West Coast Te Tai Poutini
Check out these "90 second" potraits of two great changemakers we connected with during our time in this region. We'll be adding to these in the months ahead so watch this space.
Zane Smith - Eco Tourism Guide and Entrepreneur
Zane describes himself as a "totally amped West Coaster." He has created his own dream job that allows hims to "live and learn in paradise." Zane is also a dedicated family man, surfer and green thinker.
You can find out more about Zane's work by visiting www.havenz.co.nz or www.naturestours.co.nz or you can call him your self on 021-122-2707.
Andy England - Greymouth High School
Andy immigrated to New Zealand from the UK. He came to the West Coast for the whitewater rivers and a teaching job. He loves the community he found there and the richness in diversity of the Grey District. Today he is the deputy principal of Greymouth High School. His work is focused on helping young people to build the skills they need for life and to access oppourtunities.
You contact Andy and learn more about Greymouth High School by visiting their website at www.greyhigh.school.nz
We had a fantastic time during our week on the sunny west West Coast. Highlights were the time we spent with the students at Greymouth High School and Westland High School and meeting with community entrepreneurs in Punakaiki, Greymouth and Hokitika.
Massive thanks to Zane Smith and the Havenz team for the wonderful accomodation at the Tree House in Punakaiki. Zane also guided our group around the Pancake Rocks and took us on an amazing exploration through the Truman Track and through the rocks, nikau and caves of Te Mika.
Guy Ryan ran another awesome "Inspiring Stories" workshop in Greymouth. Find out more by checking out the Inpiring Stories blog.
We had a great few days in Hokitika. Lots of gratitude to Luke from the Crooked Mile theatre for hosting our "Changemakers Film Night". Thanks to Mike Keenan for talking time out to talk to our crew about what's involved in putting on the wild and wonderful "Wild Foods Festival". Great to see Don Neale at the "Startled Worm Cafe!"
Each time I travel down the West Coast I am amazed that we have this amazing ecological treasure on our own doorstep.
The Crooked Mile Theatre - Hokitika
