto Races, Greymouth Jockey Club.

4 Reefton Jockey Club Gallops, 12pm.

7 Kumara Races, Kumara.

7 Ceilidh Dance, Lyric Theatre, Granity, 7pm.

7 DJ Miss Implicit and DJ Serpico, Hotel Lake Brunner, 9pm.

8 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

14 Buller A and P Show.

14 WOW sprint cars, Greenstone Park Speedway.

15 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

17 Super Saloons, Greenstone Park, 4pm.

18 Fun Fest Triathlon, Spring Creek Pool, Runanga, 2pm.

19 Paul Ubana Jones, Donovan's Store, Okarito.

22 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

27-29 Woodstock Motorcycle Rally, Hokitika.

28 DJ Miss Implicit, Blackball's Inn and 08 Café, 7pm.

28 West Coast TQ Champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

29 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

FEBRUARY

1 First day of school term.

4-6 Lake Mahinapua Aquatic Club, 80th anniversary.

4 Inangahua A and P Show, Reefton.

5 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

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

5 Poetry Reading afternoon, Blackball Workingmens Club.

5 Gold Trail Ride, starting Shantytown, 9.30am.

11 Buller Gorge Marathon.

11 Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

ACROSS 1. Inclined to pitch, unlike some masseurs! (5-8). 8. Is she one of the flower people? (5).

Talls you they’re fairy skills (7). 10. Keep your gratitude in check (6). 11. Having, possibly, belied the label that said ‘Poison’! (6). 12. Slimy lumps of metal? (5). 14. From such pains, can the doctor make a shrewd diagnosis? (5). 18. Where the patients are and how visitors will be bound to see them (6). 20. A finger tossing the hair (6). 23. Was under the impression it exercises the mind (7). 24. You’ll be distressed if it breaks (5). 25. A greeting to the Invisible Man? (4,4,2,3).

DOWN

1. Is it worn by the crotchety retainer? (6). 2. Someone you can see right through! (5). 3. Rushing the refreshment round (7). 4. Not the pupil’s name! (4). 5. Looked surprised when paged, perhaps (5).

It’s Welsh and a harness collector might be interested in it (7).

Rushed off when she brought her father round (6).

Inside information not obtained in a high quarter? (3-4).

Veh- icle with a vehicle on either side of it (7).

Many drink it back and it may have a kick (6).

It’s hard always being confirmed in quarters (6).

What you’re entitled to, isn’t that so (5).

Catches and claws (5).

11 Greenstone Park Speedway, race meeting.

12 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

12 O'Conor Home Gala, Westport.

18 West Coast Teddy Bear Run, Monteith's Brewery car park, 10am.

18 Blackball Summer Fair and Lawnmower racing, Blackball Domain, midday.

19 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

25 South Westland A and P Show, Whataroa.

25 West Coast champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

26 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

MARCH

4 TQ racing, Greenstone Park Speedway.

5 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

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

11 Wildfoods Festival, Cass Square, Hokitika.

12 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

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

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

18 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway.

18 Sign of the Firebird, Blackball Workingmens Club, 8pm.

19 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

26 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

APRIL

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

2 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

2 Demolition Derby, Greenstone Park Speedway, 12pm.

2 Junk2Funk Wearable art competition, Hokitika.

9 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

22,23 Art in the Park.

28,29 Taiko Festival, Punakaiki.

MAY

4 Kita Mean, Regent Theatre Hokitika, 6pm.

The Greymouth Star regrets if any events in the calendar have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please contact via our e-mail with any date changes and/or new events.

week’s answer

Last Week’s Crossword Solutions

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 20813

Across - 1, Howitzer. 6, Sack. 8, Limp. 9, Raggedly. 10, Feast. 11, Limpet. 13, Street. 15, Tomato. 17, Brutal. 19, Meaty. 22, Fixation. 23, Tail. 24, Snip. 25, Nitrogen.

Down - 2, Olive. 3, Impasse. 4, Zero. 5, Regulate. 6, Steam. 7, Collect. 12, Stallion. 14, Torsion. 16, Maestro. 18, Tramp. 20, Tripe. 21, Unit.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 20813

Across - 1, Short-cut. 6, Lime (rev.). 8, Bang. 9, Engaging. 10, Still. 11, For-age. 13, ‘Tis-Sue. 15, Access. 17, A-venue. 19, Weedy. 22, Breather. 23, Ills. 24, Sees (rev.). 25, Watch-man.

Down - 2, Heart. 3, Re-gales. 4, (un)Cle-o(f). 5, Tugof-war. 6, Lager (rev.). 7, Man-ages. 12, Here’s how. 14, In-verse. 16, Cherish (anag.). 18, Nears (anag.). 20, Delia (rev.). 21, Grit.

On the street

EVENTS

Coast?

Sam Yang Westport

Averil Thorpe Westport

Charley Cowie Stafford

There's been crime here since the BurgessKelly gang. If anything there's less murder around the place.”

Zak Bourke Greymouth

Reuben Butzbach

Greymouth Christmas Parade

SITUATIONSVACANT

HRADVISOR

The WestlandDistrictCouncil,formedin1989, provides anumberofservicestothe Westlandand Hokitikaareasincludinglibrariesandmuseums,parks andreserves,waterservices,planning,landtransport, property,solidwaste,regulatoryandcommunity services,andgovernanceandsupportservices.

Whenyou join the WestlandDistrictCouncil,you becomepartof ateamwhoworkhardtodeliver a highlevelofservicetotheratepayersandresidents ofthedistrict.Ourdistrictisgrowingasmoreandmore peoplerecognisethebenefitofmakingthisfabulous lifestyledestinationtheirhome

Duetothedepartureof avaluedteammember,we’re lookingfor aprofessional,well-roundedHRAdvisorto join ourteam.

Thisisan excitingopportunityforthesuccessful candidate,whereyouwillhaveanincredible opportunitytobethefrontfacingHRrepresentative withintheorganisationandhavetheguidanceand advice on HR matters from our external HR provider MyHR,tosupportyouinyourrole

ThepartnershipwehavewithMyHRwillhelpallow youtofocusonothervalueaddandopportunitiesin relationtoHR,withinthebusiness.

Keyresponsibilitiesoftheroleinclude:

•ProvidingHRSupporttomanagersandstaffin relationtoemploymentissuessuchasdisciplinary, performance,conductandcapability

•Developingandmaintainingeffectiveworking relationshipswithallstakeholders.

•Advisingandsupportingmanagerswiththe recruitmentprocess,performancemanagement processandprovidecoachingwherenecessary

•WorkinginpartnershipwithMyHRtoensureall adviceisprovidedinlinewithcurrentemployment legislation.

•EnsuringtheMyHRsoftwareandserviceisbeing utilizedandallavailablefunctionsarebeingused byManagers.

•SupporttheExecutiveteamasrequired.

Theidealcandidatewillhave:

•Aminimumof 2yearsHRadvisory experience

•Arelevanttertiaryqualification.

•Goodworkingknowledgeofcurrentemployment legislation.

We’relookingforsomeonewhocanhittheground running,soifyou enjoy achallengeandarelookingto pursue acareerinHuman Resources,pleaseforward your CV andcoverletterbyFriday16December2022 tohr@westlanddc.govt.nz.Fulldetailsoftheroleare inthepositiondescription,whichisavailableonour website,alongwithdetailsonhowtoapply Applicationscloseon Friday16December2022at 5.00pm. 2540272

Raelene

Danny the donkey through the streets of the CBD.

SITUATIONSVACANT SITUATIONSVACANT

Diesel Mechanic Vacancy

We arelooking foraqualifiedDiesel Mechanic to joinour team. Thispositionwillbefull time,basedonthe West Coastservicinga large,variedminingandcivilsfleet.Mine siteexperiencewouldbepreferredbutnot essential.Self-motivatedandable to carry out faultdiagnosisis amust,asisbeingable to work independently.Ifyouarereliable,work wellwithin ateamenvironment, wewould like to hearfrom you.

Healthandsafetyisapriorityforour company, so youmustbeprepared to undertakean alcoholanddrug test.

Pleaseapply to thebelowemail: admin@rosco.net.nz PO Box107 Reefton7851 Cell:0212552474

Applicationsclose Friday, December16, 2022

DoDuckInBakery

Bakerorpersonwilling tolearnrequired, 2pmstarttime. ContactKeith 0212511141.

WANTEDTOBUY

ARECORDSand

Hi-FiGear wanted, excellentprices paid,coming to Christchurch?

Pennylane Records, open 7days, (03)3663278.

TOLET

FLATTORENT

1Bed,kitchen/lounge 5kmfromHokitika Transportrequired References.Nopets. Phone(03)7555477 or02102754521

WANTEDTOBUY

WINDOWSanddoors withdoubleglazing. Emailnornzpj@gmail. comwithsizesand prices.

COMMUNITYNOTICES

TROUBLEDbysomeoneelse’sdrinking? MaybeAl-AnonFamily Groupcanhelpyou.We arefriendsandfamily membersofproblem drinkers.Phone0508 425266orvisit:www. al-anon.org.nzforfree anonymoussupportand localmeetings.

PUBLICNOTICES

FORallyourgarage door requirements please call Paul /Bowman atWest Coast Garage Door Services. Phone0272753398.

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

WANTEDTORENT

GreymouthArea KarenGrant E-mail: karengtpp@gmail.com (03)7686282or 0277686282

PUBLICNOTICES

TREEREMOVALS, pruningandreductions. Ourexperiencedteam cansafelyremoveyour dangeroustrees,or prunethem,oryour shrubs,forgoodshape andhealth.Stump grindingandbranch chipping.Fullyinsured, freequotes.CallGareth at TreeGuyWest CoastLtdon 0211559905.

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

2019TOYOTAFORTUNERGLX $45,999

2800cc,TURBOdiesel,auto,6500kms,7seater

2018FORDRANGERXLT $45,999

4WD,doublecabwithcanopyandtowbar,auto, 3200ccturbodiesel,75,000km

2018MAZDABT-50SPECIALEDITION$47,999

4WD,doublecab,6speedmanual,3200ccturbo diesel,51,000km,loadedtotoomanyextrastomention

2018TOYOTACOROLLAGXSEDAN$16,999 1800cc,auto,greatfueleconomy,greatvalue,gun metalgrey,twoinstock,bothNZnew

IMPORTS

HATCHES/LIFTBACKS

2013TOYOTAAURIS(COROLLA) $14,999 Auto,1800cc,5-doorhatch,98,000kms

2013TOYOTAAURIS(COROLLA) $14,999 Auto,1800cc,98,000kms,jetblack,5doorhatch

2011MINICOOPERCROSSOVER $15,999

5door,auto,1600cc,just62,000kmsred/white

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

2007TOYOTAAURIS(COROLLA)HATCH$7,999 Auto1800cc,130,000kms,jetblack,greatvalue

SUVS

2017MAZDACX-3 $26,999

2litreauto,beautifulwinered,AWD,66,000kms leather,reversecamera

2015NISSANX-TRAIL7SEATER $22,999 Auto,2litre,62,000km,black

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

2009VOLKSWAGENTIGUAN $11,999

2litrepetrol,AWD,auto,white

2007HONDACRV4WD $12,999

Auto,129,000km,2400cc,petrol,niceinJetBlack

2006NISSANX-TRAIL $8,999

2litre,auto,2WD/4WD,127,000km,mintcondition

2018MAZDABT-50GSX4WD $36,999

Doublecabute,6-speedmanual,3200ccturbodiesel, 1owner,canopy,towbar

2016HOLDENCOLORADO $35,999 Z71,4WD,6speed,2800cc,turbodiesel,towbar,high spec,niceinorange

2015MITSUBISHILANCERGSRSEDAN$16,999

2litre,auto,43,000km,absolutelymint,NavyBlue

2015HOLDENCOMMODOREVFSV6$25,999 Sedan,auto,3600ccV6,absolutelyimmaculate,new tyres,96,000kms

2006NISSANX-TRAIL $7,999

2litre,2WD,auto,140,000km,inRed

SEDANS

2014NISSANTEANA(NEWSHAPE)$13,999 2500cc,99,000km,veryniceinpearlwhite

2014SUBARUIMPREZAG4SEDAN$12,999

Auto,2litre,4WD,jetblack,rearspoiler/factoryalloys

2013NISSANSYLPHY $12,999

Auto,niceinJetBlack,1800cc,just40,000kms

2010MAZDAAXELA20ESEDAN $11,999

2.0Lauto,just38,000km,navyblue

2010NISSANBLUEBIRDSYLPHYSEDAN$9,999

Auto,2litre,46,000kms,navyblue

2009NISSANMURANO $13,999

2500cc,4WD,automatic,leatherupholstery,towbar, 112,000km,sunroof,maroonred

2009MAZDAAXELASEDAN $11,999

2-litre,auto,just38,000km,lightgreymetallic

PEOPLEMOVERS

2011MAZDAPREMACY $9,999

2litre,7seater,just93,000kms,lightgrey,auto

2010TOYOTAWISH $10,999

Auto,justblack,cruisecontrol,8airbags,6seater

2006HONDAODYSSEYABSOLUTE$8,999

2400ccauto,7-seater,only81,000kms,black

WAGONS

2013SUBARUXV $16,999

2litreAWD,auto,smashinginbrightorange

2014FORDRANGERXLT4WD $33,999

Doublecab,6speedmanual,towbar,niceinaquablue

2014HYUNDAI1X35ELITE $18,999 SUV,auto,2400cc,petrol,leather,towbar,4WD, 100,000kms

2013NISSANX-TRAIL $13,999 2.5ST-L,2500cc,2WD/4WD,auto,NZNew,green/ bluemetallic

2012HONDACIVICEUROHATCH$14,999 1800ccAuto,done47000kms,NZnew

2012HOLDENCAPTIVACX7SEATER$9,999 2200ccdieselturbo,auto,leather,towbar,AWD

2013SUBARUFORESTER(NEWERSHAPE)$16,999 2litreauto,102,000kms,darkblue

2012TOYOTAAVENSISS/WAGON$12,999 Auto,2000cc,107,000kms

2012SUBARULEGACYS/WAGON $13,999 Auto,2500cc,AWD,pearlwhite,100,000km,chain drive,cruisecontrol

2011SUBARULEGACYWAGON $12,999 2,500cc,AWD,greymetallic,124,000kms

2009SUBARUFORESTERAWD $11,999 2-litre,auto,116,000km

COMMERCIALS

2018TOYOTAHIACECOMMERCIAL$32,999 6-seater(withbelts),2litrepetrolauto,68,000kms, white

2011HINORANGERTIPTRUCK $49,999 4720ccdieselturbo,grossladenweight7995kg/ payload3650kg

REBATEVEHICLES

2015NISSANCUBE $12,999 ($501REBATE) Auto,1500cc,amazingstorage&room,5door,79000kms

2014MAZDADEMIO$12,999 ($1016REBATE)

5-doorhatch,auto,73,000km,white

2014TOYOTAAQUAHATCH$14,999 ($1551REBATE) 1500cc,petrol/electric,amazing3.6litresper100km,auto, 92,000km,blue

2014NISSANNOTE $10,999 ($831REBATE)

5-doorhatch,auto,1200cc,46,000km

2008HONDAACCORDEUROSEDAN$9,999

Auto2400cc,Towbar,inFantasticorder

2006HOLDENCOMMODORESV6SEDAN$13,999 Auto,3600ccV6,darkblue,verytidy,just115,000kms

2002HOLDENCOMMODOREVXSS$17,999 5700ccV8,leatherauto

2013TOYOTACOROLLAFIELDER $13,999 Auto,57,000kms,silvermetallic ($583REBATE)

2012MAZDADEMIO$12,999 (REBATE$1016)

5doorhatch,Auto1300cc,49,000kms,niceindark bluejust4.9litresper100kms

2012MAZDADEMIO$12,999 ($1016REBATE)

5doorhatch,low28,000kms,auto,1300cc,silver