Buller Winter Snaps Campaign Captures Community Spirit

Over the course of the campaign, more than 250 stunning images were shared, adding to Promoting Buller’s growing visual library of landscapes, coastlines, and everyday winter moments. As part of the Buller Identity Project, and with entry terms allowing their use to promote the district, these photos join the 850 from the Summer Snaps campaign, bringing the image bank to over 1,100.

Organisers were thrilled with the outstanding quality and variety captured by the community’s ‘army of snappers’, out in every kind of light and location across Buller.

Photographers of all levels were encouraged to share candid, unstaged moments – the kind of images that capture the true essence of winter in Buller. Whether it was a misty morning walk, a favourite view from the roadside, or a winter sunrise, the emphasis was on keeping it real.

Winners received a wide range of locally sourced prizes, from adventure experiences and accommodation to food, drink, and local goodies. Highlights included rafting for two with Underworld Adventures (valued at $490), overnight stays at Gentle Annie and the Little Wanganui Hotel, a Kawatiri Coastal Trail family pass, plus vouchers and treats from much-loved local businesses such as Shortjaw Brewing, Bassano Pizza Parlour, West Coast Pie Co., The Rusty Cup Café, The Soap Box, and more. Prizes also included handcrafted items, coffee, jewellery, and family-friendly gifts – a real taste of Buller’s creativity and community spirit.

In addition to individual prizes, the campaign also recognised local businesses who joined in the fun. The top three business entrants each received a marketing boost, with prizes including a $500 advertising package with the Westport News, a $500 package with the West Coast Messenger, and a $300 package with Coast FM.

A full list of the winners and their corresponding prizes is provided.

The campaign generated extraordinary engagement, with a total reach of 62,582 people – nearly double the entire population of the West Coast – proving that Buller’s beauty resonates far beyond its borders.

"The response shows how strongly people feel connected to the Buller region, whether they live here now or hold it close in their memories. That kind of passion is priceless when it comes to showcasing our region to the wider world," Jessie said.

The Winter Snaps campaign also demonstrated the strength of Buller’s community online. From heartfelt memories to travel inspiration, the comments painted a picture of a place that’s as much about people as it is about scenery – ultra-friendly real people, great beaches, and stunning views, as one commenter put it.

Businesses Snap to It

It wasn’t just locals with cameras who got involved – Buller businesses joined the action too, capturing the character of their workplaces and communities through winter. To recognise their efforts, the top three business entries scored valuable advertising prizes with Westport News, West Coast Messenger, and Coast FM. These prizes not only reward creativity but also give local businesses a handy boost to keep their messages out in the world and continue shining a light on all the good things happening across Buller

With its ability to spark both nostalgia and wanderlust, the Winter Snaps campaign has not only strengthened local pride but also positioned Buller as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic beauty off the beaten track.

Judges comments below:

Mayor Jamie Cleine: I was taken with the contrast and clarity of the images that a Winter season provides. The images involving people showed the “can do” interaction between nature and people in the outdoors in a fun way, with subjects using what nature provides to climb, splash and explore in Winter.

Tara Papworth: Another superb selection of photos showcasing our beautiful region in winter! What a joy (and a challenge) as it was incredibly hard to choose!

Toroa Charteris: I love seeing everyone's different visions for the way Buller is perceived, I love the changes in mood, and how they really made me feel like I was there in those different parts of Buller. I think they all show the different ways we see beauty in the west coast!

Peter Robertson: The entries in this year’s competition showed a wide variety of high-quality images of the people and places of the Buller. Overall, they were imaginative and demonstrated good photographic skills and knowledge in the telling of their stories right across the district.