The Westland District

OUR COMMUNITY : Hokitika and the Westland District

Our people:

• • Westland High School is located in Hokitika, a town of 3500 people. http://www.hokitika.org.nz/
  • 30% of WHS students identify themselves as Māori and the school and community respect the unique status of tangata whenua.

Our Place:

• Hokitika is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps, lush rainforests, untamed rivers and a wild unspoilt coastline beach.
• Creative Hokitika:
  • There is a strong art and crafts community. http://hokitikacraftgallery.co.nz/
  • Wai (Westland Arts Incorporated)
  • Old Lodge Theatre
  • Regent Theatre
  • Hokitika Museum
• It has a friendly and relaxed environment.
• The administrative and commercial hub for the Westland District.
  • Westland District Council
  • Westland Milk Products

POUNAMU

• Hokitika is famous for its Pounamu (Greenstone or Jade).
• The story of Pounamu…
• You can spend a day carving your own piece. www.bonz-n-stonz.co.nz 

Our Learning:

YOUTH PROGRAMMES

• St John’s Cadets
• Boys’ Brigade.
• Riding for The Disabled (RDA)  High school students often volunteer to assist RDA, which provides horse-riding for students and adults with disabilities.
• Drama

SPORTS  and OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

• West Coast Wilderness Trail www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz/ One of New Zealand’s most stunning cycling great rides.
• Horse riding, including lessons
• Cycling
• Golf
• Mountain biking
• Fishing
• Tennis
• Squash… and more

EVENTS www.hokitikafestivals.co.nz and www.westcoast.co.nz/events

Sample events include
– January – Driftwood and Sand festival,
– February – Waitangi Day celebrations,
– March – Kids Day and Wildfoods Festival www.wildfoods.co.nz 
– Easter – Ute Muster www.utemuster.co.nz parade to celebrate the winter solstice
– September – Te Hui Ahurei o Ngā Kura o te Tai Poutini (West Coast Kapa Haka Festival),
– December – Christmas including Christmas Parade, Christmas Lights festival and Christmas on the beach concert.