The West Coast Story
To Māori, the West Coast is known as Te Tai o Poutini, guarded by rugged mountains and blessed with the sacred taonga of pounamu (jade). Stories of this enchanted land fuelled the journeys of the brave who dared to seek its treasures.
For early Pakeha settlers, the West Coast remained an uncharted mystery. Only in 1846 did explorers, guided by Maori wisdom and perseverance, breach the mountain barriers and unveil the region’s breathtaking beauty. Their expeditions, often fraught with peril, etched names like Brunner, Mueller, and Haast into the landscape’s memory.
Gold ignited a frenzy in the 1860s. The West Coast ports boomed, with a melting pot of nationalities drawn by the promise of fortune. Europeans also came for coal and timber, sparking industries that fueled economic growth while gouging scars on the pristine land.
Resource extraction defined the West Coast for generations. Technologies for mining gold, coal, and timber reshaped the land, while foundries forged the tools and engines of progress. Transport networks crisscrossed the wilderness, from humble beach roads to daring mountain railways.
Yet, the West Coast’s spirit extends beyond mere extraction. Nurtured by pioneering families like the Mackleys, farming took root in challenging valleys. Tourism, born from the footsteps of Maori guides and early adventurers, flourished amidst the grandeur of mountains and glaciers.
The 20th century saw a shift. Concerns for sustainability led to efforts to protect dwindling lowland forests. The Government’s decision in 2000 to place indigenous forests in parks marked a turning point, signalling a new era of environmental consciousness.
The West Coast has forged a unique social character. Labour unions, born from the struggles of miners, became a national force. Independent thinking, exemplified by relaxed liquor laws, set the region apart. A strong sense of place binds West Coasters, whether they remain or carry their spirit afar.
Inspired by the region’s rich history, writers like Booker Prize Winner Eleanor Catton have captured its essence in modern literature. Today, a new wave of residents, drawn by the beauty and affordability, reinvigorates the land.
Historic preservation and heritage development are crucial to unlocking the West Coast’s full potential and enriching its social and economic tapestry. A land of stunning landscapes, resolute pioneers, and evolving narratives, the West Coast invites you to discover its history, embrace its present, and shape its future.