Buller Heritage Groups Unite to Strengthen Communities

The afternoon featured a diverse range of project updates. Karamea Museum shared progress on their new archives and explorer rooms. The Northern Buller Museum provided an update on the restoration of their historic Railway Station, the popularity of their newly installed walkway, and plans for updated museum displays. Denniston representatives discussed their reunion celebrations and future proofing objectives. The Carnegie Library restoration project was highlighted, along with pending Lottery Environment and Heritage funding applications. Updates were also provided on the Museum of Kawatiri and the range of projects being undertaken by Reefton Historic Trust, including the Oddfellows Hall, Courthouse, and Railway Station restoration. Representatives of Can-B and Promote Buller attended to gain insights and outline their plans for regional development.

Key takeaways from the meeting included the need for training workshops in fundraising, donation and bequest management, collection care, and succession planning. The potential for collective marketing initiatives was discussed, along with the desire for more heritage talks, including those focused on Māori history. The meeting also addressed working with the Department of Conservation on track retention and the creation of shorter tracks around the Watson Mill area of the closed Charming Creek track. Participants identified areas where historical records were lacking and suggested locations for new interpretation panels, such as Mokihinui and Birchfield. The need for improved archival storage within the district was raised as an ongoing concern.

“There are several million dollars’ worth of projects underway, largely by volunteers, that support community aspirations and also add to Buller’s visitor attractions,” Heritage West Coast Facilitator Laugharne Kemp. “This work in the heritage sector is just one of the many community opportunities that is delivering a significant and largely unseen return to the District.”

Heritage West Coast will be establishing a small marketing team to collaborate with Development West Coast Tourism and Promote Buller. They will also be continuing to provide assistance with planning and funding for heritage groups, and helping address the topics raised into a clear response for informing the Buller District Council’s Long Term Plan.