n The Town: ....how safe? very, very safe...see story about English bobby and his

version of how friendly the town is. The town is known as the Big River Town,

82kms south of Dunedin and is set next to the mighty Clutha River, the

largest river in New Zealand by volume. The Clutha River is an important part of

Balclutha’s history as it encouraged settlers to the area, brought prosperity

with the discovery of gold, but also tragedy to the region with

horrendous floods. James McNeil became Balclutha’s first resident

in 1852 and he started a ferry service to ferry travellers across

the Clutha. Once gold was discovered in Otago, this site

became a town with the inevitable onslaught of goldminers.

Balclutha became a borough in 1870 and John McNeil, the son of James McNeil,

became its first mayor. A bridge was built across the Clutha in 1868 but only lasted

....where everyone says, “hello!”

CHRISTCHURCH Q

BALCLUTHA

until 1878 when a devastating flood washed it away. The present bridge is now almost

70 years old being completed on April 6, 1935 and is a great source of pride for the

region. Spanning both banks of the river, Balclutha’s impressive arched bridge links

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annual rainfall is 678mm with a daily max summer temperature of 20 deg C and in the winter it is 10 deg C. Snow is part of the annual landscape

US$84.737 BPD 55.474 EU 65.109

AS AT 1ST MAY 2013

the town centre with State Highway 1.

Nicknamed the Big River town, it lies at

the junction of the Matau and Koau

tributaries and makes an ideal base for

anglers. The Clutha is one of New Zea-

land’s best brown trout rivers and, by

taking any of several roads which radiate

from the town, an angler can be making a cast in a river or stream in under half an

hour. Balclutha lies on the Southern Scenic Route, a popular scenic drive which curves

around the lower part of the South Island. Just south of the town, the route leads

into the Catlins Coast, a magnificent combination of lofty native forest and rocky

coastline where native wildlife such as yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) fur seals and

dolphins can be seen. These days the Clutha River boasts some of the best salmon

in New Zealand, while surrounding lakes are well-stocked with brown and rainbow

trout. Numerous recreational opportunities include fishing, power boating, sailing,

kayaking, water skiing and windsurfing. Mountain biking, horse riding, shooting,

tramping and hiking are also popular past times and the region offers a selection of

stunning picnic locations. Popular Central Otago ski fields can be reached with two

This bloke makes great red wine. Had a couple of glasses once at a dinner party and thought, ‘hah! I could get used to this.’ Two Paddocks it was called. It’s said the pinot noir (fancy beret-wearer’s name for red wine), and I quote, “was a wine of considerable complexity with an amazing nose, delicious fruit and a good lengthy finish,”....so there, that’s what the red is like. Someone made a comment that it was world class. How would I know? I’ve only had the two glasses. The people who were holding the dinner party said it was a waste on me! maybe because I don’t drink alcohol. I dunno. So, when you’re in the Balclutha area, about 2 hours north west is the Two Paddocks Vineyard. Go and try the pinot noir......from a teetotaller who’s had two glasses of this red wine, I’d recommend the drive. Check out the wine maker bloke. I don’t think it’s his real job. Some-one said he moonlights at the local hospital, as a night shift porter....he does look a bit dodgy though doesn’t he? like one of those strange people who talk to animals??? horses even? http://www.twopaddocks.com

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.....what do you think is different about the place? Nature. Thetreesandflowersaresodifferent.Ilovethem.ItwasamazingarrivinginJuneandseeingcitrustreesladenwithfruit.Thenafewweekslatertherewereafew daffodilsandthensomewildlilieseverywhere.Theyhavetreesthatseemtobecoveredwithlargeflowers…theylooklovely.Eventhegrassisdifferent,peoplewhobroughtmowersfromtheUKsaytheywontworkhereasthegrassistoospringyandtough.Thefriend-linessofthepeople.Everyonesayshello…totalstrangerswillstopandstartconversations.Theteenagersaren’tthreatening…mostofthemsayhellotoyou.Shoppingisabitdifferent.Itsbesttogotoafruitshopforfruit…abutcherforyourmeatetc.Ifyoubuyitallinthesupermar-ketsyoupayalotmore.

‘‘hour’s drive, including Queenstown, the four season alpine lake resort that offers

year round action-packed thrills. Balclutha is a wonderful place to raise a family or

retire. It offers a relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, spectacular scenery and wildlife.

It’s also the gateway to the Southern scenic route, resulting in a rapidly expanding

tourism industry. There are countless community facilities like swimming pools and

parks, (skateboard, BMX, Motorbikes,) to name a couple. There are patrolled beach-

es for swimming and surfing. Clutha could well be the last remaining district in New

Zealand where people not only say hello to each other on a daily basis, but wave at

strangers and passing visitors, who can’t help but ‘wave back’ n Population: 4062 n

Location: Drive Times to Balclutha - from Dunedin on SH1 - 1 hour from Dunedin Airport

on SH1 - 45 minutes - from Invercargill on SH1 - 1 hour 30 minutes - from Queenstown on

State Highways 6 and 8 - 3 hours n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/

maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=balclutha n Local Statistics (2006): There are 1,665 occupied

dwellings in Balclutha....the most common ethnic group is European (Pakeha)....25.9 percent

of people aged 15 years and over have never married, 51.9 percent are married, and 22.1

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The “most beautiful scenery on earth” ... with an ecological edge. LA Times travel writer John Fretter has a romantic environmental encounter on Fjordland Ecology Tour’s ketch. “In front of us was a giant geologic amphitheatre, the passengers fell silent and ceased all activity, even breathing, some said. The emotional impact of such magnificence - the steep sided granite bowl duplicated in a sapphire mirror - just stirred everyone. My vision blurred as tears welled in my eyes”.

percent are separated, divorced or widowed.....31.7 percent of people aged 15 years and over

have a post-school qualification.....unemployment rate is 2.6 percent for people aged 15 years

and over....for people aged 15 years and over, the median income (half earn more, and half

less, than this amount) is $22,300....one-family households make up 64.9 percent of all house-

holds....49.2 percent of households have access to the Internet.....71.6 percent of households

have access to a cellphone.....13.7 per cent of households have access to three or more motor

Page 188

vehicles.....56.7 percent of households in private occupied dwellings own the dwelling, with

or without a mortgage n Strange....but true: this town has taught its locals to be friendly

to everybody. How? by just waving. To experience this unique friendliness of the locals –

simply wave. Here are some things that are actually part of this town’s character: It’s about

knowing your neighbour is there for you......it’s about running to the window

to see what car went past and knowing 90% of the people in them and

wondering what the other 10% are doing in your neck of the woods.....

it’s about knowing everyone.....everywhere you go - supermarket

shopping is never so social in the city......it’s about everyone

knowing your business, because they care......it’s feeling at home......

it’s big, wide open spaces, deep rivers and plush grass, blue mountains,

blowholes, and undisturbed beaches......it’s knowing in a crisis, everyone would

give their right leg to help out and having a ‘deep freeze’ full of cass-

eroles and muffins......it’s about posting your mail outside your front

gate, where the kids get picked up at their personal bus stop......it’s

about burning around to the neighbours in the four wheeler......sell-

ing pines cones and horse poo on the main road for pocket money

......it’s about tree-huts, swimming holes, water slides and best friends

.....it’s about snow days!......it’s about your local......it’s about driving

better than city folk, it’s about rabbit shooting, deer stalking and pig hunting......it’s about

fresh homemade bread.....it’s about Rugby and mince pies on a Saturday.......it’s a welcome

“......are they friendly in Balclutha?....hah! even the local crims are friendly!” quoted by ex English bobby who came to town.

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you’ll never receive anywhere else. No matter who you are, you belong as someone

important, your kids belong and your family is safe n Main Balclutha site:

http://www.atoz-nz.com/clutha.asp n Shopping: There are two shopping

centres to choose from and some of the most delicious cafes to lunch out

at, or wine and dine in. Balclutha offers some great shopping, whether it’s

retro and funky you’re after or more reserved. Whether it’s clothing, home-

ware, gifts, furniture or gardening, rural supplies, timber or tools you’re

after, Balcluth has it. Post Office, Department Store, Pharmacies, Electric-

al Appliance Stores, Photo Shop, Womens Fashion Stores, Surf/Street-

wear Shop, Sportshop, Bakery, New World & Four Square Supermarkets,

Dairies, Computer Shop, The Warehouse, Jewellers, Kitchen Joinery

Shops, Plumbing & Bathroom Shops, Opticians, Florists, Giftware, Furniture

& Babywear Stores, Rural Supply Stores, Hardware Stores, Veterinary Ass-

ociation, i-SITE Visitor Centre, Liquor Store, Takeaway Shops – Chinese &

Indian, Garden Centre n Banks: ANZ - BNZ - Kiwibank - National

Bank - Westpac - they are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.30pm

n Schools: There are currently four schools in the town itself

and many more in the surrounding towns. Rosebank Primary

School www.rosebankschool.co.nz Balclutha Primary School

www.balclutha.school.nz......South Otago High School www.sohs.co.nz........Telford

Rural Polytechnic www.telford.ac.nz ......PreSchools: Big River Educare, Wilson, Road,

Balclutha - ABC Learning Centre, High Street & Charlotte Street, Balclutha - Rose-

bank Kindergarten, Naish St, Balclutha - Balclutha Kindergarten, Lanark St, Balclu-

tha n Churches: St Marks Anglican Church - Balclutha Presbyterian Parish - City Impact

Church - The Salvation Army - SouthLife Church - Jehovahs Witness - Catholic Church n

Restaurants: The Raj Indian is on the corner of George and Charlotte Sts. Kirit Gandhi,

from Dunedin’s Tandoori Palace restaurant, is overseeing the project which will feature dine-

‘speakin nuzilunn’: B is for ‘bull’.......the piece of paper the waiter hands you at the end of a restaurant meal.

The yellow-eyed penguin is unique to New Zealand and is thought to be the rarest penguin in the world.

Page 190

in and takeaway meals.....Picasso’s Resturant/Café at the Rosebank Lodge offers diners an

appetizing menu to appeal to all tastes. Delicious and innovative cuisine which is comple-

mented by an extensive wine list including superb wines from our Otago province. Picasso’s is

also popular for casual lunchtime meals or just a coffee and tasty treats with friends or family.....

The Loft, Clyde Street, Balclutha - The Gate, Clyde Street, Balclutha - Heart & Soul Café, Clyde

St, Balclutha - Café 55 Clyde Street, Balclutha - Subway, Clyde Street, Balclutha n Main busi-

nesses: Clutha Country is primarily supported by successful agricultural opportunities (which

doesn’t mean you can’t try your luck at gold mining) with many types of farming and

forestry dominating the area’s economy. This rural way of life adds to the attraction

of the area, and the tourism trade is growing markedly, attracting the traveller that

likes an untouched paradise and prefers to explore beyond the beaten tourist

route. Both these industries create a need for many other businesses and enter

prises. Clutha Country abounds with opportunities to set up your own, or join a

workforce that is more relaxed and friendly n Leisure activities within 60

minutes: Balclutha is the northern gateway to the beautiful ‘Catlins’ – A

journey through rural heartland and podocarp forest, past rugged

coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls. The natural land-

The last ten to fifteen years in particular has seen an increase in demand and respect for New Zealand film production; the high point coming with Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003).

scapes are enthralling and the wildlife is extraordinary. The Catlins southern location bestows

upon us long summer days perfect for exploring. Vivid sunsets and long twilight evenings lead

on to ideal star gazing opportunities. Rainy days bring fresh growth to pastures and forest while

strong winds shape the forests and raise impressive waves along the coast. Come prepared to

The town of Methven (population 1200) (near Balclutha) recently hosted a sheep race, which saw two teams of eight ‘professionally trained’ sheep speed round the local pub and overbarrels at speeds of over 40kmp/h. Organiser and trainerDavid Cone, who has been a sheep breeder and woolconsultant for more than 30 years, says he has been aston-ished by the level of interest in the newly conceived sport ofsheep-racing. “I’m starting to get inquiries to take my flock all over New Zealand,” Cone said. “We ran a day-time event earlier this year and five thousand people turned up. We’re starting to take bookings three years in advance.”

2013 featured home

6 BRM - 3 BTHRM - 3 CARS.......Lifestyle with that executive excellence. 10.2438 ha of lifestyle, this 410m2 execu-tive home is built with entertaining in mind. It boasts 5 extra large bedrooms, with and office/bedroom, modern country style kitchen, formal dining, family room and formal lounge opening out to patio area. Three bathroom. Heated by log burner, jet master open fire and underfloor heating. Three car garaging. Fully deer fenced and subdivided into 7 paddocks, all serviced by 2 units of water. Cattle and deer handling facilities. 4ha of well tendered 20 year old trees. Implement shed with hay barn.........$665,000

enjoy dynamic weather conditions n The Golf Club: Balclutha Golf Club - Email : balclu-

tha@golf.co.nz - Business Phone : (03) 418 2171 - Holes : 18 n Local tourist attractions:

Kaka Point – swimming/ surfing beach 15 minutes from Balclutha - Catlins - Numerous Bush

Walks etc. Clutha River - which runs through the middle of our town is New Zealands second

longest river and discharges the largest volume of water of any river in New Zealand n Best

local Resort: Rosebank Lodge is situated on the Southern Scenic Route,

an ideal stopover when visiting the Scenic South.

Accommodation features 18 quality private guest

chalets and a 4-bedroom apartment all attractively

decorated with a guest spa and sauna facilities

available +64 3 419 0021 - EMAIL: reception@

rosebanklodge.co.nz n Average home prices (local

advertising): It doesn’t cost the earth to live in Clutha

Country, in fact housing costs are around one third of

New Zealand’s national average and there is a broad range

on offer. Median house prices were $138,000 as of

December 2005 (National Median - $313,000). In Balclutha,

you can expect to buy a reasonable 2-3 bedroom permanent

material house for $190,000, and $250,000 will get you a high

quality four bedroom house.... $220,000 - on 1/2 acre very

close to Balclutha. 4 brm, 2 bthrm - this family home has a large

living and lounge area flowing onto a sun drenched decking.

Established private garden with wonderful rural views and plenty of room for the children

and their toys.... n Average home rental/week: The rental market is also good value, with

quality houses in Balclutha available from $150 per week, and similar if not more affordable

prices in other centres.... $130 - Balclutha - One Bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, lounge.....

$220 - Very tidy villa on the hill , 3 double bedrooms, seperate kitchen/dining room heated

by a heatpump. Lounge heated by a multi burner. Fully fenced back yard, low maintenance

“New Zealand is not a small country - it’s a large village.” Peter Jackson.

TELLING THEIR STORY: Jan especially likes the personal safety bit. Peo-ple don’t turn a blind eye to crimes here....and the friendliness still amazes her.

Jan and Steve, married with two teenagers, Chris and Helen. We come from Manchester and have upped sticks and moved to New Zealand with nothing more than luggage allowance and are applying for residency from here. What were your reasons for choosing New Zealand? Well, first of all, we wanted to leave the UK because as our kids got older we became more and more concerned about their futures there. We were worried about the crime levels, terrorism, and the increasing costs of ensuring they had prospects, e.g. further education, housing costs etc. Secondly, we wanted to move somewhere we could enjoy into our old age, but whilst we were young enough to make use of the experience, so the time was right to put down roots somewhere we could see ourselves growing old in. We chose New Zealand because it had everything we felt we were missing in the UK – low-er crime rates, more space, a better daily lifestyle, and the belief that you could improve your life by becoming your own boss, something that is very difficult to achieve in the UK. For a long time we’d been aware that our lives revolved around our jobs, so New Zealand appealed because of its reputed work/life balance. How long did the emigration process take? This is a difficult one to answer as we don’t have residency yet so technically we haven’t emigrated. We came over on visitors’ visas as we were at minimum points and so came over to get jobs. We also had to choose the right time to get our eldest into school, if we hadn’t of moved when we did we would have had to wait another year, which none of us wanted. Our visitors visas expire in April, but we are confident of a positive decision on residency long before then. Where do you live in New Zealand? We live in Rangiora, which is a smallish farming town, (though large by NZ standards) and 30 minutes outside of Christchurch. It’s got everything we need, and is a great combination of rural and urban. We chose the town long before we got here, in fact we’d put a pin on the NZ map for here before we’d even submit-ted the EOI.What differences have you noticed between NZ and the UK? We have yet to meet anyone in NZ who is not positive about their future and what they can do themselves to ensure that future is secure. We’ve not met anyone with the attitude of ‘why should I work when I can get money off the government’ – which we saw a lot of in the UK. There is no compensation culture, which makes a huge difference. Personal safety in NZ is so much better, and when major crimes do occur it makes nationwide headlines, and all stops seem to be pulled out to find the people responsible. All kinds of crime do happen here of course, but people don’t turn a blind eye, or take it for granted, as so many people I know in the UK did. People are so much friendlier here – it still amazes me when teenage kids stand to the side to let you pass, and say hello. Even the younger ones are incredibly polite and cheerful. For the first few weeks we thought we’d landed in Stepford having come from a town where you never meet strangers’ eyes.What is your favourite thing about NZ? Just the one thing? That’s going to be tough. It would have to be the friendliness. We joined a Newcomers Network when we got here and have made loads of friends, we’ve socialised more here in 3 months than we did in the 12 months before we left the UK. Steve had a slipped disc within a few weeks of us arriving, and everyone we met here rallied round with offers of lifts to the hospital, watching the kids for us, shopping, cooking, moving furniture, gardening – you name it, we had someone offer to do it for us. We like the informality too, we call our doctor and all our kids’ teachers by their first names.

gardens and yard n Local newspapers and frequency: Clutha Leader, Clyde Street, Bal-

clutha (once a week on Thursday), Otago Daily Times n Weekly grocery costs? approx

$150 - $180 n Cost of a local burger & fries? $5.50 n What do the locals wear: most

days, jeans and t-shirt, both sexes......very warm clothing most of the year n How much do

I pay for petrol? $2.27/litre this week n Are the natives friendly? A British policeman who

had just moved to town was amazed – he told people one day after having moved south from

the North Island ‘Mate even the crims are friendly down here’....a local comment n Local

Radio Stations: Radio Clutha, The Lane (off Clyde St), Balclutha - Big River Radio, John St

n Television stations: TV 1, 2, & 3 ,C4 & SKY n Movie theatres: none n Here’s look-

ing at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RYdt__PKIE n Calendar Events:

Big River Festival – Febrary - Otago Sheaing & NZ Woolhandling Championships – February

- Mad March Market Day - March - Rosebank Lodge Half Marathon – June - S O Youth Trust

Fireworks - November - S O Festival Trust – Xmas Concert

The small little villages and groups of buildings that are dotted around the countryside are amazing. They are like traveling back in time to a quieter, calmer time, almost a different way of life, which is a good thing. And one of the reasons I moved here was to get back to those kind of traditional values that my parents tried to bring me up by. Makes me all kind of goose-bumpy!

[ Quotation is from New Zealand Emmigrants site.......the characters are for placed for display only. ]